Methods and systems for index lifecycle management are provided. Exemplary methods include: receiving an ILM policy; determining a first condition and a first action for a first phase using the ILM policy; performing the first action for the first phase when the first condition is met; transition from the first phase to a second phase; determining a second condition and a second action for the second phase using the ILM policy; performing the second action for the second phase when the second condition is met; transition from the second phase to a third phase; determining a third condition and a third action for the third phase using the ILM policy; performing the third action for the third phase when the third condition is met; transition from the third phase to a fourth phase; and deleting the index during the third phase.