How to Find Messages on WhatsApp Using Android or iPhone

WhatsApp chats can become very long over time, especially in active group conversations. Scrolling again and again to find one old message can be annoying. To solve this problem, WhatsApp provides a built-in search option that helps you quickly find text, photos, videos, links, and documents. This feature works safely on both Android phones and iPhones.

Below is a complete and easy guide to help you search WhatsApp messages without using any extra apps.

Also read: How to Edit Videos Inside WhatsApp on Android and iPhone

Why WhatsApp Message Search Is Helpful

The search option saves time and effort. Instead of manually checking old chats, you can directly jump to the message you need.

People usually search messages to:

• Find old phone numbers, addresses, or links
• Locate shared photos, PDFs, or documents
• Remember an important message from a group
• Recheck information sent earlier

The best part is that WhatsApp search works offline and is already included in the app.

How to Search WhatsApp Messages on Android

Method 1: Search Messages From All Chats

Use this option when you are not sure which chat contains the message.

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android phone
2. Tap the search icon at the top
3. Enter a word or phrase
4. Matching messages from all chats will appear
5. Tap any result to open the exact message

Method 2: Search Within a Single Chat

This is faster if you already know the chat.

1. Open the chat (personal or group)
2. Tap the three-dot menu on the top right
3. Select Search
4. Type the keyword
5. Use the arrows to move between results

Method 3: Search Photos, Links, and Documents

This helps when you are looking for files instead of text.

1. Tap the search icon on the main WhatsApp screen
2. Choose a category like Photos, Videos, Links, GIFs, or Documents
3. Browse results easily without scrolling through chats

How to Search WhatsApp Messages on iPhone

Method 1: Search From the Chat List

This searches messages across all chats.

1. Open WhatsApp on your iPhone
2. Pull down the chat list to show the search bar
3. Type your keyword
4. Results from all chats will appear
5. Tap a result to jump to that message

Method 2: Search Inside a Chat

Best when you know where the message was sent.

1. Open the chat
2. Tap the contact or group name at the top
3. Select Search
4. Enter the keyword
5. Use arrows to move between matching messages

Method 3: Find Shared Media and Documents

To locate old files:

1. Open the chat
2. Tap the contact or group name
3. Choose Media, Links, and Docs
4. View files neatly arranged by type

This method is very useful for finding old photos or documents.

Tips to Get Better Search Results

• Use short and clear words
• Avoid typing full sentences
• Check spelling carefully
• Search inside a specific chat if results are too many
• Use media filters for files instead of text search

WhatsApp shows better results when the exact words match the original message.

Important Points to Remember

• Deleted messages cannot be found
• Archived chats are still searchable
• Voice notes cannot be searched by words
• Results depend on messages saved on your phone
• No third-party app is required

Also read: How to Lock WhatsApp Chats on iPhone (Easy Guide)

Conclusion

Searching messages on WhatsApp is very easy once you know the right steps. Both Android and iPhone users can quickly find text messages, links, photos, videos, and documents using WhatsApp’s safe and built-in tools. Using the search feature regularly can save a lot of time and make your chats easier to manage.