WhatsApp is a messaging app that offers several ways to search for specific chats. Initially, it only had a search function by name. Now it includes filters, searches by date, segmentation by group or individual chats, read and unread status, keywords within the chat, and more. If you want to learn about all the available methods, we'll explain them here.
5 ways to search for chats on WhatsApp
You probably have a WhatsApp account with many daily chats. These generate a large number of messages that you might overlook if they're important. The app has evolved since its beginnings and currently has several search methods . Let's explore each of them and how to use them:
Using the WhatsApp search engine
At the top of the app you will see a magnifying glass icon. If you press it, you will see the different search methods that exist. Let's see what they are and what results are shown when using them:
- Not readYou can filter by unread chats, it lists them so you can attend to them one by one and give them a thumbs up.
- PhotosThere is the option to view by photos, showing the internal WhatsApp gallery ordered from the most recent to the oldest. You can put the view in list form and check which chat the image comes from or write a keyword that filters the results.
- Videos. Filter chats where videos are involved. You can refine your search by keywords or sort them by lists, checking which chat they come from.
- Links. Check which chats have sent or received links to other pages. You can go in and search for chats by keywords or list them.
- Gif. If messages with GIFs have been shared, they will appear in the search. Refine the results by keywords or by pressing the list button,
- Audio. Shows the chats that have received or sent audios. There are probably many, filter by keywords or list of chats involved.
- Documents. Check which chats have interacted with documents recently. Find them more easily by searching by text or by listing the chats.
- surveysIf you have generated surveys in any chat you can search for it with this filter.
WhatsApp filters
A few months ago, WhatsApp launched a new button bar for filtering chats . These buttons generate lists of messages based on their status. You can view "All" messages, only "Unread" messages, your "Favorite" chats, or "Groups . "
It's pretty simple to use, just position your view on Chat and if you don't see them scroll down to see everything above. You'll notice the buttons immediately and just tap on them to see what automatic results they show you.
Search chats by name
If you go to the "Channels" section of WhatsApp and tap the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner of the screen, you'll see the option to search by text . Just type the name of the contact you want to message, and it will appear.
Keep in mind that if you saved it with emojis, special characters or any other element other than text, you should try to type it verbatim into the search engine. If you don't do this, it will hardly appear, so I recommend you avoid using elements other than words.
Search for calls from chats
In the WhatsApp calls section, there's also a search function . This is used to find contacts who have called you or to see when you've made a new phone call. You simply enter the username, but keep in mind that if it contains emojis or special characters, you'll need to use those to find the contact.
Search within a chat
If you open a chat, you also have search options , including keyword search. You can do this by entering a message and tapping the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen. Once the menu appears, select "search."
A text box will appear at the top; simply enter the keyword related to the message you're looking for. Additionally, a calendar-shaped button will be activated; pressing it will allow you to filter by date.
Now, if you tap on the contact's name in the chat, it will take you to their card details. Just below the profile picture, you'll see a section that shows: files, links, and docs. If you go in, you'll see all of these items that have been shared. If you're looking for specific media, go there to filter it.
With all these search methods WhatsApp offers, you can definitely find any message, file, or link within your chats. It simplifies the process and saves you time, whether you're searching generally or specifically; everything is streamlined. Share this tutorial with other users so they know how to do it too.