---
type: api
title: Unfreeze an index
description: When a frozen index is unfrozen, the index goes through the normal recovery process and becomes writeable again.
url: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4493/api/doc/elasticsearch/v8/operation/operation-indices-unfreeze
resource: https://www.elastic.co/elastic/docs-builder/docs/4493/api/doc/elasticsearch/v8/operation/operation-indices-unfreeze
products:
  - Elasticsearch
---

# Unfreeze an index

deprecated

Availability: Generally available since 6.6

## Paths

- `POST` `/{index}/_unfreeze`

#### Path parameters

- `index` (string) — required
  Identifier for the index.

## Description

When a frozen index is unfrozen, the index goes through the normal recovery process and becomes writeable again.

## Required authorization

- Index privileges: `manage`

## Authentication

- Api key: `Authorization: <value>`
  Elasticsearch APIs support key-based authentication.
  You must create an API key and use the encoded value in the request header.
  For example:
  
  
  ```
  curl -X GET "${ES_URL}/_cat/indices?v=true" \
    -H "Authorization: ApiKey ${API_KEY}"
  ```
  
  To get API keys, use the `/_security/api_key` APIs.
- Basic: `Authorization: Basic <credentials>`
- Bearer: `Authorization: Bearer <token>`
  Elasticsearch APIs support the use of bearer tokens in the `Authorization` HTTP header to authenticate with the API.
  For examples, refer to [Token-based authentication services](https://www.elastic.co/guide/en/elasticsearch/reference/current/token-authentication-services.html)

## Query string parameters

- `allow_no_indices` (boolean · default: true) — optional
  If `false`, the request returns an error if any wildcard expression, index alias, or `_all` value targets only missing or closed indices.
This behavior applies even if the request targets other open indices.
- `expand_wildcards` (string · default: open) — optional
  Type of index that wildcard patterns can match.
If the request can target data streams, this argument determines whether wildcard expressions match hidden data streams.
Supports comma-separated values, such as `open,hidden`.
Valid values are: `all`, `open`, `closed`, `hidden`, `none`.

Supported values include:
  - `all`: Match any data stream or index, including hidden ones.
  - `open`: Match open, non-hidden indices. Also matches any non-hidden data stream.
  - `closed`: Match closed, non-hidden indices. Also matches any non-hidden data stream. Data streams cannot be closed.
  - `hidden`: Match hidden data streams and hidden indices. Must be combined with `open`, `closed`, or `both`.
  - `none`: Wildcard expressions are not accepted.
  Values: `all`, `open`, `closed`, `hidden`, `none`
- `ignore_unavailable` (boolean · default: false) — optional
  If `false`, the request returns an error if it targets a missing or closed index.
- `master_timeout` (string · default: 30s) — optional
  Period to wait for a connection to the master node.
If no response is received before the timeout expires, the request fails and returns an error.
- `timeout` (string · default: 30s) — optional
  Period to wait for a response.
If no response is received before the timeout expires, the request fails and returns an error.
- `wait_for_active_shards` (string · default: 1) — optional
  The number of shard copies that must be active before proceeding with the operation.
Set to `all` or any positive integer up to the total number of shards in the index (`number_of_replicas+1`).

## Response

`application/json`

- `acknowledged` (boolean)
- `shards_acknowledged` (boolean)
## Code examples

#### Console

```console
POST /INDEX/_unfreeze
```

#### curl

```curl
curl -X POST "${ELASTICSEARCH_URL}/${INDEX}/_unfreeze" \
  -H "Authorization: ApiKey ${API_KEY}"
```