is making it easier for iPhone users to dig up conversations. WhatsApp is rolling out an in‑chat search button that appears right when you need it. Instead of digging through the chat information screen WhatsApp lets users search directly within a conversation whether it is a one‑on‑one chat, a group, or a channel.

Where does the new button show up?

The feature works a bit differently from what was seen during testing. Earlier beta versions kept the search icon parked at the bottom-right of the screen at all times. That’s changed in the final rollout.

According to WABetaInfo, the search button is placed near the top of the screen when you scroll up in a conversation. Scroll back down to the latest messages and the button disappears. This allows the shortcut button to appear only when it’s actually useful, keeping the chat window uncluttered the rest of the time.

The old way vs the new way

Until now, tracking down an older message meant a small detour. Users had to tap the contact or group name at the top of the chat, open the chat information screen and select the search option before being dropped back into the conversation to type a keyword. It worked, but it added unnecessary steps for something people often want to do quickly.

With the new button, that detour disappears. Tap the shortcut, type your keyword, and matching messages show up right there in the chat – no extra screens involved.

Same search, faster access

It’s worth noting that the actual search mechanism hasn’t been overhauled. Anyone already familiar with WhatsApp’s search won’t need to relearn anything – the real upgrade here is simply how quickly you can get to it.

The button isn’t limited to individual chats either. WABetaInfo reports that it also works in group chats and WhatsApp channels, following the same scroll-triggered feature throughout.

When will iPhone users get it?

The feature is now going live after weeks of beta testing, but as is typical with WhatsApp updates, it won’t roll out to every device simultaneously. Apple is rolling it out gradually, so some iPhone users may need to wait a bit before the new search shortcut appears on their end.