7 things your iPhone search bar can do that you probably don't know about

1. Do quick math and conversions

Need to calculate a tip, split a bill, or convert currencies? Don't bother opening the Calculator app for quick one-off calculations. Type the math problem directly into Spotlight and it displays the answer instantly.

It's faster than opening the Calculator app, switching to conversion mode, and entering values manually. The conversion feature handles currency, distance, weight, temperature, and most other common units.

2. Search photos by what's in them

Finding a specific photo buried in thousands of images used to mean endless scrolling. Spotlight changes that by letting you search photos using keywords that describe what's in them.

Type something like "birthday cake," or any other object, and Spotlight shows matching photos from your library. You can also search by date, location, or image type. The iPhone analyzes photo content automatically, so these searches work without you tagging or organizing anything.

You don't even need to open the Photos app first. Search directly from Spotlight, scroll to the Photos section if needed, and your results appear. Long-press any image to copy it for quick use elsewhere.

3. Set alarms and timers

Setting a timer or alarm usually means hunting for the Clock app, opening it, and navigating to the right tab. Spotlight cuts that process down to a few taps.

Open Spotlight and type Clock. You'll see options for Set Timer and Add Alarm right in the search results. Tap the one you need, enter your time, and start the timer or save the alarm.

You can even launch the stopwatch from here if that's what you need. It's a small shortcut, but when you're cooking, working out, or need a quick reminder, it can be a good time saver.

4. Find specific messages, notes, and emails

Scrolling through days or weeks of messages to find one specific conversation is frustrating. Spotlight eliminates that problem by searching message content directly.

Type a keyword or phrase from the conversation you're looking for, and Spotlight pulls up the relevant messages. This works for texts, emails, and notes. You don't need to open the Messages app, Mail app, or Notes app and use their individual search functions.

For emails, this is particularly useful when you remember what was said but not who sent it or when. For notes, it's perfect when you just want to glance at a shopping list or just a quick reminder.

5. Toggle system settings

The Control Center handles common settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and brightness, but for other system options you'd normally have to open Settings and navigate through multiple menus.

Spotlight lets you enable or disable settings like Always On Display, Dark Mode, Reduce Motion, Screen Zoom, and others by typing the setting name. A toggle appears in the search results, letting you switch it on or off without entering Settings.

This also works for app-specific settings. For example, instead of going to Settings, Apps, App Name, type the app's name in Spotlight and tap the result under Settings. You'll jump directly to that app's settings menu.

6. Clear or hide your search history

Your iPhone search bar tracks recent searches for quick access, but sometimes you want to keep those searches private. Clearing your history is simple and can be done selectively or all at once.

To remove a specific search entry, swipe left on it in your recent searches and tap Clear. If you want to erase everything at once, tap the Clear button next to Recent Searches at the top of the list.

If you prefer not to show recent searches at all, you can hide them completely. Go to Settings, tap Search, and turn off the Show Recent Searches toggle. This keeps your Spotlight activity private even when others are using your iPhone.

7. Download apps instantly

When you want to install a new app and know exactly what you're looking for, you don't need to open the App Store, search again, and navigate to the download page.

Open Spotlight, type the app name, and a download button appears next to it in the search results. Tap it and the download starts immediately. It's the fastest way to install an app when you already know what you want.