How to Fix iMessages Search Not Working?

Some iPhone users have reported that they can't search old text messages recently. For people who use iMessage to communicate and have a lot of stored text messages, the inability to search for old messages on their devices can be frustrating. That's why we are here to help! In this post, we'll show how to fix iMessage search not working on iPhone. Move on right now!

1 Change Languages

Sometimes, the Language settings could be the reason why you can’t search for old texts in messages. Follow the steps below to change language setting:

Step 1: Open Settings > General > Language & Region.

Step 2: Change the current language to another language. Wait for a few minutes and then do the message search again.

2 Switch Spotlight Search Off and On

Spotlight Search on iPhone is designed to help users to search their devices, it makes your search process faster and more convenient. However, this app can sometimes be the reason why you can’t search for old texts in messages. In this situation, you need to switch Spotlight Search off and then back on.

Step 1: Click on the Settings > General > Spotlight Search.

Step 2: You will see two options: Suggestions in Search and Suggestions in Look Up. Toggle off the Suggestions in Look Up. This will disable the Spotlight Search in suggesting web results, App Store results, map locations, iTunes, and movie showtimes.

Step 3: Toggle off the Suggestions in the Search option. And wait for a few seconds then switch both the Suggestions in Search and Suggestions in Look Up back on. Do this by sliding the switches next to these options to green.

3 Reset iPhone to Factory Default

Resetting your device back to factory settings could also enable to access your old texts in messages. However, this method will only work if you have backed up your device. This is because this method will erase everything including your apps and settings.

Step 1: Launch Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Step 2: Wait for a few minutes for your device to completely erase everything.

Your device will restart and you can set it up once again.

4 Rebuild the Search Index

The search index on your iPhone could also cause you can’t search for old text messages. To fix this follow these steps:

Step 1: Go Settings > Siri & Search. And find the Message app and then switch off the Search & Siri Suggestions.

Step 2: Restart your iPhone and go to Siri & Search again.

Step 3: Find the Message app and then switch on the Search & Siri Suggestions. Wait for a few minutes to enable the search index to rebuild itself.

Step 4: Go to the Message App and check whether you can now find the older text messages.

5 Find a Message Using Mac

If you own a Mac and you have been using iCloud and iMessage, you can recover all your older text messages. This will work if you have been syncing your device with your Mac. The messages app on your Mac keeps track of all the text messages history via iMessage and SMS.

Step 1: Click on Finder > Folder. And enter this path /Users/ your username/Library/Messages/Archive/.

Step 2: You will be able to find subfolders for each date according to year, month, and day.

Step 3: Click on the folder you are interested in according to the date and you will be able to find your older text messages.

Step 4: Double-click the .ichat file and open it in Messages.

6 Check Recent Messages Using Siri

Siri can also help to search old texts in messages on iPhone. However, it is essential to point out that Siri does not search through your entire message history but will trace the latest text message threads.

Step 1: Enable Siri by simply long pressing the Home button or the Side button. Then ask Siri “Do I have any new messages?” or “Check new messages”.

Step 2: Siri will read all your new messages and will let you know if you have the most recent text messages.

Step 3: You can ask Siri to repeat if you did not catch the previous messages by saying “Read Again”.

7 Fix iMessage Not Working with Third-party App

If you still cannot access your older texts in messages, you can fix using a third-party tool iMyFone Fixppo, it is a professional tool to help you fix any iOS issues.

Fix iOS System Problem without Data Loss

• Repairs various system issues with any data loss with Standard Mode.
• Compatible with all iOS versions and devices including iOS 16 and iPhone 14 models.
• If you have problems with your iPhone, such as iPhone won't charge after update, iPhone battery draining fast, or iPhone not playing voicemail, this tool can also help.

iMyFone Fixppo

Step 1: Download iMyFone Fixppo on your PC and choose Standard Mode to proceed.

Step 2: Set your iPhone to DFU/Recovery Mode by following the steps on the screen. 

Step 3: Download the right Firmware for your device. 

Step 4: Click on Start to Fix for the program to commence the process of fixing your device. Check if your device can start once the process is complete.