# Algolia: empty query returns everything by design - gate results in the UI instead

## TL;DR

Source context: Stack Overflow #37801289 (accepted answer, 19 votes): an instantsearch.js developer wants an empty search box to return zero results, but Algolia's default is to return everything when the query is blank. The accepted answer shows the fix: check the underlying helper state for an empty query and show or hide the results container based on that. [Stack Overflow #37801289, accepted answer, 19 votes]: an empty query in Algolia returns all records by design.

Use this when you run into the situation in the title.

**When not to use this skill:** unrelated tasks. It covers only the procedure above.

## Compatibility

The steps above apply to the commands named in them. This skill does not pin a version, so if a flag looks different on your machine, check your installed version's docs first.

## Details

If your UI should show nothing until the user types, inspect the helper state for an empty query string and hide the results div until there is one. Its a frontend gate, not an index setting.