Key Highlights

• WhatsApp rolls out Group Message History to help new members catch up quickly
• Admins can choose to share 25 to 100 recent messages manually
• Shared history is clearly marked and visible to all group members
• Admins can disable the feature for sensitive group conversations

WhatsApp has started rolling out Group Message History, a highly requested feature that gives new group members immediate context. The company confirmed the update on February 19. With this change, WhatsApp aims to fix a long-standing problem that affects active group chats worldwide.

Until now, new members often joined conversations without understanding prior discussions. As a result, they either stayed silent or asked repeated questions. With Group Message History, WhatsApp now offers a simple way to bridge that gap.

What is WhatsApp Group Message History?

Group Message History allows users to share recent messages with someone newly added to a group. When adding a member, WhatsApp prompts the admin or participant to send past messages. Users can choose to share between 25 and 100 messages.

This approach keeps conversations focused. Instead of flooding new members with full chat archives, WhatsApp limits sharing to recent and relevant context. As a result, new members can follow discussions faster.

More importantly, WhatsApp does not enable this feature by default. Someone must actively choose to share message history. This decision gives groups more control and avoids accidental oversharing.

How does message sharing work in group chats?

When users share message history, WhatsApp highlights those messages visually. The shared messages appear separate from ongoing chats. At the same time, timestamps and sender names remain visible.

Additionally, WhatsApp notifies everyone in the group when message history is shared. This notification ensures transparency and keeps all members informed. Because of this design, group members always know what information new users receive.

By doing so, WhatsApp balances convenience with accountability. New members gain clarity, while existing members retain visibility.

Can admins control or disable Group Message History?

Admins retain full control over this feature. If needed, they can disable Group Message History entirely from group settings. This option helps groups that handle sensitive or confidential discussions.

Once disabled, WhatsApp blocks any message sharing when adding new members. As a result, admins can protect conversations without changing how groups function daily.

WhatsApp says it built this control based on direct user feedback. Therefore, the feature adapts to different group needs instead of forcing a single workflow.

Why is WhatsApp expanding group chat features?

Group chats drive a large portion of WhatsApp’s daily usage. Over the past month, the platform introduced member tags, text stickers, and event reminders.

Now, Group Message History builds on that momentum. Instead of changing how people chat, the feature improves how people join conversations.

In conclusion, WhatsApp Group Message History focuses on clarity, control, and transparency. For millions of users, joining a group should now feel far less confusing.