Most standard iPhone and iPad applications from Apple have a search field integrated that you can use to find components within the app. In most cases you must first open the search page by clicking the magnifying glass and then activate the search field.
With the help of a small but super handy trick you can speed up this search in applications and immediately activate the search field and keyboard. This allows you to immediately start typing and searching for the content you want.
Activate quick search in an app
- Open a default app with search option on your iPhone or iPad
- Double-tap the magnifying glass
- Immediately the search field is activated and the keyboard opens
- Type your search query and tap enter
- The search starts
You can test this trick in many applications, just try it in the Music, Photos, TV, Podcasts, App Store, etc. applications. The trick always works when there is a search button in the toolbar or sidebar, even in third-party apps.
Hidden search field
If there is no search button, in most cases you can swipe down in the app to open the search field. Then tap the search field to search. This can be done in Settings, notes, reminders, etc.
Search with Spotlight
The iPhone, iPad and Mac have an integrated search function called Spotlight. Using this component in iOS, iPadOS and macOS you can search for files, applications and other content present on your iDevice or Mac.
You can also use Spotlight to search the internet, get website suggestions, perform calculations, and more. In the featured guide below, especially for beginners, you’ll learn how to use Spotlight, change settings, and activate search on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.