How to Fix iPhone Stuck on Search Screen? Proven Guide Here!

Part 1. Why does My Phone Say Searching?

There are a few potential reasons why is your iPhone screen stuck on search and displaying "searching" instead of loading your home screen and apps.

• Old Carrier Settings - Your carrier may have updated their network settings, but your iPhone hasn't downloaded the latest carrier update. This mismatch in settings can cause connectivity issues and make your iPhone get stuck searching.
• Network Settings Problems - If you recently changed any network settings on your iPhone or installed a new networking app, it could have caused a conflict with the search function. Resetting network settings may help resolve this.
• SIM Card Not Recognized - An improperly installed or damaged SIM card can also lead to the iPhone not recognizing your cellular plan and endlessly searching for a network connection. Reseating the SIM card or cleaning the SIM tray may help.

Part 2. How Do I Fix My iPhone When it Says Searching?

Solution 1. Force Restart iPhone

iPhone search screen stuck problem can be solved by force restarting your iPhone, which essentially gives the operating system a fresh start and can clear up any software glitches causing the search screen to freeze. It's a simple first step to try fixing the iPhone 12 stuck on search screen.

To force restart an iPhone 8 or newer:

1. Quickly press and release the Volume Up button.

2. Quickly press and release the Volume Down button.

3. Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 or earlier, press and hold the Sleep/Wake and Home buttons instead until the Apple logo shows up.

Solution 2. Disable Home Screen Search

Does your iPhone stuck in searching when using the search bar on the home screen; disabling this feature can help. You'll still be able to access search by swiping down from the middle of the screen.

To disable the home screen search bar:

1. Go to Settings > Home Screen.

2. Under "Search," toggle off "Show on Home Screen."

Solution 3. Fastest Way to Fix iPhone Stuck on Search Screen

iOS repair apps like UltFone iOS System Repair offer the quickest way to fix a search screen stuck on iPhone. This app can resolve over 150 iOS system problems with a few taps without erasing data.

Key benefits of UltFone iOS System Repair include:

• Safely resolve system problems without deleting data or resetting.
• Fix issues instantly without technical know-how.
• Works on the latest iPhone models and iOS versions.
• Available for both Windows and Mac.

Here are the steps to solve “iPhone search not working.”

• Step 1 Download, install, and open the app. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable.
• Step 2Click "Start" and select "iOS System Repair." Choose "Standard Repair."
• Step 3 Download the firmware file matching your iPhone model.
• Step 4 Let the download process finish. This may take a few minutes. Now click on “Start Standard Repair.”
• Step 5 Your iPhone will reboot after the repair is completed.

Solution 4. Update Carrier Settings

Your iPhone automatically downloads new carrier settings, but sometimes a manual update can fix "searching" issues.

To manually update carrier settings:

1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.

2. Go to Settings > General > About.

3. Install any available carrier updates.

Solution 5. Remove SIM Card and Reinsert It

Dust or debris in the SIM card tray can stop your iPhone from connecting to the cellular network.

To clean and reseat the SIM card:

1. Fully power off your iPhone.

2. Use a SIM eject tool to open the SIM card tray.

3. Clean the SIM card and tray, then reinsert the SIM card.

4. Turn your iPhone back on and see if the issue is resolved.

Solution 6. Change Default Keyboard App

If you use a third-party keyboard app, issues with that app could cause your iPhone to get stuck on the search screen. Try changing your default keyboard.

To change the default keyboard app:

1. Open Settings and go to General > Keyboard.

2. Tap Keyboards.

3. Tap Edit in the top right.

4. Drag your current keyboard app icon down to change it.

5. Tap Done to save the new default keyboard.

If this fixes the issue, try updating or replacing the problematic keyboard app.

Solution 7. Free Up Storage Space

Having enough free storage space keeps your iPhone running smoothly. Low storage can cause freezing and other glitches.

To check and free up storage space:

1. In Settings, go to General > iPhone Storage.

2. Review your storage usage.

3. Delete large files or offload unused apps if your iPhone is low on space.

Solution 8. Reset Network Settings

Resetting network settings erases any problematic cellular data configurations and can fix "searching" issues.

To reset network settings:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.

2. Tap Reset Network Settings and enter your passcode.

3. Wait for the reset to complete. Your iPhone will restart.

Solution 9. Update iOS Versions

Using outdated iOS software can also cause problems like your iPhone stuck on search screen iOS 16 or your iPhone stuck on search screen iOS 17.

To update iOS:

1. In Settings, go to General > Software Update.

2. Tap Download and Install if an update is available. Follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Final Word

An iPhone endlessly stuck on the search screen can be extremely frustrating, but don't worry - with a few troubleshooting tips, you can get your device back up and running.

While a forced restart or toggling of the home screen search bar may provide temporary relief, for a permanent fix, you need to pinpoint and address the underlying cause; utilizing advanced iOS repair tools like UltFone iOS System Repair can swiftly resolve software-related issues that standard measures cannot.