How to use Spotlight to search for photos in iOS 15

iOS 15 includes several new features for FaceTime, Wallet, Photos, Weather, and Apple Maps including new animations, graphics, and more. The software update also features a ton of improvements for Spotlight Search. Not only is Spotlight Search more powerful and accessible in iOS 15, but it has also been integrated with more apps, including Photos. With iOS 15, you can use Spotlight to search for photos directly from your Lock Screen or Home Screen, here’s how.

Spotlight search for Photos

Learn how to use Spotlight to search for photos on iOS 15

  1. Swipe down on the Lock Screen or Home Screen to access Spotlight Search.
  2. Next, search for photos by using identifying keywords. These could include certain locations, scenes, pets, etc.
  3. Images appear in search results as Suggestions as well. So, if you type “cat,” in the search bar, you will be shown photos along with other results from your iPhone.

spotlight search

While the feature is useful, you might not want Spotlight to display your photos when you are searching for something due to privacy concerns. Do not worry, you can manage that in Settings.

  1. Launch Settings.
  2. Tap on Siri & Search.
  3. Tap on Photos. You can control what gets shown from the app on both your Lock Screen and Home Screen individually.

Learn how to use Spotlight to Search for photos on iOS 15

We hope this guide helped you learn how to use Spotlight to search for photos on iOS 15. If you have any questions, let us know in the comments below.

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About the Author

Asma Hussain is an editor at iThinkDifferent, where she covers Apple news, streaming services, mobile gaming, and app reviews, with a particular focus on social media and consumer tech. She writes hands-on guides and app coverage drawn from day-to-day use across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Outside of writing, she's interested in digital illustration, internet culture, and the small design decisions that shape how people use technology.