Search in Files app stopped working

Hope your issue was resolved. Just in case it wasn’t, all you have to do is to go to your iCloud settings —> iCloud Drive —> turn off ‘sync this iPhone’ and turn it back on

Head back to files, it’ll take a few seconds for your iCloud Drive to get re indexed and everything should show up perfectly on search.

1. Open the Files App in Landscape mode, so you can see the Locations pane (or drag it from the left in Portrait mode).

2. Tap the three-dot button at the top of the Locations pane.

3. Choose to edit the locations.

4. Toggle "On My iPhone" (or iPad) off and back on.

That's it - this forces a refresh of all of the services. Search should now work.

You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...

1. How to set up iCloud Drive on your iPhone or iPad
   1. Go to Settings > [your name].
   2. Tap iCloud.
   3. Turn on iCloud Drive.
   4. Set up iCloud Drive - Apple Support (IN)
2. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
   1. Restart the device. That's it.
   2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
3. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
   1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
   2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
   3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
4. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
   1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
   2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.

I had the same problem and I came across this solution from iMore and it worked for me:

The fix

We too have been experiencing this issue, however have found that resetting your iPhone seems to do the trick. Here's what you need to do:

1. Press and quickly release the Volume Upbutton.
2. Press and quickly release the Volume Downbutton.
3. Press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.

I have been having the same issue. Very annoying when you just want to quickly find something you know is there, you’ve searched before and have opened multiple times… and nothing shows up.

Like many things with Apple things used to just work, but more and more, things like this just aren’t working any longer. I wonder if there is a cost involved for having quick or speedy api/server requests. This may result in less service if Apple are going for a cheaper option… similar to binning the free photo sharing last 30 days to all devices. This was a really good feature and is a greatly missed imo. But just have been costing too much 🤷‍♂️

Please see the pic below which is self-explanatory

The iMore fix worked only once. Now, the problem is back. 😬

It worked! Thank you