Visual Lookup in Photos app not working after iOS 18 Update

The letter "I" with the circle around it is still there but doesn't identify anything.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 11 Pro Max, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 17, 2024 2:48 PM

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Posted on Oct 18, 2024 8:22 PM

Works for new taken photos when language is set to English (not in Dutch - if ‘i’ is clicked there will be a search light go over the photo but the icon doesn’t change to give more information) (change of Region doesn’t make it work). Google Photos without installed Google Search works with the lens icon for all photos. So Apple has to do something…

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Oct 18, 2024 8:22 PM in response to kts5855

Works for new taken photos when language is set to English (not in Dutch - if ‘i’ is clicked there will be a search light go over the photo but the icon doesn’t change to give more information) (change of Region doesn’t make it work). Google Photos without installed Google Search works with the lens icon for all photos. So Apple has to do something…

Dec 8, 2024 11:41 AM in response to kts5855

Ok, I have been through this a few times as a noob going to the WRONG place to correct this issue.

I am hoping that this will help some people because it finally worked for me.


Go to your Settings app and scroll down to find Search. Go into search and turn on "Show Related Content".

I was going under Photos > Search to try and fix this and that ain't the right place.

Hope the image below helps.

Special thanks to LordCthulhu8 who made this clear to me.




Apr 20, 2025 4:31 AM in response to kts5855


I got confused by trying to search for 'show related content' - which doesn't work!

Here's what you need to do:

  1. In settings, scroll down until you reach, 'Search'. (See first pic below). Select it.
  2. That should then reveal the 'Show related content' option - (See second pic below). Turn that 'on'
  3. Restart the photos app if needed.


Worked for me!


See pic below, 'Look Up Plant'

Dec 5, 2024 7:42 PM in response to kts5855

I have the same issue. Ever since I installed iOS 18, the Visual Lookup in Photos app does not work. I have tried going into Settings > Apps > Photos > Search > and turned on "Show Content in Search" and it did nothing.

I went on my iMac running 15.1.1 (24B2091), launched the Photos app, and guess what? The Visual Lookup works great. So I hope Apple can fix this with iOS 18.2 when it releases. Visual Lookup is far more useful on my iPhone.


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Visual Lookup in Photos app not working after iOS 18 Update

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