WhatsApp has officially launched Group Message History, a feature designed to help new members catch up when joining an existing chat.
According to parent company Meta, the update is one of the platform’s most requested group chat improvements.
How group message history works
When adding someone new to a group, admins will now see an option to send recent messages directly to that member.
Key details:
- Share between 25 and 100 recent messages
- Only recent, relevant messages are included
- Message history sharing is optional, not automatic
- The entire group is notified when history is sent
For transparency, shared history appears visually distinct from regular messages and includes clear timestamps and sender information.
Admin control and privacy
WhatsApp emphasizes that message history is never shared automatically. It requires a deliberate action when adding a new participant.
Additionally, group admins can disable Group Message History entirely. This is an important safeguard for sensitive or private conversations.
This design balances convenience with privacy controls, ensuring context without compromising discretion.
Part of a broader group chat push
The rollout follows several recent group chat enhancements, including:
- Member tags
- Text stickers
- Event reminders
With Group Message History, WhatsApp addresses a common pain point: onboarding new members without forcing them to scroll endlessly or ask repetitive questions.
The feature is rolling out globally starting today.
