When you open the Library tab in the Perplexity mobile app, you may notice that only the most recent threads appear. Older conversations seem to vanish from the list, making it hard to revisit past research or saved searches. This happens because the mobile Library view uses a default filter that shows only the last 30 days of threads by default. In this article, you will learn why this filter exists and how to adjust it to see your complete thread history.
Key Takeaways: Fixing the Hidden Older Threads in Perplexity Mobile Library
- Library > Filter button (funnel icon): Change the time range from “Last 30 days” to “All time” to show every thread.
- Library > Sort menu (clock icon): Switch from “Recent” to “Oldest” to bring archived threads to the top of the list.
- Library > Search bar: Type a keyword from an older thread to locate it even when the filter hides it.
Why the Mobile Library View Hides Older Threads
Perplexity’s mobile app is designed to load quickly and use minimal data. To achieve this, the app applies a default time filter to the Library view that shows only threads created in the last 30 days. This filter is not a deletion of your data — your older threads remain saved on Perplexity’s servers. The filter simply hides them from the visible list to reduce the number of items the app must display at once. This behavior is intentional and affects all mobile users, regardless of whether they use the free or Pro plan.
The same filter does not apply to the web version of Perplexity, which shows all threads by default. This discrepancy can confuse users who switch between mobile and desktop. On mobile, the Library view also sorts threads by recent activity, pushing older threads further down the list. Even if the filter is set to “All time,” you may need to scroll to the bottom to see threads from months ago.
Steps to Show All Threads in the Mobile Library
Follow these steps to remove the time filter and see your complete thread history on iPhone or Android.
- Open the Library tab
Launch the Perplexity mobile app and tap the Library icon at the bottom of the screen. This icon looks like a book or a stack of papers depending on your app version. - Tap the Filter button
In the top-right corner of the Library screen, tap the filter icon. This icon looks like a funnel or three horizontal lines with sliders. A pop-up menu appears with time range options. - Select “All time”
From the time range list, tap “All time.” The Library view refreshes immediately and displays every thread you have ever created, including those older than 30 days. - Adjust the sort order (optional)
If you want older threads to appear at the top of the list, tap the Sort icon next to the Filter icon. The Sort icon looks like a clock with an arrow. Select “Oldest” from the sort options. - Use the Search bar to find a specific thread
If the Library still shows many threads and you cannot find a particular one, tap the Search bar at the top of the Library screen. Type a keyword from the thread title or content. The app filters the list to show only matching threads, regardless of their age.
Method 2: Reset the App to Default Settings
If the Filter button does not respond or the Library view stays stuck on the 30-day filter, reset the app’s cache and settings. This method is useful when a recent app update changed your filter preferences without your knowledge.
- Go to Settings > Apps > Perplexity (Android) or Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Perplexity (iOS)
On Android, tap Storage and then Clear Cache. On iOS, tap Offload App and then Reinstall App. Do not delete the app — offloading removes temporary files but keeps your account data. - Open Perplexity and sign in again
After the cache is cleared, launch the app and log in with your account. The Library filter resets to the default 30-day view. Repeat the steps in Method 1 to set it to “All time.”
If the Threads Are Still Missing After Changing the Filter
In some cases, changing the filter to “All time” does not bring back older threads. This can happen due to account sync delays or accidental thread deletion. Here are the most common scenarios and their fixes.
Threads Disappear After Logging in From a New Device
When you sign in to Perplexity on a new phone or tablet, the app may take several minutes to sync your full thread history. The Library view shows only threads from the current session until the sync completes. To force a sync, pull down on the Library screen to refresh the list. Wait 30 seconds. If the threads still do not appear, close the app completely and reopen it.
Accidental Bulk Deletion of Threads
Perplexity allows you to delete multiple threads at once by tapping Edit in the Library and selecting threads. If you or someone using your device accidentally performed a bulk deletion, the threads are permanently removed. Perplexity does not have a Trash or Recycle Bin feature. The only way to recover deleted threads is to restore them from a backup if you exported your data previously. To export your Library data, go to Settings > Account > Export Data.
App Version Is Out of Date
Older versions of the Perplexity mobile app may have bugs that prevent the Library filter from working correctly. Check your app store for updates. On Android, open Google Play, search for Perplexity, and tap Update if available. On iOS, open the App Store, tap your profile icon, and scroll to the Perplexity entry to update. After updating, the filter options should respond as expected.
Perplexity Mobile Library: Free vs Pro Thread Visibility
| Item | Free Plan | Pro Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Default time filter | Last 30 days | Last 30 days |
| Maximum visible threads | Unlimited (all time) | Unlimited (all time) |
| Thread retention period | Indefinite | Indefinite |
| Ability to change filter | Yes | Yes |
| Sync speed for new devices | Up to 2 minutes | Up to 30 seconds |
Both plans store threads indefinitely and allow you to change the filter to “All time.” The only difference is sync speed when logging in from a new device — Pro accounts sync faster due to priority server access.
Now you can view every thread in your Perplexity Library on mobile by adjusting the filter to “All time” and using the search bar for quick access. To avoid confusion in the future, set the filter once and the app will remember your preference across sessions. As an advanced tip, create a dedicated Collection for threads you want to preserve beyond the 30-day window — Collections are always visible in the Library tab regardless of the time filter.