Disclosed are a method and apparatus for searching a network. The method comprises: determining that a user equipment (UE) residing in a cell of a current public land mobile network (PLMN) is in an access forbidden state; determining that the UE cannot be registered to the current PLMN successfully; and executing a PLMN search. The method and apparatus for searching a network in the embodiment of the present invention enable a UE normally residing in a cell of a current PLMN to perform a PLMN search when in an access forbidden state by performing a PLMN search if it is determined that the UE is in the access forbidden state and the UE cannot be registered to the current PLMN successfully, so that a new PLMN can be selected to access and a normal service is performed so as to improve user experience.
