Methods and apparatus for dynamic search management in a multi-mode device. In one embodiment, a mobile device performs network search and acquisition by dynamically changing search delays and/or search frequencies. In one implementation, the mobile device adjusts the amount of time allocated for each network search based on e.g., previous network connection history (e.g., previously connected to a home network, previously connected to a roaming network), device conditions, user preferences, geographical information, etc. By focusing search effort on cellular technologies which have a high likelihood of success, the mobile device can greatly improve search time and reduce unnecessary power consumption.