Key Benefit: Dramatically improve user experience by allowing users to instantly find past conversations, locate important messages, and navigate large chat histories with powerful dual-mode search capabilities.
Feature Overview
The Chat Search UIKit provides comprehensive search functionality that enables users to quickly find conversations and locate specific message content. It offers two distinct search modes optimized for different use cases - searching for channels by name and searching for specific message content across all conversations.Chat Search Mode
Find Conversations Fast
- Search by channel name and participants
- Real-time result updates
- Covers both conversation and community channels
- Archive status visibility
Message Search Mode
Locate Specific Content
- Full-text search across messages
- Context preview with highlights
- Jump to message in conversation
- Sender information display
Performance
Optimized Experience
- Efficient server-side indexing
- Instant search results
- Real-time updates
- Minimal resource usage
Archive Integration
Complete Coverage
- Search archived channels
- Clear archive indicators
- Access archived content
- Seamless navigation
Platform Support: Chat Search is available on Flutter (standalone
AmitySearchChannelPage), React Web, and React Native v4.3.0+ (reached from the chat home page, or rendered standalone as AmitySearchChannelPage from v4.3.1 — see the notes below). Refer to the platform UIKit for iOS and Android availability.Implementation Guide
- Chat Search
- Message Search
Find channels and conversationsSearch across conversation and community channels to quickly locate chats by name or participants.
Search Page
The AmitySearchChannelPage provides a unified search interface with tab-based navigation between Chat and Message search modes.Features
Code Examples
Search Scope: Chat Search mode searches across both active and archived channels, with clear indicators showing which channels are archived.
React Web: Search is not a standalone exported page on React Web. It is reached from
AmityChatHomePage via the header search entry, which opens the search view with the Chat / Message tabs. The Chat tab is backed by the SDK’s ChannelRepository.searchChannels (member channels of type conversation and community, sorted by last activity), and archived channels are indicated inline. No extra wiring is required — enable the chat home page and search is available.React Native (v4.3.0+): Search opens from the search button on the chat home page, with Chats and Messages tabs. From v4.3.1 you can also render
AmitySearchChannelPage on its own inside AmityPageRenderer. Results appear once the query is at least 3 characters. Archived channels show an archived badge; swipe a result row to archive or unarchive it. Tapping a result in the Messages tab opens the chat scrolled to that message. One-to-one chats with users the viewer has blocked are hidden from both tabs.Search Management Strategies
Search Experience Design
Search Experience Design
Creating intuitive search flowsDesign clear entry points to search functionality from your chat interface. Consider placing search prominently in navigation, providing keyboard shortcuts for power users, and ensuring smooth transitions between search results and conversations.
Performance Optimization
Performance Optimization
Handling large conversation volumesThe search component automatically handles performance optimization through server-side indexing and efficient result delivery. Real-time updates ensure users always see the most current results without manual refresh.
Privacy & Permissions
Privacy & Permissions
Maintaining access controlSearch results automatically respect user permissions and channel access. Private channels only appear for members, and deleted messages are excluded from results. Archive status reflects each user’s individual settings.
Best Practices
User Experience Optimization
User Experience Optimization
Designing effective search interactionsMake search easily discoverable in your chat interface, provide clear visual feedback during search operations, and ensure smooth navigation from search results to conversations. Consider adding search to your main navigation for quick access.
Search Result Presentation
Search Result Presentation
Displaying relevant informationThe search component automatically provides context through message previews, timestamps, and sender information. Ensure your UI design gives adequate space for these details to help users identify the correct results.
Archive Integration
Archive Integration
Managing archived contentSearch includes both active and archived channels with clear indicators. Plan how users will interact with archived results and ensure they understand archive status before accessing content.
Related Features
Recent Chats
Chat Management
Organize and navigate conversations
Group Chat
Multi-user Conversations
Create and manage group chats
Conversation Chat
Individual Messaging
One-on-one conversation features