In short
To filter conversations in Synced, open Messages and tap the filter name at the top center of the screen. A sheet lists Primary, Action Needed, Inbox, Sent, and Scheduled, with Starred, Snoozed, and Trash below them. Tap one to switch. Synced reopens on the last filter you picked.
Switch filters in the iOS app
- 1Open Messages
Tap Messages in the tab bar.
- 2Tap the filter name
It's in the middle of the top bar, with a small arrow, and shows the current view, like Primary.
- 3Pick a view
The FILTER sheet opens. Tap any row or chip. A check mark shows the one you're on.
What each filter shows
| Filter | Shows |
|---|---|
| Primary | Directed, important conversations |
| Action Needed | Conversations with something to act on |
| Inbox | Every conversation, including archived |
| Sent | Conversations you started, awaiting a reply |
| Scheduled | Messages queued to send later |
| Starred | Conversations you starred |
| Snoozed | Hidden until their snooze ends |
| Trash | Trashed and spam, where you can restore or delete forever |
Descriptions match the ones shown in the filter sheet.
Search instead of filtering
To find one conversation, tap the magnifying glass at the top right of Messages. The top bar turns into a Search conversations field. Tap the X to clear it or close search.
If that didn't work
- A conversation is missing from Primary: it may be archived or snoozed. Check Inbox or Snoozed, then long-press it and choose Move to Primary or Unsnooze.
- The top bar says Updating…: Synced is refreshing the list. The filter name comes back when it's done.
- Couldn't load this view: pull to refresh, or switch filters and back. If a new view says it's still being set up, try again in a few minutes.