[Updated] iMessage search history not working, photos/texts missing or not syncing after iOS 17 update? Fix allegedly in the works

Here’s the crux of the article in video form:

New updates are being added at the bottom of this story…….

Original story (published on September 26, 2023) follows:

iPhone users who have recently updated to iOS 17 have noticed peculiar issues with iMessage app where search history is not working. Moreover, photos and texts are missing or not syncing.

Ever since the release of iOS 17, iPhone users have been encountering various issues such as shortcuts and automations not working, apps crashing, custom text tones missing, and more.

And now, users who rely on iMessage search history to quickly locate specific messages, photos, or texts have been encountering difficulties ever since upgrading to iOS 17.

Among the most concerning issues is the disappearance of photos and texts from the search results.

Users have reported that certain messages or images they know exist within their iMessage conversations are missing or not showing up in search results.

Here are some reports (1, 2, 3, 4) for reference:

I cannot see previously shared links anymore – what? This is not a new phone, just updated software to 17. There used to be a tab in the media and photos screen of a conversation and now it is not available anymore (Source)

When I search my messages it doesn’t show anything before August of this year. Anyone else have this bug? I can try any word at all and no message prior to August 2023 will show. (Source)

In addition to missing content, users have experienced syncing problems related to their search history.

As per those affected, iMessage is not syncing or partially syncing to the new iPhone. As a result, they can’t find any specific texts or images using the search feature.

Fortunately, Apple is reportedly working on a solution for this issue. At least according to one affected user who reached out to support.

While an exact timeline for the fix’s release is unknown, the fact that Apple is working on it should provide assurance to users. That said, we will make sure to update this article accordingly.

07:01 pm (IST): Fresh reports suggest that the iMessage search history feature is working, and photos and texts are syncing normally after installing the iOS 17.1 beta 2 update.

In the meantime, you can check out our iOS 17 tracker where we have mentioned all the bugs and issues that iPhone users have been experiencing along with workarounds, if any.

Note: We have more such stories in our dedicated Apple section, so be sure to follow them as well.

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