17 Amazing Ways to Get the Most Out of Spotlight Search on Your iPhone
If you're an iPhone user and always on the lookout for ways to improve your productivity, look no further than Spotlight Search. With iOS 17, this powerful feature has become even more versatile. Spotlight allows you to search for apps, contacts, messages, emails, music, news, and much more, all in one place. Here are 17 amazing ways you can make the most of Spotlight Search on your iPhone.
1. Reach Out to Contacts Without Opening an App
No need to open any app if you want to call, text, or FaceTime someone. With Spotlight, you can easily get in touch with anyone from your contact list. Just swipe down from the home screen, open Spotlight, and type in the name of the person you want to contact. You'll find options to call, send text messages, or make a FaceTime call.
2. Get Quick Rich Search Results
Spotlight is your go-to tool when you need to quickly check something. No need to open your browser. Simply open Spotlight, type your query, and you'll get search results with additional details such as the latest news and social media handles (if available).
3. Enable or Disable Settings on the Fly
With Spotlight, you can save time by skipping the process of going to Settings to enable or disable options like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Just swipe down to open Spotlight and search for settings like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Then, tap on the toggle next to the options to enable or disable them.
4. Identify Music With Shazam
Shazam is a popular app for identifying songs. But did you know you can access Shazam directly from Spotlight? Just open Spotlight, type in “Shazam,” and click on the Shazam shortcut to find the name of the song that's playing nearby.
5. Play Songs and Check Artist Details
Instead of opening the music app to search for a song to play, you can directly search for the song in Spotlight and play it from there. If a song is already playing, Spotlight will automatically display the artist's name. You can tap on it for further details on the artist.
6. Add New Events to Your Calendar
To effortlessly add an upcoming event to your calendar, simply use Spotlight. Open Spotlight, input the date, and you'll be presented with the option to add a new event to your calendar.
7. Set Timers with Ease
Spotlight can set and run a timer for you. Just search for “Timer” in Spotlight, select the option, set the time you need, and tap on Start.
8. Jump to Sub Settings Without Navigating
You don't have to go through the Settings app to manage small options buried deep in the settings. Simply search for the specific setting in Spotlight, and it will take you directly to the correct screen.
9. Install or Uninstall Apps
Install any app by searching for it in Spotlight. No need to visit the App Store and search for the app. To uninstall an app, search for it in Spotlight, hold down the app, and you'll find the option to uninstall it.
10. Perform Calculations
Spotlight can also perform calculations right inside the search bar. Just enter the formula, and you'll see the results with the option to copy the result.
11. Search for Images
Instead of relying on a web browser, you can directly search for images of well-known individuals or places in Spotlight. Tap on any image to see a larger and clearer version.
12. Search Within Apps
Spotlight can search within installed apps. You can search for saved documents in Files, text messages in iMessage, and even images in the Photos app.
13. Check the Weather
Wondering about the weather in a particular city? Just enter the city name and “weather” in Spotlight search, and you'll get an instant weather update.
14. Check Live Scores
Stay updated with the latest scores of ongoing sports matches. Open Spotlight, type the team's name, and you can check the score right there. Tap on the result for more details on the match.
15. Quick Dictionary
No need to open a separate dictionary app or website. Just type the word into Spotlight, and the definition will appear.
16. Get Faster Map Results
Looking for a restaurant or a place to shop? Open Spotlight, enter the name of the place, and you'll have the option to get directions on the map. Tap on the result for more details like ratings, contact number, and address.
17. Perform Conversions
Spotlight can do currency, length, weight, and other conversions easily. Just type in the conversion you want, and it will show you the results right away.
Spotlight Search is a powerful tool that can save you time and effort by providing quick access to various features and information on your iPhone. The more you use it, the more it learns from your behavior, making it even more personalized and efficient. So start exploring and make the most of Spotlight Search on your iPhone today!

Jim's passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”