Level 1 (4 points)

Missing search function in Files app for PDF saved from Safari

I was trying to search a document in safari. It kept crashing. So I told it to print and saved the pdf to files. When I open the document in files, the search function is missing. The find used to be in the share button.

Posted on Nov 4, 2026 10:35 AM

7 replies

6x6

Level 7 (26,777 points)

Nov 4, 2026 11:07 AM in response to Mybiznezz

It is only in Safari that the Find command is found in the Share menu. When opening your PDF in the Preview app, you should see a search icon to the right of the Share icon;

Your screenshot shows that this icon is missing. I believe the reason is that the PDF cannot be searched. (Try with another PDF to be sure.)

Instead of printing the PDF from Safari, do you see a mean to download it?

6x6

Level 7 (26,777 points)

Nov 4, 2026 11:54 AM in response to Mybiznezz

Okay. Let’s try another PDF that works on my end, the IRS 1040 form: https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf. Open it in Safari and tap Share > Save to Files.

In Safari, try Share > Find on Page. (I can search on my end.)
In Preview, open the PDF and see if the search icon is displayed in the lower right corner.

Mybiznezz Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 4, 2026 12:39 PM in response to Mybiznezz

Rotating sideways totally worked! Thank you!

6x6

Level 7 (26,777 points)

Nov 4, 2026 12:33 PM in response to Mybiznezz

Thanks for giving it a shot.

Something is amiss on your iPhone:

Try to rotate your iPhone in landscape to see if the search icon shows.
Do you use a larger font in Settings? If so, try to reduce the font.
Do you use Display Zoom (in Settings > Display & Brightness > Display Zoom)? If so, disable it to test.

Mybiznezz Author

Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 4, 2026 11:41 AM in response to 6x6

No. And the search icon you have is no where on any of my pdfs.