When Do Messages Finish Indexing On Iphone?

Many iPhone users are pressing the point that they don’t find old messages after updating the iOS to the latest version. Instead of showing messages, it says “Messages are indexing”. In such a case, your inquisitive mind may question, when do messages finish indexing?

Generally, it takes only a few seconds to index or recover old messages. However, if there’s something wrong, message indexing may take several hours or even a day. This is the point where users become panicked. 

If you’re also experiencing this issue on your iPhone, we’ve got you covered. Here we’re going to explain all the facts regarding iPhone messages indexing and some effective solutions. 

What Is Messages Finishing Indexing Error on iPhone?

After the iOS has been upgraded, your Apple gadgets will need to expand the amount of unencrypted content it’s able to index. When we handle messaging, MMS, and audio content, for example, after a fresh upgrade, your iPhone, or iPad should put things in their old categories.

In general, recovering or indexing old messages doesn’t take too long. As far as we have seen, we can access old messages just after a few seconds and use the iMessage application as usual.

However, sometimes you will find it set for minutes or more. If your iPhone is indexing incorrectly, that procedure will likely take a long time. This is what we call “Messages Indexing Error”.

If this error occurs, you will see a notification saying “More results will be shown once Messages finishes indexing” instead of getting access to your old messages right after the iOS update.

When Do Messages Finish Indexing?

As we mentioned earlier, indexing old messages is a recovery process followed by a major update. It’s a common process though. However, when the process leaves you waiting for several minutes or even hours, this might be annoying. 

That time it’s nothing but an error or malfunctioning in your system. In general, the time it takes depends on what amount of messages it has to be indexed. 

Some users have stored messages in their library for as long as a year, so it may take a full day to process such messages. However, when messages appear to be stuck in indexing forever, you have to do something to get rid of it.

How To Make Messages Finish Indexing – Fixing Message Index Error

Yes, we know how frustrating it is to wait several hours for seeing your old, important, or memorable messages again. If you think something is wrong with the indexing process, here are the solutions you can count on to fix the problem. 

Rebooting iPhone

For several minor or major errors on your iPhone, rebooting the device can be a universal solution. Even for the message indexing error, this is still true. Bear in mind this advice from your smartphone when you encounter an issue. 

In certain instances, it’s essential to reset the device. You can restart your device from the settings, but we’re going to demonstrate the quickest method. 

Step-1: Hold the Power and Volume Down Button

First, hold down the power button and the volume down button simultaneously until you see a slider appear.

Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_svYhAIga2o 

Step-2: Move the Slider Right

As you see a slider appears with “slide to power off” text, move your index finger so that the Power icon slides to the right.

Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_svYhAIga2o 

Step-3: Turn the iPhone On Again

It takes around 20 to 30 seconds after you turn off your device for it to shut down completely. After this initial shutdown is complete, simply press the power button and hold it for 2-3 seconds to turn on the cell and initiate the usage process. 

Image credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_svYhAIga2o 

Note: These are handy steps for solving iPhone messaging problems such as messages not syncing, messages not being delivered, and so on.

Modify the Indexing Settings

Changing some minor settings on your iPhone can help you make sure the indexing process is working properly. To begin with this process, you should first add a Messages application to the list of applications you can find from the search menu. 

Find out how to modify the Search and Index settings on your iPhone by exploring this source. Here we go:

• First, you have to find the Siri & Search option from the Settings app on your iPhone. Next, scroll down till you see the Messages entry. 
• Once again, ensure the Messages application is searchable. 
• Make certain that all Search options have been enabled. 
• You just have to do the opposite when all these options are enabled previously.

Note: Afterward, you should return to the application and click to evaluate whether indexing is occurring as expected. If so, you will have to wait a short time to get the access back on your messages.

Updating iPhone to the Latest Version

Is your iPhone running an outdated iOS version? If so, you should upgrade to the latest one. Apple is always cautious about issues faced by users and they try to fix those issues by updating. 

So, it’s quite possible that you won’t experience the same issue in the latest version. As long as you are running iOS 13, you’ll be familiar with this error message. 

You won’t have to fret a lot, because Apple has fixed the same in subsequent versions. So it is smart to keep your phone up to date. You can update the iOS version with the following steps:

• Head to the “General” area of Settings to see how many software updates are available. 

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yb38djl4vs 

• Press Software Update, and your iPhone will start checking for available updates. 

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yb38djl4vs 

• It will take a few seconds to check whether an update is available. If available, the “Download and install” button will be displayed on-screen. 

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Yb38djl4vs 

• Follow the onscreen prompts to install the most recent iOS update.

Note: These are the most notable actions that you can take to try to fix indexing problems. If you encounter continued issues later, we recommend that you consult an expert for direction and advice. Otherwise, you can check out the subsequent part of this article.

Check Language Settings

It may surprise you, but even incorrect language settings for your iPhone may cause indexing errors. So, to ensure your optimal iPhone acclimates, it’s best that you test your language settings for accuracy and readjust them if necessary. Here’s how to accomplish that goal: 

• Access iPhone’s Settings menu then select General. 

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyFIZj0NY2s 

• From there, go to Language & Region and tap it. 

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyFIZj0NY2s 

• A list of languages will be displayed. You can simply select by clicking on the language you prefer.

Image Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyFIZj0NY2s 

Re-Run iCloud Messages 

The Messages app from your iPhone may have indexing errors as a result of problems with iCloud and syncing. To avoid this, you may turn off the Messages app for iCloud and then run it again after a few seconds or a minute. 

Initially, these steps will restart the indexing process on the Messages app. To disable iCloud Messages on your iPhone, use the directions below:

Step-1: Find Apple ID from the Setting

To start with, launch the Settings application on your Apple device. Note that this is relevant for both iPhone and iPad devices. Touch the Apple ID settings so that you can access the iCloud option. 

Step-2: Tap on iCloud

Here you need to tap on iCloud. This will allow you to access devices that are coordinated with it. By default, all of them are enabled. You just have to uncheck them.

Step-3: Reboot your Device

Now reboot your device after disengaging macOS’s reconnection process with iCloud on the Messages application, repeat the preceding step to switch it back on. 

Then, go into the same process once again. See the steps that operate once more with your messages indexing continuously functioning in the background of your device.

Note: Be aware that if you’re doing this you’re required to connect your device to a good internet connection and utilize a faster connection than the standard one because your device needs to receive an iCloud update and function well during this synchronization procedure. 

When carrying out these steps, save time by going forward with caution. These next steps may provide help as well.

Sync Messages from another iOS Device

Instead of worrying about not receiving a text message, if you had your iPad or Mac available, it would still remain securely backed up on your iCloud servers. You can use your iPad or Mac to retrieve these messages. 

Just make sure that your iPhone is connected to the internet. As soon as a couple of minutes have elapsed, you should be able to look over all the messages as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Now, have a peek at a series of frequently asked questions in reference to the iPhone Messages Indexing issue. Finding out the answers to these queries can help you to discover recurring topics visited by iPhone users all over the world.

Final Words

Many people ask, when do messages finish indexing? The short answer “a few seconds” is enough for this. However, when it seems you’re stuck in the indexing process, you should do something. 

At this time there is no universal solution to the iPhone messages indexing error. However, the cause can be determined after considering the situation. 

For instance, if you speculate that the issue appeared as a condition of updating the iOS software, you should probably opt for the update. Meanwhile, you can try various strategies from our guide to resolving the iPhone Messages Indexing issue.

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