HomeHow to Clear Spotlight Search on iPhone ?
Apr. 23, 2015 11:30 am /
Posted by Fitch to iOS Topics
Follow @Fitcheditor
Apple's search feature on iPhone devices, known as spotlight search, can be easily accessed and is a big asset to iPhone users. It combines search results from the Internet, local data, emails, and other data to create personalized search results and history. Needless to say this is an essential feature to any iOS device. But just like it has many advantages, it also has disadvantages.
First of all, the average iPhone does not have unlimited storage space, and your spotlight search history takes up some of that space. Even if only a few kilobytes, it is pointless to waste precious memory space on basic search history. By clearing this history, you allow your device to run faster and more smoothly, and it adds free space. Second, your search feature affects your privacy. If someone unauthorized were to gain access to your device, your entire search behavior and local data would be available to them. This means that your privacy is threatened, and we cannot allow that to happen.
Thus, it might be a good idea to clear your spotlight search on your iPhone. How to clear spotlight search on iPhone then? Apple has not implemented a direct feature to do this. The reason for this is probably that they can use your data to personalize your mobile experience, and there's nothing wrong with that, but meanwhile you aren't any closer to deleting your search data. There are, however, several less conventional ways to delete your search history. Remember that these are not officially supported by Apple, so they will never be 100% foolproof.
Clear spotlight search on iPhone manually.
The first option - if you really want to hide your search results, but not necessarily delete them - goes as follows:
1. On your iPhone or mobile device, go to Settings>General>Spotlight Search.
2. Within this menu, you have a list of all the items that will get searched when using spotlight. Now all you have to do is deselect those items that you'd rather keep private, like emails or messages.
3. Feel free to retry searching your device; none of the sensitive info will show up!
Clear spotlight search on iPhone with 3rd-party software.
Another option will allow you to flat-out delete your history, but this is a bit more unstable and complicated, mainly because it requires the installation of additional programs or software. First of all, you will need to download a program to your computer that can erase your spotlight search. There are a lot of those out there on the Internet, but some trustworthy programs are Vibosoft iPhone Data Cleaner(Mac). This program can be compatible with all iOS devices, including iPhone 4/4S/5/5S/5C/6/6 Plus, iPod touch/mini/nano/shuffle, iPad 2/1/mini/Air/New iPad, etc. Now, the exact way to clear your spotlight search should consist of something as follows.
How to Clear Spotlight Search on iPhone with Vibosoft iPhone Data Eraser ?
1Download and Install the Program
First, download a free trial version by clicking the icons below. Then launch it on your computer and connect your iPhone to your PC via its USB cable.
2Select and Start Clearing Files from iPhone
To start with, you need to open the installed software on the computer. Then link your iPhone to the computer. You will see the below interface.
Now, you can select the file folders as needed and click the "Start Scan" option to scan the files you want to clean from iPhone.
Now, after choosing the files you want to clean from iPhone. You can click the "Clean" option to begin the process.
Write in the End:
With these two options, your spotlight search should be safe, and you will be able to continue using your iPhone, iPod or iPad without worrying about your data being scattered around.
Related Articles:
How to Erase iPhone Text Messages
How to Erase iPhone Contacts
How to Wipe off iPod Touch Data
