Google Adds Review Search to Play Store

Google has introduced a new search feature for user reviews in the Google Play Store, enabling Android users to quickly locate specific feedback on apps and games. The update, which began rolling out widely with Play Store version 50.7.2431, addresses a common frustration by allowing keyword searches within thousands of reviews, helping users identify features, bugs, or other experiences without manual scrolling.

The feature activates in an app's ratings section. Users can tap the ratings indicator at the top of an app listing and select "See all reviews," or scroll to the Reviews and ratings area and click the magnifying glass icon below the AI-generated summary. A search bar then appears at the top, where entering at least two words yields results highlighting matching reviews. The system relies on exact keyword matches, bolding the terms in displayed comments, and offers suggested popular queries to guide searches for common issues like performance problems or subscription concerns. Reviews do not appear as users type, requiring a manual search activation, and single-word inputs produce no results.

This addition streamlines app evaluation, particularly for those verifying...