Spotlight is not appearing on my iPad.

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Spotlight Search is not available from the Lock Screen. Your iPad must be unlocked before Spotlight Search is available.

Your iPad has an encrypted filesystem. Unlocking the iPad unlocks the iPad's Secure Enclave (the security chip) within which the your encryption keys are stored. Unless the iPad (and by extension the Secure Enclave) has been unlocked, no data can be searched as the filesystem cannot be decrypted.

Bob-Beach wrote:

Home screen, swiping down just brings up the lock screen.

That’s what happens if you start your swipe too high on the screen. Start it lower.

Bob-Beach wrote:

I swipe down, center of the screen, 1 finger but I just get date and time.

Is this true both when starting from your Lock Screen as well as your Home Screen?

Bob-Beach wrote:

It isn't locked. It functions normally, I can use apps, the internet, email, camera... but Spotlight does not function.

With this in mind, you would be well advised to follow the guidance provided in my initial reply. Unless you are prepared to follow a structured approach to resolving the issue, you are unlikely to move forward.

The suggested sequence of steps, if followed as described, will ensure that you can always restore your iPad to its current state using the backup that you create.

As such:

a) you can return your iPad to its current (not working as expected) state simply by restoring the backup.

b) you have a minimal risk strategy to resolve the problem, losing nothing more other than a little effort.

LotusPilot wrote:

Spotlight Search is not available from the Lock Screen. Your iPad must be unlocked before Spotlight Search is available.

The third paragraph here contradicts this assertion.

Search with Spotlight on iPad - Apple Support

My pleasure. Glad it all worked out.

Enjoy your iPad.