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Since this iOS 17 update I can no longer search my messages on my iPhone but I can still search on my iPad… HELP!!! It’s been 2 additional updates since the 17 update and it still isn’t working!!!!
iPhone 14 Pro Max, iOS 17
I hate this new update! I often need to search my text messages for work related questions and NOW I CAN NOT. It shows me message from the day. I need my messages from a month ago. I do not have time to search through all of this! HELLLLPPPPP!
Same! I have spent hours trying to fix this through suggestions on forums and then apple support - escalated to manager of managers to no avail. I have done all the suggestions, tips and tricks and nothing works. I work off my phone and searching texts is a huge part of making my job easier. I feel crippled without this function. Apple keeps telling me it shouldn’t be long and they are aware. I just updated iOS 17.1 - no fix! I have asked if I can somehow go back to ios16 and they tell me it is not recommended as it can cause a new host of issues. Thankfully I had my old phone still from August - ios16 so when I have to I will search my texts on that one. Not ideal but it’s better than nothing. I am quite confused how the data is all there( I hope) but not recognized….one has to scroll for days to locate. This has stressed me to no end and I just cannot imagine them releasing an update this messed up. This is a critical feature now rendered useless. Any new suggestions anyone ?
This JUST started in the last 10 days on my phone. I have every update, including 17.2-- and all my texts have disappeared except for the ones that are sitting on my phone from a couple of days. This is terrible. And I can't believe it's been going on for more than a year for some people. So Apple, what's up with this?
Sooo now my phone updates to the 17.0.3 and I still can’t search words in my text, my emails can’t go to designated folders like it use too… and now THE FONT SIZE CHANGED ON MY PHONE from the original. This is to much Apple!
I’m glad I’m not alone. I have done everything you said you have done as well. I also use the search for work and personal. My emails use to remember certain words so when I move the message the folder would automatically appear but now it doesn’t and now I have to scroll all around just to find the folder. And now my caps button would stay highlighted, it goes to lowercase. I can’t compose a long message, then want to edit it because the curser won’t allow me to move up. It’s just frustrating.
No it is still not fixed even under 17.1 software update smh
No. Unfortunately not. Still all the same issues along with the curser being defective as well. Nothing was fixed. Which is a a shame because so many ppl told me Apple knew of the problem and it would be fixed in 17.1 and it sadly has not been.
❌❌ iOS 17.1 does not fix any of the issues ❌❌
Still can’t search text messages for words, photos or links are not downloading.
Curser still moves to wherever it’s wants. Highlights words you aren’t even trying to correct.
Caps lock can’t stay highlighted.
This is so disappointing and frustrating!!
17.1 fixed it for me. I reset the indexing on 17.0.3 about a week ago (didn’t fix it), then it auto-updated to 17.1 last night, and now my texts are indexing through all-time. Previously, I could only go back a couple months max
For all those saying iOS 17.1 didn’t fix the issue, give it some time. The indexing does not happen instantly. Mine is continuing to index after a full night with the update. So far it has added about 2-3 years of searchable content. At this rate it’s gonna take a few days for it to finish. I don’t actually know this, but I’d bet it’s likely it only indexes while charging so as to not drain your battery unexpectedly but that’s just a guess.
Okay. But I tried the indexing 2 weeks ago and it didn’t work. But I’m not sure what the correct indexing procedure is. I did these 3. And nothing worked.
Method 1.
Restart Your iPhone
Try restarting your iPhone, waiting for several minutes and connecting your device to the Wifi network. Then check whether your device finishes indexing.
Method 2.
Toggle on and off Messages button in iCloud
Open Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Toggle Messages on and off, and then on. After the steps, wait for some time to check.
Method 3.
Toggle on and off Siri & Search in Settings
Step 1. Go to Settings, and tap Siri & Search.
Step 2. Scroll to the Messages app, and toggle off all Siri & Search options if they are already on.
Step 3. Power off your iPhone, wait for a few minutes, and power it on.
Step 4. Go back to Settings, tap Siri & Search > Messages, then toggle green all options.
Step 5. Finally go to the Messages app and check if the indexing is finished.
iOS 17.1 definitely fixed it for me. Sort of. Before message searches would only return back to September, 2023. Now with iOS 17.1 I get results back to 2016. I have messages dating back further than 2016, but they don’t show up.
17.1 for me, to the extent of the message search issue, has fixed it!
I left it on the charger overnight and that seems to have brought completion to the previously unending indexing. In the morning I took it off the charger and indexing was no longer showing up as being in progress. Did a quick serach with two different words in text messages that I know have recurred in my text threads over the years and it did throw up those threads in the search results. Will explore and test some more but for now and as initial assessment, 17.1 has solved the text message search issue.
Yes, I am able to see 2016 and prior. Before responding to your message, I tried out a search word and it did throw up a 2015 thread. Hope this helps. I think patience to let the indexing to complete is key. I had complained to apple support yesterday after 17.1 update and they did say for sure the issue is fixed and I have to give it 24-48 hours. Size of the text messages on phone for me in excess of 2 GB. That may also be a factor, my guess, in the time it takes for the indexing completion.
I’m still waiting. Lol. It’s been 36 hrs and still nothing. At first it said it was not finished indexing. Now it just goes black after I type in a word. So I guess maybe I’ll just wait some more and hopefully mine will show results. BUT, I can say my email folder suggestions have come back so when I select a email to move to a folder, the suggestion (where it has been moved previously) comes up. I am grateful for that.… Now I just need for the text and to download the links and pics shared with in the text messages .. along with the search and I will be super grateful.
I honestly can’t comprehend how we keep going backwards with these updates! Why mess with a feature that worked very well and legit make it useless. You search and it shows the most irrelevant thing and maybe one conversation. My phone is up to date and it has not been fixed with the latest update!!! Please fix the search feature in messages and while we are at it…fix the language thing ok keyboard. Why am I on English keyboard and it writes words in my other keyboard also changes peoples names for no good reason! Just frustrated that these updates mess with more stuff than fix it.
Can’t Search Messages since iOS 17 Update!
