How to add keyword(tag) to photos and search with it on iPhone/iPad.

In HashPhotos, you can add keywords to photos in the System Library and search for them in Apple Photos or any app that uses the iOS photo picker.

Keywords in Apple Photos

On iOS 27 or later, keywords you add in HashPhotos are the same keywords used by Apple Photos. Changes in HashPhotos appear in Apple Photos, and changes in Apple Photos appear in HashPhotos. When using iCloud Photos, they sync across devices.

You no longer need to distinguish System Keywords from HashPhotos Keywords, or turn on Auto-Update System Keywords.

For more details on adding keywords, see the Add Keyword Guide.

Search with keyword in iOS Photos app

On iOS 26 and earlier

On earlier iOS versions, HashPhotos Keywords and System Keywords are separate. HashPhotos Keywords are used only in HashPhotos. System Keywords can be searched in Apple Photos and sync between devices when using iCloud Photos.

How to add System Keywords to photos

If you turn on the [HashPhotos Settings > Data > Keyword > Auto-Update System Keywords] option, the system keywords will also be updated when you add/edit/delete keywords in HashPhotos.

Auto-Update System Keywords

I already have HashPhotos Keywords added to photos

Update System Keywords for some photos
  • Select the photos.
  • Tap actions button in the toolbar.
  • Choose [Tools > Keyword > Update System Keywords] from the menu.
Update System Keywords for all photos
  • Open Settings.
  • Tap Data.
  • Tap Update System Keywords in the System Keyword section.

See more details in the Keywords in Apple Photos guide.

Update System Keywords

Check keywords

You can check keywords in the HashPhotos Metadata Viewer.

On iOS 26 and earlier, System Keywords appear in Metadata Viewer > User Data (System), or on thumbnails when Thumbnail Info is set to System Keyword.

View System Keyword

Cannot search with added keywords in iOS Photos app

When using the iOS Photos app or other apps that use the iOS default photo picker, the updated keywords need to be indexed before they can be searched.

If you are using iCloud Photos, syncing keywords to other devices may also take some time due to the iOS synchronization process.