If you frequently use Apple’s Message app, it can be difficult to find a certain message. Certainly if you send and receive dozens of messages every day via the messaging service.
Since iOS 18 and MacOS Sequoia, the search function within the Message app has been provided with smart filters. By applying machine learning (AI) on the device, an algorithm categorizes all your texts on different parameters, such as sender, date, keywords, attachments and more. This allows you to quickly search for a certain message from a contact person.
In addition to searching yourself by categories, it is also possible to activate standard filters. By activating this you can also search for (SMS) messages that you have received from non -contact persons. Think of an SMS message that your ordered pizza is on the road.
Activate standard filters in the Message app
You can activate the standard filters in the Message app under iOS 18, and iPados 18 or newer.
- Go to the Settings app.
- Wipe down and tap ‘Apps’.
- Search for ‘messages’ and tap it.
- Scroll down and activate the ‘Filter Unknown Senders’ option at ‘Message Filter’.
Then return to the Message app, in the Linke Bovenhoek you see ‘filters’. Tap this to access the standard filters. You have the choice of: all messages, known senders, unknown senders, unread messages and recently deleted.
Use smart search filters in the Message app
In addition to standard filters, it is also possible to use smart filters in the Message app. These are available under MacOS Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPados 18 or newer.
1. Go to the Message app, under iOS you then wipe down to gain access to the search bar in the Message app. Tap the search bar to activate the search function. An overview of the most recent messages per category found immediately appears.
2. In the search bar you can now type the name of category, for example: photo, link, location or documents. If a category is recognized while typing, you can select it immediately.
3. If the category is recognized and messages have been found that belong to it, they will appear in the overview.
4. After this you can further refine the filter. For example, type a word or the name of a contact person to filter the search results on this.
5. Tap the Show button everything to display more search results.
6. By tapping a search result, the conversation is immediately shown in which the search was found.
It is advisable to experiment with these filters, so you can quickly find a certain message quickly in the future.
