Subscribe Sign In
  • Agencies
  • Brands
  • Creativity
  • Media
  • TV
  • Commerce
  • Tech
  • Healthcare

Chat & Messaging

Instagram: How to Search for Messages in Chats on Mobile

Users can find content that was previously shared

 
Instagram users can search for messages that were previously shared in conversationsMeta
BL_Shaul
By Brandy Shaul

Instagram allows users to search for specific messages in conversations, rather than requiring them to scroll through their message history to find something that was previously said.

Our guide will show you how to search for messages in chats in the Instagram mobile application.

Note: These screenshots were captured in the Instagram app on iOS.

Step 1: Open the conversation containing the message(s) you want to find and tap the conversation name at the top of the screen.

Screenshot of an Instagram conversation with a red arrow pointing at the conversation name at the top of the screen

Step 2: Under the “More actions” section, tap “Search in conversation.”

Screenshot of the "Details" screen for an Instagram conversation with a red arrow pointing at "Search in conversation"

Step 3: Type your search query in the search bar that appears on the screen. Note: On iOS, you can tap the “Search” button in the bottom-right corner of your device’s keyboard to perform your search after you’ve typed your query.

Screenshot of the "Details" screen for an Instagram conversation with a red arrow pointing at the search bar that has appeared at the top of the screen

From there, you’ll see a list of search results that match your query. If you tap a message in the search results, the app will take you back to the conversation where you can view the message in its original context.

Screenshot of Instagram's search results screen showing the messages that match the user's search query
BL_Shaul

Brandy Shaul

Brandy is a freelance writer for Adweek covering augmented reality.

@blshaul|
Recommended videos
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ADWEEK Branded
post-image
The Power of Pause Ads
Kara Manatt, EVP, Partner Intelligence, Omnicom Media
post-image
Measurement in the Age of AI
Shekhar Deshpande, Head of Global Clients and Agency Marketing, Meta
post-image
The New Playbook for Sports Marketing
Spectrum Reach
post-image
3 Ways Smart Brands Can Turn Seasonal Momentum Into Lasting Engagement
Strava For Business

The Latest

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Newsletters

Newsletter Subscribe Image
Your 5-minute morning advantage. ADWEEK Daily delivers the most important headlines in marketing, media, and tech—every weekday.
Newsletter Subscribe Image
AI, commerce, M&A—this is where media and marketing intersect with money. Sign up for Tech & Money and follow the power shifts that matter.

By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . You may opt-out anytime by clicking 'unsubscribe' from the newsletter or from your account.

Select ADWEEK as one of your favorite sources and stay up to date on our latest content.

Social Marketing

brand genius creators

Nominations Open for 2027 ADWEEK Brand Genius Creators

ADWEEK Launches Inaugural Creator Economy Power List

Meta Eyes Enterprise Spend With Muse for Small Business Launch

By Mark Stenberg
(L-R) ADWEEK’s Ryan Joe, Hootsuite’s Christina O'Reilly

AI Is Changing How Marketers Respond to Social Signals

By Seth Simons
Viral Nation’s Nicholas Spiro

Viewing Social Media as an Extension of Human Instinct

By Emily Dalamangas

Meta’s TikTok Link Ban Could Hobble Media Buyers' Creator Campaigns

The ban underscores the importance for buyers to diversify their platform spend

By Mark Stenberg & Trishla Ostwal & Kendra Barnett
monkeys social grooming evolution biology

What Primates Can Teach Us About Social Media Marketing

The difference between reaching people and moving them.

By Nicholas Spiro

Meta's Push on Rivals May Be PR Genius, If It Doesn't Overplay Its Hand

By Kendra Barnett
(L-R) Amber Balcaen, Viral Nation's Brandon Lentino, ADWEEK's Chelsea Bakken

Social Marketing That Moves at the Speed of Sports

By Justin Chin
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Media Kit
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Event Calendar
  • Marketing Vanguard
  • Industry Job Openings
  • Subscription Options
  • FAQs
  • Newsletters
  • Customer Service
  • ADWEEK Connect
  • ADWEEK Events
  • Awards
  • Sponsored Content
  • Resource Library
  • Partner Experts
  • Webinars
  • ADWEEK Wire
  • Trophies / Awards / Seals
  • ADWEEK Podcast Network
  • Back Issues
  • Buy Vintage Ads
  • Reprints / E-Prints
  • RSS
    ©2026 Adweek - All Rights Reserved
  • Do not sell my personal information
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy