To search on iCloud photos, you'll primarily use the Photos app on your Apple devices or the iCloud website. Here's how:
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Photos app. Locate the app icon on your home screen and tap it.
- Select Library: This is usually the default view and displays all your photos and videos. If not, tap the "Library" tab.
- Use the Search bar: Tap the magnifying glass icon (Search) at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter your search terms: You can search by:
- Keywords: Like "beach," "birthday," or "dog."
- People: The Photos app uses facial recognition. Start typing a name if you've identified people in your photos.
- Places: Search by city, state, or specific location.
- Categories: The Photos app automatically categorizes your photos (e.g., "Selfies," "Screenshots," "Videos").
- Browse the Results: The app will display photos and videos that match your search query.
On Mac:
- Open the Photos app. It's usually in your Dock or Applications folder.
- Navigate the Sidebar: Your Photos, Albums, and Projects are listed in the sidebar. Make sure "Photos" is selected to view your entire library.
- Use the Search bar: The search bar is in the upper-right corner of the Photos window.
- Enter your search terms: As with iOS, you can search by:
- Keywords: Describe what's in the photo.
- People: If facial recognition is enabled, search by name.
- Places: Search by location.
- Categories: The Photos app intelligently groups your photos (e.g., "Imports," "Bursts").
- Review the Results: The app will display matching photos and videos.
On iCloud.com:
- Go to iCloud.com: Open a web browser and navigate to iCloud.com.
- Sign in: Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Click Photos: Select the "Photos" icon.
- Use the Search bar: The search bar is typically at the top of the window.
- Enter your search terms: Search by:
- Keywords: Describe the content of the photos.
- Dates: Enter specific dates or date ranges.
- Locations: Search by place names, if location data is available.
- Examine the Results: The website will display all photos and videos that match your search query. Note that the search functionality on iCloud.com might be more limited than on the native Photos app on your devices.
