WhatsApp is rolling out a new in-chat search button to iPhone users after weeks of beta testing. Previously, searching within a conversation required tapping the contact or group name, selecting search from the chat info screen, and then entering a query. The new button streamlines this process by letting users start searching without leaving the chat.

According to WABetaInfo, the button appears contextually at the top of the screen when users scroll up through a conversation and disappears when they return to the bottom. Tapping it activates search mode directly within the conversation, allowing users to type keywords and find matching messages instantly. The search functionality works identically to the existing system, requiring no learning curve.

The shortcut is available across individual chats, group chats, and channels. As with most WhatsApp feature rollouts, the new search button may take some time to reach all users globally.