The messaging platform is introducing a contextual search button on iOS that lets users quickly find messages within individual chats, groups and channels, reducing the steps needed to locate older conversations and updates.
WhatsApp is making it easier for iPhone users to search through conversations with a new shortcut that brings the search function directly into the chat interface. The feature allows users to look for specific messages without navigating away from the conversation or opening the chat information page.
The new shortcut appears near the top of the conversation interface when users scroll upward through a chat. Tapping the button activates the familiar search function, allowing users to enter a keyword and locate matching messages within that particular conversation.
The feature is reportedly being rolled out to some users through WhatsApp Messenger for iOS version 26.36.74, available through Apple's App Store. The rollout remains gradual, meaning the shortcut may not be visible on every compatible iPhone immediately.
Search becomes more accessible inside conversations
The change simplifies a process that previously involved several steps. To search for an older message, users generally had to open the chat information screen, select the search option and then begin looking for the required term.
Under the new arrangement, WhatsApp places the search control directly within the conversation at the point where it is most relevant. According to a report by WABetaInfo, the button becomes visible when users scroll upward through a conversation and disappears once they return to the latest messages at the bottom.
This contextual approach keeps the chat interface relatively uncluttered while providing quick access to search when users are reviewing older parts of a conversation. The underlying search experience remains familiar, so users do not have to learn a separate search process.
The feature could be particularly useful for conversations containing large volumes of messages, where manually scrolling through older content can be time-consuming.
Shortcut extends to WhatsApp Channels
WhatsApp is also extending the search shortcut to Channels, giving users a similar way to locate older updates. The control appears in the same general position below the navigation area while scrolling through channel content.
This means users can search for particular terms or updates without first entering the channel information section. For people following channels that publish frequent updates, the addition could make retrieving older posts considerably more convenient.
WABetaInfo had previously spotted the feature during development in iOS beta version 26.31.10.70 in August. At that stage, the search button appeared at the bottom of the screen. During subsequent development, WhatsApp moved the control to the upper portion of the interface.
The change appears to have been made partly to prevent the shortcut from conflicting with another control positioned at the bottom of the screen. Its visibility is also tied to the user's scrolling activity rather than keeping it permanently displayed.
WhatsApp is gradually expanding the feature to more iOS users and is expected to continue the rollout over the coming weeks. The company has not yet provided a confirmed date for when the new search shortcut will become available to all iPhone users.
