<p>MySQL raises ER_TABLE_HAS_NO_FT when a query uses FULLTEXT search on a table that lacks a FULLTEXT index.</p>
<p>MySQL Error 1764 ER_TABLE_HAS_NO_FT occurs when MATCH ... AGAINST or another FULLTEXT search targets a table without a FULLTEXT index. Create the required FULLTEXT index or switch the table to a FULLTEXT-capable engine to resolve the issue.</p>
The table does not have FULLTEXT index to support this
MySQL throws error 1764 ER_TABLE_HAS_NO_FT when a query tries to use FULLTEXT search functions on a table that lacks a FULLTEXT index. The server halts the statement and signals that the referenced table is not prepared for full text retrieval.
The error appears during SELECT MATCH ... AGAINST, boolean mode searches, or calls to INFORMATION_SCHEMA FULLTEXT statistics. It may also surface when ALTER or CREATE statements reference FULLTEXT features on a table whose storage engine does not support them.
Missing FULLTEXT indexes are the primary trigger. If the table was created without a FULLTEXT key or the key was dropped, any subsequent full text query fails immediately.
Using a storage engine that does not support FULLTEXT, such as InnoDB prior to MySQL 5.6 or certain third-party engines, also produces the error.
Mismatched column types or silent index-creation failures can leave the table without the expected FULLTEXT key even though DDL appeared to run successfully.
Add a FULLTEXT index to the needed columns using ALTER TABLE or CREATE INDEX. Confirm that the table engine supports full text search and your MySQL version is 5.6 or newer for InnoDB.
If the index exists but is corrupted, drop and recreate it. After recreation, run ANALYZE TABLE to refresh index statistics and improve performance.
Legacy migration without FULLTEXT: run ALTER TABLE to add the missing index after data import.
Engine mismatch after dump and restore: convert MyISAM to InnoDB, then recreate FULLTEXT keys.
Dynamic text columns added later: extend an existing FULLTEXT index with ALTER TABLE ADD FULLTEXT, including the new columns.
Declare FULLTEXT indexes during initial table design to prevent oversight and production outages.
Use INFORMATION_SCHEMA.STATISTICS checks in CI pipelines to assert the presence of FULLTEXT keys before deploying code that depends on them.
When working in Galaxy, enable schema linting so the editor flags MATCH ... AGAINST on non-indexed columns before queries reach production.
ER_TOO_LONG_STRING_INDEX - occurs when the FULLTEXT index prefix length exceeds limits; shorten your column lengths or use a smaller charset.
ER_FT_ILLEGAL_CHARACTER - appears when the search string includes unsupported characters; sanitize or escape the user input before submission.
The table was created without a FULLTEXT key or the key was dropped accidentally.
The table uses an engine that lacks FULLTEXT capabilities, such as older InnoDB versions or MEMORY.
An earlier ALTER TABLE attempted to create a FULLTEXT index but failed due to column type limits, leaving the table unindexed.
Dump-and-restore operations changed MyISAM to InnoDB in versions before 5.6, stripping FULLTEXT support.
Occurs when a FULLTEXT index key length exceeds engine limitations. Reduce column size or prefix length.
Appears when MATCH ... AGAINST syntax is malformed. Correct the query format.
Triggered by unsupported characters in a FULLTEXT search string. Clean or escape the input.
Yes, but your MySQL version must be 5.6 or newer. Earlier versions support FULLTEXT only on MyISAM.
Longer text columns create larger index footprints and can slow searches. Keep columns at the smallest practical size.
Galaxy's schema-aware editor highlights MATCH statements on non-indexed columns, preventing the error during query drafting.
REPAIR TABLE can fix MyISAM index corruption but does not create missing FULLTEXT keys. Use ALTER TABLE to add the key.
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