8 Best Tips to Master Spotlight Search on iOS 15
iOS 15 brings an upgraded Spotlight search that outshines Android's system-wide search. With new features and capabilities, you can now accomplish tasks without leaving the Spotlight interface. Here are the best tips to make the most out of Spotlight search on iOS 15.
Enjoy Movies and TV Shows Integration
Instead of performing a Google search, you can now ask Spotlight to deliver all the information about your favorite TV shows and movies. Just swipe down on the home screen, search for the title, and Spotlight will provide details such as creators, genre, start and end dates, cast and crew, trailers, and more. You can even open IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, or Wikipedia pages directly from Spotlight.
Search Photos by Location, People, or Scene
Spotlight now integrates with the default Photos app, allowing you to search for photos using keywords like people, location, or scene. Whether you're looking for photos from a specific trip or images with certain objects, Spotlight will deliver accurate search results. This feature also works seamlessly with the Google Photos app.
New Contacts Interface in Spotlight
Contacts in Spotlight have received a major revamp in iOS 15. You can now search for a contact in Spotlight and access a rich interface that displays previous messages, contact information, photos from the Google Photos app, and options to message, call, or start a video call with the contact.
Make Payments from Spotlight
Apple Pay is now integrated into the Spotlight menu, allowing you to make payments directly. When you open the contact interface in Spotlight, you'll find an option to make a payment. Tap on it, and it will take you to the Messages app where you can complete the transaction using Apple Pay.
Access Spotlight from Lockscreen
In iOS 15, you can access Spotlight Search directly from the Lock screen. Simply hit the power button or use tap to wake, then swipe down to use Spotlight without unlocking your device.
Drag Apps from Spotlight to Home Screen
With the new Spotlight Search, you can now easily move apps from the search results to your home screen. Just search for the app in Spotlight, long-press the app icon with one finger, and use another finger to drag it to the home screen and place it wherever you want.
Customize Spotlight Experience
Spotlight offers Siri suggestions, but if you prefer more privacy, you can customize it. Go to Settings > Siri & Search and disable the relevant Siri Suggestions toggle to personalize your Spotlight experience.
Install Apps and Games from Spotlight
Spotlight can also help you install apps and games without opening the App Store. Instead of going through the usual routine, you can search for the app or game in Spotlight, confirm it with the app icon, and tap the download button to install it directly.
Master Spotlight Search on iPhone
By following these tips, you can use Spotlight search to get things done quickly without navigating through apps. Spotlight brings relevant results to your home screen in a single interface. Stay tuned for future iOS updates that will further enhance the Spotlight experience.
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!”