WhatsApp rolls out ‘Advanced Search’ feature for Android beta users, here's how it works

WhatsApp's new search feature can now be tested out by beta users on its Android app.

WhatsApp beta on Android gets a new feature. (Bloomberg)

WhatsApp has started rolling out the ‘Advanced Search' feature for beta users on Android. This feature has been in testing for the past few months and was first rolled out to iOS users.

As the name suggests, this feature makes searching for files on WhatsApp easier. It essentially creates categories of different kinds of media and files shared on WhatsApp. The new Advanced Search feature isn't available on WhatsApp's stable version yet. But Android users who are on WhatsApp's beta programme can start using it. As for those who are interested to try out unreleased WhatsApp features can do so by enrolling in WhatsApp's beta programme through this link.

WhatsApp's new search feature. (HT Tech)

WhatsApp's new search feature. (HT Tech)

WhatsApp Advanced Search: How it works

The new feature is turned on by default on the WhatsApp app. Now when you select the search tool on top of the app, a drop down menu will appear with different options including photos, videos, links, GIFs, audio and documents. You can tap on any of the options to search for that particular item or you can simply type out in the search bar. Now when you type in the search bar, the search results will include related photos, videos and more along with chats.

WhatsApp's Advanced Search feature. (HT Tech)

WhatsApp's Advanced Search feature. (HT Tech)

Selecting any of the options will show everything that has been shared of that particular file type on WhatsApp. For example, if you select photos, you'll see all the photos that you sent and received on WhatsApp. You can also type within these search boxes. There's also an option to switch to grid view which shows chats with either photos, videos, or GIFs.

The new search feature on WhatsApp is pretty helpful especially if you're someone who stores a lot of data on the app. There's no word on WhatsApp will release this feature for all Android users but since it's on beta now it should arrive pretty soon.