In the latest iteration of iOS, Apple has placed the “Search” button right on the iPhone Home Screen” so that you can get started with searching with just a tap. Though this “Search” button works reliably, at times, it does start throwing tantrums and even causes the iPhone to get stuck on the search screen. But there is no need to worry about it as we have found some workarounds to fix iPhone getting stuck on the search screen.
Best Tips & Tricks to Fix iPhone Getting Stuck on Search Screen
First off, let’s figure out the root cause of the problem and the tips that can help you troubleshoot it!
So, Why Does the iPhone Get Frozen on the Search Screen?
Having myself been on the wrong end of this frustrating issue a couple of times, I must say that the random freezing of the iPhone on the search screen is an after-effect of a software bug. As for the solution that works to eliminate this problem, force reset (also known as hard reset and force restart) has been my go-to savior. Notably, the force restart has also clicked for many other users. Besides, there are other handy workarounds that get the job done – in most cases.
1. Hard Reset Your iPhone
When it comes to fixing an annoying issue like this one, the hard reset has long been highly effective. So, I’m going to give it a chance to fix the ill-functioning search button:
- To force restart your iPhone, press and quickly release the volume up button.
- After that, press and quickly release the volume down button.
- Then, immediately, hold down the power or the side button until you see the Apple logo on the screen.
- Once your iPhone has rebooted, check out if the frozen search screen is gone. If it has, you have gotten the better of the problem. Rejoice!
2. Update Your iPhone
What if your iPhone often becomes unresponsive when you hit the search button and you have to use the force reset to get rid of the problem? Well, in that case, it could be due to a software bug. Hence, updating the software may help you resolve the problem permanently.
- Go to the Settings app on your iPhone -> General -> Software Update -> After that, download and install the latest version of iOS on your device.
3. Remove the Search Button
If the problem persists and your iPhone tends to often get jet-lagged on the search screen when you hit the search button, I would suggest you remove it for the time being. Of course, you can always bring it back when the issue stops haunting you.
- Head over to the Settings app on your iPhone -> Home Screen and turn off the toggle next to Show on Home Screen.
4. Update the Third-Party Keyboard App
If you are using a third-party keyboard like SwiftKey or Gboard on your iPhone, make sure the keyboard app is updated. If you haven’t updated the app for a long time, there is a high chance that the outdated version of the keyboard app is triggering the problem.
- Open the App Store on your iPhone -> tap on your profile at the upper right corner of the screen -> scroll down to find the app and update it.
5. Delete and Reinstall the Third-Party Keyboard App You Are Using
If you are fond of the third-party keyboard and don’t want to give up on it as yet, delete and reinstall the app. Many a time, a fresh reinstallation tends to resolve an app-related problem.
- Just touch and hold onto the app icon and hit Remove App in the menu. Then, tap on Delete App and confirm.
- Next, open the App Store -> find the keyboard app and install it.
6. Change the Default Keyboard App (Switch to Apple QuickType Keyboard)
Should the third-party keyboard app continue to misbehave, change the default keyboard and preferably choose the QuickType keyboard app. For those unfamiliar, QuickType is the built-in keyboard designed by none other than Apple.
- Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone -> tap on General -> tap on Keyboard -> Keyboards.
- Then, tap on the Edit button at the top right corner of the screen.
- Next, touch and hold the three horizontal lines icon next to your keyboard and drag it to the top.
- Make sure to tap on Done at the top right corner of the screen to confirm.
7. Factory Reset Your iPhone
Finally, I would suggest you factory reset your iPhone. Note that it will get rid of all the custom settings such as your Home Screen layout. However, all your media and data will not be touched or harmed.
- To do so, open the Settings app on your iPhone -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPhone -> Reset -> Reset All Settings.
8. Remove the iOS Beta Profile
Well, we all know how problematic software betas are. So, it wouldn’t be wrong to put the sole blame on the iOS beta. If you are using developer or public beta, remove it and go back to the stable version.
9. Declutter Your iPhone
No respite as yet? If none of the tricks has helped you put an end to the ill-functioning “Search” button, it’s time to clean up the iPhone. Yeah, if your iPhone is clogged up with too many useless apps, screenshots, and unnecessary file attachments. The random freezing of the search button could very well be the byproduct of the cluttered storage. Luckily, it’s never been so easy to nab the apps that have created the whole mess.
- Head into the Settings app on your iPhone -> General -> iPhone Storage -> have a close look at how much space each app has consumed.
- Then, take on each culprit to eliminate the useless data.
- If required, make sure to delete all the apps that you hardly ever use on your iPhone.
- Once the cleanup drive is done, reboot your iPhone to give it a fresh stance.
10. Last Resort: Restore Your iPhone As New
Keep in mind that restoring the iPhone as new must be your last resort as it will wipe out your entire iPhone. Therefore, do not even think of going for this radical solution before fully backing up your iPhone.
- To get it done, connect your iPhone to your Mac/Windows PC -> Fire up Finder/iTunes -> select your device. (If your iPhone doesn’t show up in Finder, check out these tips to make the iPhone appear.)
- After that, back up the iPhone.
- Once the backup is done, restore the iPhone.
Fixed the iPhone Frozen at Search Screen Issue..!
There you go! I guess your iPhone has returned to normal and the stuck search screen is gone for good. Make sure to share your feedback along with the tip that has helped you overcome this frustrating problem.
