Using the Advanced Search Rule Builder

The Advanced Search Rule Builder helps you filter messages or contacts efficiently. In the Messages tab, use it to organize your inbox, and in the Contacts tab, find specific contacts to message based on custom criteria. Save your filters for quick future use. Get started with the rule builder below.

  Table of Contents

1

From the Messages or Contacts tab, select "advanced search"

an arrow pointing out the advanced search option on the left of the screen

 
2

Create your first rule

  1. Decide if you want to match 'All' or 'Any' of the conditions you set
  2. Add conditions that must be be met in your search
  3. (Optional) Rename your rule to help you remember what it does in the future

the advanced search rule builder

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ALL vs. ANY
  • All: Similar to an AND function. Contacts need to match all conditions listed.
  • Any: Similar to an OR function. Contacts only need to match one or more conditions.
 
3

If needed, select "add another rule" and repeat step 2 to create additional rules

 

 
4

Set the overall match rules to All or Any

Do contacts need to match all of the rules or any of the rules?
an arrow pointing out the location of the overall "rule match" selection

 
5

Select "Search"

the Search button

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Check Your Data!

Small typos in an advanced search can lead to incorrect data. After applying the search, look at the number of contacts that match the search and do some spot checks to ensure the correct contacts appear.

 
6

Save your rule for future access (Optional)

  1. Select the drop down arrow next to the search bar
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  2. Select Save This Search
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  3. Name and save the search

the location of the drop down and "Save This Search" text under the Contacts tab

Creating an Unread Filter

Finding unread messages can be cumbersome, but with this simple filter, you can access them in seconds! Message doesn't come with an unread filter by default, but here's how you can create one yourself in just a few steps.

1

Under the "Messages" tab, select "advanced search"

an arrow pointing out the location of the "advanced search" option under the Messages tab

 
2

Under Rule #1, add a condition to show only unread conversations

  • From the Select attribute dropdown, select Read
  • From the Select operator dropdown, select equals
  • From the third dropdown, select False

Advanced Search interface with option to match all conditions where 'Read' equals 'False'.

 
3

Click "Search"

Red arrow pointing to a "Search" button next to a "Cancel" button.

 
4

Save the search for future access

  1. Select the dropdown next to the search bar.
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  2. Select Save This Search
  3. Name (e.g., Unread) and save the search

the location of the drop down and "Save This Search" text under the Messages tab