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How to remove Photos from Spotlight search on iPhone or iPad

While we love to summon a file or app via Spotlight, let’s face it, there are photos we’d rather keep private. Regardless of the picture, it’s essential to know how to manage what shows up in the Spotlight search on your iPhone or iPad.

This tutorial will help you avert this problem. Without further ado, let’s explore possible ways to remove Photos from Spotlight search on iPhone or iPad.

How to stop Spotlight search from suggesting Photos app on iPhone or iPad

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Access Siri & Search from the menu.
  3. Now, scroll down and select Photos.
  4. Toggle off Show App in Search.

    Tap Siri & Search, Photos, Show App in Search in Settings

No more accidental swipes or unintentional taps leading straight to your entire photo gallery. You have got that sorted!

If you don’t want to carry something as extreme as hiding the entire Photos app, there’s an alternative available for you. You can repeat the same for selected candid shots, personal memories, or any picture that’s for your eyes only. Let’s see how.

How to stop Spotlight search from suggesting images on iPhone

  1. Go to Settings Siri & Search Photos.
  2. Toggle off Show Content in Search.

    Tap Siri & Search, Photos, Show Content in Search in Settings

    It’s that simple.

How to hide select Photos from appearing in the Spotlight search

Gone are the days of fretting over the possibility of someone catching a glimpse of your private pictures while innocently searching for something else. Refer to the following steps to gain full control over the pictures in the Photos app of your iPhone.

  1. Launch the Photos app on your iPhone.
  2. Select a Photo you seek to hide.
  3. Tap the three-dot icon and tap Hide Photo when prompted.
  4. Repeat the same for multiple photos as well.

    Tap the three-dot icon, hide photo, hide photo in photos app

Moreover, if you feel like it, you can always access the hidden photos on your iPhone without any hassle.

How to turn off Photo suggestions on iPhone or iPad

Last but not least, you can discover the joy of a more personalized and secure iPhone as we go through the settings of the Photos app. Let’s get you equipped with a search experience that’s efficient, seamless, and, most importantly, respectful of your privacy. 

  1. Navigate to Settings Siri & Search Photos.
  2. Under the SUGGESTIONS menu, you may alter the following:
    • Show on Home Screen: Controls whether the Photos app should be displayed on the Home Screen of your iPhone.
    • Suggest App: Allows you to control whether someone can access the app via Spotlight or Siri.
    • Suggest notifications: This enables you to prevent the Photos app from sharing alerts or notifications.
  3. Once the settings are set to your preference, simply head back to Siri & Search menu.

    Tap Siri & Search, Photos, Suggestions in Settings

FAQs

Will removing photos from Spotlight Search delete them from my iPhone?

No, removing photos from Spotlight Search does not delete them from your iPhone. It only prevents them from appearing in search results when you use Spotlight Search. The photos will remain in your Photos app and other relevant albums.

Can I password-protect my hidden photos to enhance security?

As of the current iOS version, there is no built-in feature to password-protect hidden photos. If you need extra security for specific images, consider using a third-party app designed to protect private content with a password or PIN.

Will removing photos from Spotlight Search affect other search results?

No, removing photos from Spotlight Search will only impact photo search results. Other types of content, such as apps, contacts, messages, emails, and web results, will remain unaffected and continue to show up in Spotlight Search as usual.

Secrets are better hidden!

You’ve successfully manifested the art of keeping your secrets hidden by taking control over what appears in your iPhone’s Spotlight search. By following these straightforward steps, you’ve ensured that your private photos remain private, even from prying eyes. Remember to take into account your situation and consider a solution that suits your preferences.

Thank you for reading. Please take a moment to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Author

  • Jignesh

    Jignesh Padhiyar is the co-founder of iGeeksBlog.com, who has a keen eye for news, rumors, and all the unusual stuff around Apple products. During his tight schedule, Jignesh finds some moments of respite to share side-splitting content on social media.

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