7 Best Ways to Use Universal Search on iPad

Apple introduced Universal Search in iPadOS 14 and improved how search works on iPad. It’s faster, immersive and fluid, making it more compatible with Spotlight Search on Mac. However, there are many ways to get the most out of Universal Search.

For example, did you know that you can use Safari to launch any website without having to open it? Or that you can use an Apple Pencil to type your queries instead of typing them? Lets start.

1. Launch Items Now

As the name suggests, Universal Search lets you search for anything without taking over the entire screen. Be it an app, a document, or a note, start typing its name and you should immediately see the corresponding results pop up.

However, you don’t have to search and peck at search results like you did before. Instead, Universal Search tries to lock you into the most relevant result as you type.

When you see the ‘— Open’ popup in the search field, tap Go on the onscreen keyboard to quickly open the app or item you’re looking for.

2. Open Websites Quickly

Universal Search is fully integrated with Safari. Type a web address in the search field, tap Go, and you can launch the website right in the iPad’s native web browser. You have to open Safari, open a new tab, and tap the address bar every time you want to go to a particular site.

If you’ve visited a website repeatedly before, start typing its name and Universal Search will automatically suggest the site; Tap Go to launch in Safari.

3. Scribble to Search

Instead of typing with Apple Pencil, you can use the built-in Scribble functionality in Universal Search. Scribble automatically converts your handwriting to typed text. This can translate into faster searches if you don’t like typing on a full-size or floating keyboard.

Scribble gestures like ‘draw to erase’ and ‘tap and hold to make room’ also allow you to easily correct converted handwriting in Universal Search.

To turn Scribble on, go to iPad Settings > Apple Pencil, then turn on the switch next to Scribble. Next, open Universal Search and start typing.

4. Start Searching Anywhere

If you have a keyboard connected to your iPad, you can access Universal Search wherever you are. Simply press Command+Space and it should open quickly.

Yes—you could do this with the old Search functionality before. But Universal Search’s now non-intrusive way provides a significantly better experience when interacting with other apps.

5. Keyboardless Search

Don’t have a keyboard? You don’t have to be stuck just using Universal Search on the Home screen. While there is no dedicated gesture to reveal the functionality (what were you thinking, Apple?), you can use AssistiveTouch to launch Universal Search from anywhere.

Start by going to iPad Settings > Accessibility > Touch > AssistiveTouch. Turn on the switch next to Assistive Tap and then you can bind ‘Spotlight’ as a single tap, double tap or long press Assistive Tap action.

This is not the most ideal as you now have the AssistiveTouch icon floating on your screen. However, you can lower the Idle Opacity to make the icon’s presence less obvious.

6. Open Apps in Split View

When using Universal Search, you can easily search and drag any app (or item in that app) for multitasking. While using another app, open Universal Search and start searching; Tap and hold a result, and then swipe it from the Universal Search pane to the corner of the screen.

Release your finger before reaching the edge to trigger Slide Over, or drag the item towards the edge of the screen to open it in Split View.

7. Lean Search

By default, Universal Search shows you a list of Siri Suggestions every time you open it. If they distract you, consider turning them off.

Go to Settings > Siri & Search, then turn off the switch next to Suggestions in Search. This will reveal a Universal Search UI that looks much leaner the next time you start using it.

Search Like a Professional

With Universal Search, iPad is one step closer to being a true MacBook replacement. Spotlight Search is still leagues ahead on macOS, but Apple should fill that gap with next iPadOS iterations. Considering that the Cupertino-based tech giant is ready to bring iPadOS apps to macOS and blur the lines between both platforms, that may be sooner than you think.

So, do you know any other great ways to use Universal Search? Leave a comment and let us know.

Next: The iPad still lacks a native calculator. Check out these seven great (and free) third-party calculator apps instead.