WhatsApp has launched a new feature called “Group Message History” aimed at making group chats easier to follow, especially for members who join after discussions have already begun.
The update allows group admins and members to share a selected batch of recent messages with new participants, helping them quickly understand ongoing conversations without relying on screenshots or forwarded messages.
For years, users have manually shared chat summaries to bring new members up to speed, often resulting in cluttered conversations. The new feature streamlines the process by enabling members to share between 25 and 100 recent messages directly within the group.
Sharing the message history is not automatic. It requires a deliberate action, and group admins have the option to disable the feature entirely. Even if disabled, admins can still choose to share recent messages when necessary.
WhatsApp said privacy remains central to the update. Shared messages are protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring that only group members can access the content.
To promote transparency, the app notifies the group when message history has been shared. The forwarded messages are clearly marked and include timestamps and information about the original sender to avoid confusion.
The feature is being rolled out gradually and will become available to more users in the coming weeks.
With Group Message History, WhatsApp aims to make group chats more organised and inclusive without disrupting the natural flow of conversations.
