# Compass Index Management > Source-anchored research for Compass Index Management. Run status: COMPLETED. Parent: [MongoDB Compass](https://llms-explorer.com/tree/mongodb-compass/) · 4 facets · 11 facts · page: https://llms-explorer.com/tree/compass-index-management/ ## How it works - A zero usage count alone does not justify removal: recent restarts and infrequent critical queries can make a needed index appear unused. Observe a representative application cycle. (high confidence) — [source](https://oneuptime.com/blog/post/2026-03-31-mongodb-how-to-manage-indexes-with-mongodb-compass/view) - COMPASS-7823 reports that Compass 1.42.3 on macOS 14.2.1 removed JSON-key quotes when formatting partialFilterExpression, then rejected its own output. This is historical version-specific evidence, not proof that current versions remain affected. (low confidence) — [source](https://jira.mongodb.org/browse/COMPASS-7823) ## Problems, failure modes and limitations - The default _id index cannot be dropped independently of its collection. (high confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/docs/manual/core/indexes/drop-index.md) ## Comparisons and alternatives - The Compass 1.51.0 release notes list shell-syntax index creation under COMPASS-9352; older screenshots and form instructions may differ from that interface. (low confidence) (verified as of 2026-09-25) — [source](https://github.com/mongodb-js/compass/releases) ## Facts and statements - Compass exposes collection indexes in an Indexes tab with names, keys, types, sizes, usage counts, and properties. (high confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/docs/compass/indexes.md) - The creation dialog supports multiple fields with ascending or descending order for compound indexes, plus optional names, partial filters, and collation. (high confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/docs/compass/indexes/) - Compass Usage reflects lookup activity on the connected node since creation or server restart; inspect $indexStats on each node for broader coverage. (high confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/docs/compass/indexes/) - Hide an index before dropping it to assess query impact. Compass provides hide/unhide controls and a Hidden property badge. (high confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/docs/compass/indexes.md) - Dropping through Compass requires the trash icon and a confirmation dialog in which the operator enters the index name. (high confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/docs/compass/indexes/) - A June–July 2025 community thread reports 'Usage data unavailable' in Compass. A respondent recommends checking privileges for $indexStats; the thread does not demonstrate a confirmed fix for the original reporter. (low confidence) — [source](https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/index-usage-data-unavailable-in-compass/323476) - Shell inspection complements Compass: collection stats expose indexSizes, while $indexStats exposes usage counters that reset after server restart. (medium confidence) — [source](https://phauer.com/2019/mongodb-development-tools-snippets/)