How to search WhatsApp

Android
iOS
Web
You can search chats for messages, photos, videos, links, GIFs, audio, documents, and polls using the WhatsApp search feature. You can use search from the Chats tab or within individual or group chats.

Search by keyword

The search feature allows you to search your chats with a keyword. Search by keyword in an individual or group chat, or from the Chats tab.

Chats tab

  1. In the Chats tab, tap the search bar.
  2. Type the word or phrase you’re looking for in the search field.
  3. Tap a result to open that message in the chat.

Individual or group chat

  1. Open the chat you want to search.
  2. Tap
    more options
    > Search.
  3. Type the word or phrase you’re looking for in the search field.
  4. Tap
    search
    .

Search by date

You can also search by date in an individual or group chat.
  1. Open the chat you want to search.
  2. Tap
    more options
    > Search.
  3. Tap
    .
  4. Select the date you want to search.
  5. Tap
    search
    .

Search for media with filters

You can also search your chats for media such as photos, videos, links, GIFs, audio, polls, and documents, by using filters in the search feature. This is only available on the Chats tab.
  1. Tap the search field at the top of the Chats tab.
  2. Type the word or phrase you’re looking for in the search field.
  3. Select the media type you want to search.
  4. Tap a result to open that message in the chat.

Filter media by content type

You can view all photos, videos, links, GIFs, audio, polls, and documents. This is only available on the Chats tab.
  1. In the Chats tab, tap the search bar.
  2. Tap Photos, GIFs, Links, Videos, Documents, Audio, or Polls to view media in that category.

Search for groups

Groups that you're a part of can be found in the Chats tab. You can also search for a group by its subject or contents.
  • If you can't find a group, be sure to check the Archived chats section within the Chats tab.
  • If you don't see the group you're looking for in the Chats tab, you might not be a member.
  • If you’d like to join a group, you'll have to ask the group admin to add you or send you an invite link.
  • You can't separate groups from individual chats in the Chats tab.
  • You can pin a group for easy access. Learn how to pin a chat in this article.

Search with Meta AI

You can also use search to ask Meta AI a question. Learn how in this article.
Note: If you’ve recently restored your WhatsApp chat history, it can take time to recreate the search database, depending on the size of your chat history. Don’t force-close WhatsApp during this time.

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