Global search release: Finding a needle in a message-stack

Global search is the newest feature to arrive in Session! Search functionality is an essential addition — especially for people who use Session regularly and have thousands of messages to sift through. 

Previously, you’ve been able to search for messages in specific groups — but now searches are goin’ global like Pitbull.

In case you haven’t heard, we recently added some new superstar devs to the Session team. Features should be rolling out more quickly — and global search is just the first of many. And for those wondering — yes, calls are getting very close, and the public beta is ongoing. 

In the meantime, global search is live now, so head over to our downloads page to find links for the latest versions of Session.

Quick answers about global search

What is global search?

Global search allows you to search your Session client’s database for specific keywords.

What can I search for using global search? 

Global search allows you to search for keywords found in your messages (in direct messages, closed groups, and open groups), usernames, and group names. 

How do I use global search?

You can check out our video demo on YouTube.

On mobile

1. At the top of your home screen, tap on the magnifying glass to open the search screen

2. Type the keyword you want to search for

3. Session will display your search results under headings ‘Contacts and Groups’ and ‘Messages’

4. Tap on the result you want to view, and Session will open the contact or message

5. Done!

On desktop

1. Navigate to the messages tab using the sidebar

2. Click on the search bar at the top of the messages section

3. Type the keyword you want to search for

Click on the result you want to view, and Session will open the contact or message

5.Done!

Go try a search on Session!

Global search is live right now, so what are you waiting for? Go and try it out! 

In the meantime, stay tuned for more releases and features on Session. A new release round-up should be on its way soon — so subscribe to our email list to receive it in your inbox.