Facebook Group Search Not Working on iPhone or Android? Here’s the Fix

A frustrating issue has recently been experienced by many Facebook users: the search function inside groups no longer works as expected. When the search icon is tapped while inside a group, it no longer searches within the group itself. Instead, it redirects to Meta AI or the global Facebook search, often returning unrelated results.

Whether on iPhone 16,15 or Android, Samsung s24, this bug is making it difficult for users to find past posts, discussions, or useful information within their favorite groups.

Many iPhone, iPad and Android users reported the issue as :

• Group search function is searching all of Facebook instead of in the group
• No longer able to search inside a Facebook group. Clicking the search icon while in a group now searches globally.
• Search within groups no longer working, is this happening for anyone else?

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What’s the Problem With Facebook Group Search?

Traditionally, when the magnifying glass icon is tapped within a Facebook group, only that group is searched. However, users have reported that:

• Group search opens global Facebook search instead
• The search bar is replaced with Meta AI
• No way to filter posts within the specific group
• The issue persists across all groups, not just a specific one

This behavior is seen after a recent Facebook update, and has impacted users on:

• iPhone 15 and newer
• Samsung Galaxy S24, S25, and other Android devices
• Tablets and even desktop browsers in some cases

This problem has been widely reported by:

• Users trying to search car, business, and educational groups
• Admins trying to moderate or locate specific posts
• Professionals needing to check past posts for clients or support

For those who rely on Facebook groups for research or business purposes, the loss of this feature is a major disruption.

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How to fix Facebook doing Global search instead of Group Search: iPhone, Android

Temporary Fix: Use a Browser Instead

Until Facebook resolves the issue on the app, one reliable workaround for iPhone and Android has been discovered:

✅ Search Groups in a Browser

Use this link on Chrome or Safari:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/?filter=groups&sk=h_chr

Then:

1. Navigate to your group
2. Use the search bar at the top
3. Group-specific posts will be displayed

This also removes unrelated “Suggested for You” content, giving a cleaner view of group posts.

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Another Option: Use an Older App Version (Android Only)

Some Android users reported that uninstalling the latest Facebook version and downloading an older version from third-party app stores like Uptodown restored the old group search behavior. However, this method should be used with caution due to potential security risks.

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Report the Bug to Facebook

To help speed up a fix, users can shake their phone while the Facebook app is open. This triggers the bug report feature, where feedback can be submitted. The more reports Facebook receives, the faster the issue may be prioritized.

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Latest Update: Is It Fixed?

Some users have reported that the March 14, 2025 update finally fixed the issue. If you haven’t updated your app recently, it’s recommended to:

• Visit the App Store or Google Play Store
• Check for any available Facebook updates
• Install and test the group search function again

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Final Thoughts

The Facebook group search not working on iPhone and Android has been a widely reported issue. While no permanent fix is yet guaranteed across all devices, several workarounds — including using a browser or updating the app — have helped many users restore group search functionality.

Still having issues? Let others know what worked (or didn’t) for you in the comments, and consider reporting the bug directly in the app to help get Facebook’s attention.