How to use the XDA search feature

Welcome to a guide to using the amazing XDA search feature. This guide is primarily for our newest users, but can also be handy for more seasoned members as well.



This guide is based on the XDA PC 2015 theme. Themes can be selected at the bottom of any XDA forum page using PC or mobile browser.



What is one of the most common things XDA users get flamed for?



Not searching before posting.

First, here's some helpful searching tips and tricks





Use keywords. Using specific keywords will help filter your search to more specific results.



If posting a question in the Q and A forum, type your question in the "Search Forum" box first. This will show you if the question has already been asked.



Be specific. If you want to find a root method for your device, find your device's General forum, then type "(device name) root" in the "Search forum" box.



Take your time when looking through search results. Patience is a virtue. Remember, the amount of information on XDA is vast. Chances are, if you have a question, there's already a thread about it. If the device you're searching for has any support, there will be information available.



Read. READ. Succeed.



Finding your device forums with Type to find a device

First, start by typing your device name in the Type to find device box.

Here we see what happens when you type in the find my device box. Suggestions start to appear that are similar to your query.

Once you've typed in the full device name, click on the drop down or press enter.

If there are specific forums for your device, this will lead you to them. This should be the result:

From there, you now have access to all of the forums related specifically to your device.

Using the Search all forums box

Sometimes, if you type a device in the Type to find device box, there may be no results. Have no fear, that doesn't mean that there isn't tons of useful information on XDA about it. This is when we use the Search all forums box.

Let's do a search for a lower activity device:

Here, I'm searching for an Alcatel One touch.

I know from XDA assist that this is a common but low activity device. So now we click on the device name and that leads us here:

You are now seeing all the threads that mention or are tagged with the device you searched for.

If you were looking for root methods for the Alcatel one touch idol 3, You'd type in the Search all forums box "Alcatel one touch idol 3 root".

That would look like this:

From here, you can find relevant threads regarding your specific search.

Now, let us discover yet another awesome search feature!

Using the Search this thread box

This search box is located on the top right of any specific thread, right next to the page counter. From here, we can search for specific things inside of a specific thread.

For example, I will now search a specific thread for a specific item or term:

I'm searching for posts that contain the keywords PRL update.

Here is what the results look like:

You will see all the results for your keywords.

One last search feature to discuss, the Search this forum box.

Using the Search this forum box

At the top right of every forum, there is a Search forum box. Use this to find specific threads inside of that specific forum.

For example, I will now search the Nexus 6 general forum for the OTA help desk thread:

This what the results show:

This is a handy feature if you know what you're looking for. Also, use this feature before creating a new post. This will let you know if your question has already been asked or your topic has already been posted.

I hope this helps guide you to what you're searching for a little easier. I also hope it helps prevent flaming. Search is your friend, use it to its fullest capacity.

It can be quite daunting joining a site with so many experienced members. So much information and spread out over so many threads and forums. We've all been there. So I'm creating a basic guide to how to use one of the most important features of this amazing site. We'll start with finding your device and its relevant forums and also how to find specific information in specific threads. As a member of XDA assist, I use the XDA search feature constantly. I assure you, it works very well when used properly. Let's begin!(I'll use the Nexus 6 as an example)For steps on shaking your noob status and information on "Let me Google that for you", look HERE. Thanks @ TonyStark for constant support, guidance, and friendship.