6 Fixes for Calendar Search Not Working on iPhone

Getting your iPhone calendar's search function working properly is important for easily managing your busy schedule. When a search stops finding past or upcoming entries, it wreaks havoc. This guide provides 6 potential solutions to troubleshoot the issue of calendar search not working on iPhone. By following the steps, you can determine what's glitching search and return it to seamlessly scanning your whole calendar in no time.

Fix 1: Verify Calendar Sync Settings

If you're having trouble finding events created on other devices, the root cause may be that calendar syncing isn't properly enabled. Here's how to check:

1. Open the Settings app and tap on "Calendar".

2. Select the option for "Sync".

3. On this screen, choose "All Events" if it isn't already selected. This ensures that appointments from all of your iCloud calendars are synced.

4. You can also toggle "Events x Months Back" and "Events x Months Ahead" to sync a specific date range.

5. Once your changes are saved, open the Calendar app again.

6. Pull down on the events list to refresh and reload the data.

Hopefully after confirming sync is enabled, your missing events appear and become searchable again!

Fix 2: Check Calendar Groups

The iPhone Calendar allows you to create multiple calendar groups for work, family, holidays, etc. But if a group is disabled, those events can't be searched.

Follow these steps to confirm all calendar groups are turned on:

1. In the Calendar app, tap on the "Calendars" button at the bottom.

2. Review the different Calendar groups shown.

3. Toggle the switch on for any groups that are disabled. Be sure to enable all groups containing events you want to be able to search for.

4. You can also tap on "Show Declined Events" to include appointments you've rejected.

With all calendars visible again, return to the main Calendar view and test searching once more.

Fix 3: Restart the Calendar App

As simple as it sounds, restarting the Calendar app is a good first step for clearing out any minor bugs or glitches.

Here's how to fully quit Calendar and relaunch it:

• On iPhone models with Face ID (iPhone X, XS, 11, 12, etc.), swipe up from the very bottom edge of the screen and pause halfway to enter the app switcher view. Find the Calendar app preview, then swipe up on it to fully close the app.

• For iPhones with a Home button and Touch ID (iPhone 8, 7, 6S, etc.), quickly double press the Home button to bring up the app switcher. Swipe up on the Calendar app preview to close it.

• Once Calendar has been completely shut down, return to the Home Screen and locate the Calendar app icon to relaunch it. Or use Siri voice commands or the App Search feature to reopen the app.

Take a few minutes to test searching for recent, past, and future events in your Calendar.

Fix 4: Restart Your iPhone

Restarting the entire iPhone often clears up system-wide glitches and resets processes that can get stuck.

To fully reboot your iPhone:

• For iPhone SE, 6S, 7, 8, and earlier models, press and hold down the Sleep/Wake button on the right side of your device. After a few seconds, you'll see the "slide to power off" prompt appear. Drag the slider to turn off your phone.

• For iPhone X, XS, XR, 11, 12, and newer, press and hold the Side button on the right side and either Volume button at the same time. After holding them down simultaneously for a few seconds, the "slide to power off" slider will appear. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.

Allow 30-60 seconds for the iPhone to fully shut down. To turn it back on, hold down the Sleep/Wake (or Side) button again until you see the Apple logo.

Once the phone has restarted, open Calendar again and check for any improvements to the search functionality.

Fix 5: Update to the Latest iOS Version

Certain bugs and glitches that affect Calendar search may already be fixed in the newest iOS version.

To check for an update:

1. Open Settings and tap "General".

2. Choose "Software Update". This scans for any available updates.

3. If an update is found, tap "Download and Install". Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.

Updating provides bug fixes, performance improvements, and security enhancements. Once your iPhone reboots, retry Calendar search to see if the issues are resolved.

Fix 6: Reset All Settings

If other troubleshooting steps haven't helped, resetting all settings may clear up system-level problems. Note: This erases all saved settings like Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices.

Here's how to reset:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.

2. You'll be asked to enter your passcode for authorization.

3. Tap through the prompts to confirm the reset. Your device will reboot.

While inconvenient, wiping all settings gives Calendar search a clean slate, often fixing elusive issues.

Conclusion

With a few simple troubleshooting steps, you can likely get iPhone Calendar search functional again. Verify sync settings, check calendar groups, restart the app and device, update iOS, and reset settings as needed. Contact Apple support if issues persist. Proper calendar search is vital for keeping appointments, so persist in resolving the problem. Just remember that iOS limits search to about 1 year back.