A method for searching for data files stored in a mobile device is provided. The method includes accessing a memory including a plurality of data files, wherein each of the data files includes a file information field containing a character string. The method also includes retrieving, directly from the data files, at least a first part of the file information field associated with the data files. The method also includes presenting the at least first part of the file information field via a display. The method also includes determining a first diverging character position among the character strings in the presented at least first part of the file information field associated with each of the data files. The method also includes receiving, via an input device, an input corresponding to at least one symbol. The method also includes comparing the at least one symbol to each of the characters in the first diverging character position. The method also includes presenting, based on a result of the comparing, at least a second part of the file information field associated with select ones of the data files which include a character, in the first diverging character position of the at least first part of the file information field, that matches the at least one symbol.