Unable to search iMessages or attachments in conversations on iPhone

I can't search my iMessages to find anything whatsoever. When I click the search bar, it gives me a message that reads "More results will be shown once Messages are finished indexing" or simply nothing comes up at all, it's just a black screen. I can search my messages on my Macbook however, but only things that were sent while I was physically on the device show up.


Any ideas?

iPhone 12 Pro, iOS 16

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 8:07 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 13, 2023 10:05 PM

Here are some steps you can try:

  1. The message "More results will be shown once Messages are finished indexing" indicates that your device is still in the process of indexing your messages. This can take some time, especially if you have a large message history. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to ensure the indexing process completes.
  2. Ensure that your iPhone has enough storage space available. If your device is running low on storage, it might affect its performance, including the indexing process. You can check your storage in the Settings app under "General" and "iPhone Storage."
  3. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  4. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  5. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)


If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 13, 2023 10:05 PM in response to beatskeats

Here are some steps you can try:

  1. The message "More results will be shown once Messages are finished indexing" indicates that your device is still in the process of indexing your messages. This can take some time, especially if you have a large message history. Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to ensure the indexing process completes.
  2. Ensure that your iPhone has enough storage space available. If your device is running low on storage, it might affect its performance, including the indexing process. You can check your storage in the Settings app under "General" and "iPhone Storage."
  3. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
    1. Restart the device. That's it.
    2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
  4. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
    1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
    2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
    3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
  5. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)


If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version


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Unable to search iMessages or attachments in conversations on iPhone

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