1. Prepare the library
Queryable can search only the photo assets iOS allows it to access. Full-library access gives complete coverage; limited access restricts indexing and results to the selected items. You can change photo access later in iOS Settings.
For large or iCloud-optimized libraries, first let Apple Photos make the items you want searchable available on the device. Use power, stable Wi‑Fi and sufficient free space for that Apple Photos step; then avoid force-quitting Queryable during its local index when possible.
2. Let the local index complete
The app encodes each available photo into a compact vector and saves that index locally. The first pass is the expensive step; later library additions can be indexed incrementally. Progress depends on device speed, library size, original availability and thermal conditions.
If indexing appears stuck, confirm photo permission, free storage, Low Power Mode and device temperature. A short pause can be checkpoint work. If the counter remains unchanged or the app closes, reopen Queryable and resume before considering a reinstall.
3. Search with the strongest clue
Type a concise visual description: subject, action, setting and one distinctive attribute. Try “black cat under a chair,” “blue sign beside a mountain road,” or “handwritten recipe on white paper.” Use a date range when the same subject appears often.
If words are awkward, choose a reference photo and run similar-image search. This is often better for a specific interior, product, repeated composition or visual style.
4. Review and organize results
Open a result to inspect it, then select multiple matches for sharing or cleanup. For duplicate and similar-photo groups, compare resolution, focus, edits, Live Photo state and metadata before removing anything.
Deletion goes through the system photo library and can synchronize through iCloud Photos. Use Apple Photos’ Recently Deleted album if you need to recover an item during its retention period.
5. Improve weak results
Make the query more visual and less abstract. Replace a person’s name with visible clothing or activity, replace “important document” with the document’s physical appearance, and remove details that are not actually visible. Widen an overly strict date filter.
If new photos are missing, use the update-index control and confirm they are available under the current Photos permission. If an iCloud item shows only a placeholder, make it local through Apple Photos before judging semantic quality.
Common questions
How long does the first index take?
It varies with device, library size and temperature. Preparing cloud-only items in Apple Photos is a separate step; Queryable then encodes the usable local image data available to it.
Why are some photos missing?
Common reasons are limited Photos permission, iCloud originals that are not yet available, new items awaiting incremental indexing, or a date filter excluding them.
Can I rebuild the index?
Use the current app’s index controls when troubleshooting, but first check permissions and iCloud availability; rebuilding a large library is expensive.