In-chat search lets you find specific messages inside an individual conversation in Inbox. You can use it to quickly locate keywords, details, or past exchanges within the conversation you have open.

In-chat search only searches within the current conversation.

This is different from the search bar above the conversation list, which searches across conversations and broader Inbox records.

Before you begin

You need access to the conversation to use in-chat search.

If you do not have access to a conversation, the chat header controls, including the search icon, will not appear. 

Search within a conversation

Follow these steps to search for messages inside the conversation you have open.

Step 1: Open in-chat search

1. Click on the  icon in the left navigation bar to go to Inbox
2. Open a conversation from the conversation list
3. Click the search icon in the chat header.
   

A search input opens at the top of the conversation. The search is scoped only to the conversation you currently have open.

Step 2: Enter a keyword

1. Type the keyword you want to find in the search input.
   
2. You must enter at least 2 characters before search results appear. Search results update as you type.
3. In-chat search is case-insensitive. For example, searching for order can also return matches for Order or ORDER.
4. When matches are found, the matching text is highlighted in the conversation. The active match uses a stronger highlight, while other matches use a lighter highlight.
   

Step 3: Navigate between matches

1. When search results are found, the result count appears beside the search input. For example, 2 of 8.
   
2. Use the up and down arrow buttons beside the result count to move between matches.
3. The active match automatically scrolls into view. After you reach the last match, navigation returns to the first match.
   1. If no matches are found, the result count displays No results.
   2. If more than 1,000 matches are found, the count displays as 1000+.

Filter search results by date range

You can narrow down your in-chat search results by applying a date range filter.

Step 1: Open the date filter

1. While in-chat search is open, click the calendar icon next to the search input.
2. A date range picker opens.
   
    

Step 2: Select a date range

Choose one of the preset date ranges, or select a custom date range.

• For Custom date, the “From” date is required. The “To” date is optional.
• You cannot select future dates.
• After selecting a date range, click “Apply filter”.
• The selected date range appears as a badge next to your keyword. Messages outside the selected date range are excluded, and the result count updates automatically.

Step 3: Remove the date range filter

1. To remove the date range filter, click the  icon on the date range badge.
   
2. The search results update to show all matches for the keyword, regardless of date.
3. You can also click the  calendar icon again and select “Clear all” to remove the filter.

Close or reset in-chat search

The search state resets when you close in-chat search or switch to another conversation.

You can close in-chat search by clicking the icon on the search bar.

When in-chat search is closed or you switch conversations, the following are cleared:

• Keyword
• Selected date range
• Message highlights
• Result count
• Current match position

The contact sidebar becomes visible again after in-chat search is closed.

Important notes

• In-chat search only searches within the conversation you currently have open.
• You must enter at least 2 characters before search results appear.
• Search is case-insensitive.
• Search results update as you type.
• Date range filters apply only to the current in-chat search session.
• Search state is not saved after you close search or switch conversations.
• If more than 1,000 matches are found, the count displays as 1000+.
• Keyword highlights may not appear on messages with special formatting.