Search for Google Chat messages

In Google Chat, you can search:

• In all your messages
• For messages that include specific people
• For messages that include certain types of content, such as images

Important:

• To search for Chat messages in Gmail, turn on Chat in Gmail.
• You can search for messages in conversations you joined or can join.
• You can search for messages in Chat.
• You can’t search for messages using the Gmail API.
• Even if you’re invited to join, you can’t search for messages in conversations or spaces that a different organization owns.

Chat suggestions

As you type in the Chat search bar, suggestions may appear based on your search history. You can select a suggested search result to find messages.

• Suggestions are available on Android and iOS.
• Suggestions are stored for 90 days after their use.
• Search history for suggestions isn’t shared between Chat and Chat in Gmail.
• You can delete your recent searches or your entire search history.

Search for Chat messages in conversations you've already joined

1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
   • For Gmail: On the left, click Chat or Spaces.
2. At the top, click the search box.
3. Enter search text.
   • For Gmail: You can also use the search operator in:chats.
4. Press Enter.
   • For Gmail: Under the search box, click Messages.
5. Click a result.

Search for Chat messages in a space or conversation

1. Go to Google Chat or your Gmail account.
2. Select the space or conversation you want to search.
3. At the top right, click Search in this chat .
   • Gmail: Under the search box, click Messages.
4. Enter search text.
5. Press Enter.
6. To open a result, click on it.

Add filters when you search for Chat messages

1. Go to your Gmail account.
2. On the left, select Chat or Spaces.
3. Enter search text. As you enter text, filters appear below.
4. Select a filter to find the following types of messages:
   • From: Messages sent from specific people.
   • Said in: Messages said in a specific conversation or space.
   • Date: Messages sent during a specific date range.
   • Has file: Messages that include documents, spreadsheets, slides, and more.
   • Has link: Messages that include links.
   • Mentions me: Messages that mention you.
5. To open a result, click it.