- Restart WhatsApp or your iPhone to fix any temporary issues that may be causing the problem.
- Such issues with WhatsApp often arise due to an outdated app build, so make sure to update the app on your iPhone.
- Try disabling and re-enabling iCloud sync for WhatsApp to see if that fixes the issue with search.
Fix 1: Disable and Re-Enable iCloud Sync for WhatsApp
If WhatsApp has trouble retrieving chats from iCloud, it may get stuck when using the search tool. You can try refreshing WhatsApp’s iCloud sync permission and see if that fixes the problem.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on your name at the top.
Step 2: Tap iCloud . Under Apps Using iCloud, tap Show All .
Step 3: Locate and disable the toggle for WhatsApp . Wait for a few seconds and turn it back on.
Fix 2: Disable Background App Refresh for WhatsApp
This may seem odd, but several Reddit users reported success in resolving issues with WhatsApp search by disabling the Background App Refresh permission for the app. You can also give this method a shot.
Step 1: Open the Settings app > scroll down to tap on WhatsApp .
Step 2: Disable the toggle for Background App Refresh .
Fix 3: Turn off Siri Suggestions for WhatsApp
On iOS, Apple’s virtual assistant—Siri—analyzes information from third-party apps like WhatsApp to provide relevant search suggestions . This feature can interfere with WhatsApp and prevent you from searching for messages. To avoid this, disable Siri suggestions for WhatsApp by following the steps below.
Step 1: Open the Settings app and scroll down to tap on WhatsApp .
Step 2: Tap on Siri & Search and disable the toggles for Learn from this App and Show App in Search .
