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To use Spotlight on iPhone, swipe down from the middle of the Home Screen or Lock Screen, type what you’re looking for, then tap a result or suggested action. To control which apps and suggestions appear, open Settings > Search and adjust the options for each app. Exact labels can vary by iOS version and language.
Open Spotlight and search
- Open Search. Swipe down on the Home Screen or Lock Screen. On some Face ID models, you can also tap the Search button at the bottom of the Home Screen.
- Enter a query. Results update as you type. Search can find apps and contacts, content from supported apps such as Mail and Messages, text in photos using Live Text, and web or system results.
- Choose what to do. Tap a suggested app or website, inspect a suggestion, or select a quick action. Depending on your iOS version, actions may include starting a timer, turning on a Focus, using Shazam, running a shortcut, creating a note, changing a setting, or contacting someone.
- Start over if needed. Clear the query to see a fresh search.
Apple’s iPhone Search guide and Search support article describe the available search behaviors. The actions and labels shown on your iPhone depend on software version and the apps installed.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Blue - Unlocked (Renewed) | $299.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Choose which apps and their content appear
Go to Settings > Search, scroll to an app, and change the controls available for it. Apple documents options including Show App in Search, Show Content in Search, Show on Home Screen, Suggest App, and Suggest Notifications. Not every app or iOS version shows every option.
- Hide an app from Search: Turn off Show App in Search where available.
- Keep the app searchable but hide its indexed content: Turn off Show Content in Search if that option appears.
- Reduce suggestions: Turn off the relevant suggestion controls, such as Suggest App or Suggest Notifications.
Apple says that on supported software, turning off Show App in Search or Show Content in Search for an app also prevents Siri AI from finding personal context from that app. Siri AI availability depends on device, software, language, and region; Apple describes it as a beta feature for supported iOS 27 devices and languages.
#1 Best Overall
- Vibrant 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology. Action mode for smooth, steady, handheld videos.
Limit web, recent, and location-based suggestions
Web-related and recent results
In Settings > Search, turn off Show Related Content or Show Recent Searches to reduce those results, if those controls are available on your version.
Suggestion notifications
To manage notification suggestions, go to Settings > Notifications > Suggestion Notifications and adjust them globally or for individual apps. Menu wording may differ by iOS version or localization.
Rank #2
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Location-based suggestions
If Location Services is enabled, Spotlight may use your location to refine suggestions. To stop that use, open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services and turn off Suggestions & Search.
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The app may not support Spotlight indexing
Spotlight can show third-party app content only when the app supports indexing. Check that app’s controls under Settings > Search; the app may not offer searchable content.
Rank #3
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
The app or its content may be hidden
Check whether Show App in Search or Show Content in Search is off. Apple also notes that a hidden app will not appear until it is unhidden.
The content may not have synced far enough
Apple says results can be limited by how far back an app synced with iCloud. If older items are missing, confirm the app has synced the relevant content.
Rank #4
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Indexing may still be underway
Spotlight maintains an index that is updated during initial setup, after a software update or upgrade, and as indexed data changes. Apple says initial indexing can take hours or even days depending on how much data is on the device; later incremental updates are faster. Indexing completes more quickly when the iPhone is not in use, connected to power, and on Wi-Fi or Ethernet when data such as email needs to download. After setup or an update, check the app’s Search settings and give indexing time. See Apple Support’s About Spotlight indexing and search results on Apple devices.
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What Spotlight indexing means for privacy
Apple Support states that its Spotlight index “is a local, private index that stays on your device and isn’t shared with Apple or your other devices.” That statement concerns the index; the search results you see can still include web results or information provided by apps, depending on your settings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
