With the release of iOS 16, Apple made a subtle but controversial change to the iPhone’s user interface: they replaced the familiar page indicator dots (the small dots at the bottom of the Home Screen that show which page of apps you are currently on) with a permanent “Search” button. While tapping this button opens Spotlight Search, it occupies valuable space and is easily triggered by accidental taps when swiping between pages. If you prefer the cleaner look of the classic page dots and want to launch search using the traditional swipe-down gesture instead, you can easily disable this new button.
How to Remove the Home Screen Search Button
Disabling the Search button is a simple toggle within the iOS Settings app. It does not disable the search functionality on your iPhone; it merely removes the visual button from the bottom of your screen.
- Unlock your iPhone and open the Settings app.
- Scroll down through the main settings menu and tap on Home Screen (on newer iOS versions, this may be labelled Home Screen & App Library).
- Look for the section titled Search.
- You will see a toggle switch labelled Show on Home Screen.
- Tap the toggle to turn it off (the switch will turn from green to grey).
Now, swipe up to return to your Home Screen. Look just above your Dock, and you will see that the grey “Search” pill has vanished. In its place, the classic, unobtrusive dots indicating your Home Screen pages have returned.
How to Search Without the Button
Removing the button does not hinder your ability to search your device or the web. The most efficient way to access Spotlight Search on an iPhone has always been the swipe gesture, which remains fully functional.
To search your iPhone with the button disabled, simply go to any page on your Home Screen and swipe down firmly on the middle of the screen. The search bar will instantly drop down from the top, the keyboard will appear, and you can begin typing immediately to find apps, contacts, web results, or files.