How to remove the search button from iOS 16

By Amber Neely

If you're bothered by the new Search button introduced alongside iOS 16, here's how you can quickly remove it.

In September 2022, Apple released its newest iteration of the iPhone's operating system -- iOS 16. The update brought several new features, including a new search button on the Home Screen, just above the dock.

While you could always search from the Home Screen by pulling the screen down, Apple added a new button to give users a more obvious way to search.

If you're not a fan of the new button, you can toggle it off by following the steps below.

How to remove the Search button on iOS 16

  1. Open the Settings app
  2. Tap Home Screen
  3. Under search, toggle off Show on Home Screen

Once disabled, you can continue to search from your Home Screen by dragging the screen downward.