Use Shortcuts to search Notes for existing text

how to search in a note from Notes app using Shortcuts, I have created a shortcut to search for movie names so I list some movies notes and I wanted to make sure that it does not repeat again, so I need a way to identify I to search the notes and find whether the movie name that I’m gonna type is not there at if it’s not there, it will add that name. If it is there, it will not add the name

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 2, 2025 1:01 PM

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3 replies

Dec 3, 2025 10:40 AM in response to TheftGrounder

TheftGrounder wrote:

I know the find in note feature. But I have a shortcut that lets me add checklist for movie name that I watch on reeels. So to avoid entering it again, I want to add to the shortcut to search the name in the note that I enter in the shortcut, and tells me the name already added if it exist or save if it does not exist. I hope you get the idea

I understand now. I put together a shortcut that does just that- asks for the name of the movie, checks it against the text of your movies note, and adds it only if it's not present already. You can import it by clicking here.


To run the shortcut, open the note with your movies in it, tap the Share Sheet icon at the top right, then tap More > Movie Recorder in the list that appears and follow the instructions. When you import it for the first time, it should ask you to select the note you have your movie names recorded in so it knows where to save the movie.

Dec 2, 2025 4:24 PM in response to TheftGrounder

TheftGrounder wrote:

how to search in a note from Notes app using Shortcuts, I have created a shortcut to search for movie names so I list some movies notes and I wanted to make sure that it does not repeat again, so I need a way to identify I to search the notes and find whether the movie name that I’m gonna type is not there at if it’s not there, it will add that name. If it is there, it will not add the name

A Shortcut isn't necessary, Notes already has the ability to search all notes or within notes.


To search all notes, use the search bar at the bottom of the screen after exiting out of a note to the main menu.


To search just one note, tap the three dots at the top right, then 'Find in Note'.


Search through your notes on iPhone - Apple Support

Use Shortcuts to search Notes for existing text

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