minLength Number(default: 1)

The minimum number of characters the user must type before a search is performed. Set to a higher value if the search could match a lot of items. A zero value means that a request will be made as soon as the user focuses the widget.

Widget will initiate a request when input value is cleared. If you would like to prevent this behavior please check the filtering event for more details.

Example - set minLength

<select id="multiselect" multiple="multiple">
    <option>Item1</option>
    <option>Item2</option>
</select>
<script>
$("#multiselect").kendoMultiSelect({
  minLength: 3
});
</script>