February 29, 2024
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, has rolled out a significant update, simplifying the process of searching for older messages on the messaging platform. Users can now conveniently search for specific messages or media on WhatsApp by selecting the desired date, streamlining the search process and eliminating the need to scroll through extensive chat histories.
The update is currently being deployed to both Android and iPhone users, extending the same functionality to WhatsApp web users and those utilising the platform on PC or Mac. Mark Zuckerberg, Meta's CEO, shared this development through his WhatsApp channel, keeping users informed about the latest improvements.
To locate a message from a particular date, users can navigate to the chat or group, click on the name, and choose the "search" option. Android users will find a calendar icon in the top right corner, while iPhone users can access it at the bottom right corner.
By clicking on the calendar icon and selecting the date, WhatsApp seamlessly directs users to messages from the specified date, facilitating easy navigation through historical messages.
This update adds to the array of features introduced by WhatsApp in recent months, including various text formatting options like bold, italic, strikethrough, monospace, and more.
The platform has also implemented several security-centric features, reinforcing its commitment to user safety. Notably, Android users should be aware that backing up chats on Google Drive is no longer free, as WhatsApp chats now contribute to the allocated storage quota on the platform.