Search bar disappears on messages app on iPad Pro. Pulling down does not work.

This is clearly a bug and has been going on for two years. The conversation search bar intermittently just disappears. The only way to make it reappear is to close the messages app and reopen messages and the search bar comes up. It’s a random occurrence and I’ve reported it before. It does’t appear a fix is forthcoming. This does not happen on the iphone — only the ipad. It’s an annoyance.

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

Force restart iPad (models with the Home button)

Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

I hope no one goes through all of this for the disappearing search bar in Messages. Killing and reopening Messages gets the search bar back. But it will disappear again. Been happening for a few years on my iPads but not on iPhones.