January 8, 2026, 6:50 am | Read time: 2 minutes
After a testing phase, WhatsApp is officially launching the group message history feature. This new function allows new members to be brought up to speed with selected previous messages.
From Testing Phase to Official Launch
WhatsApp had already tested the new feature in a beta version. In the Android beta version 2.26.1.28, they tested how selected previous messages could be shared when adding new members. Now, the messenger has officially announced the feature and begun its gradual rollout.
With the group message history, group admins and members can inform new participants about the current status directly upon joining. Instead of forwarding important content individually or sharing via screenshots, the last messages of the group can be transmitted in a bundle.
WhatsApp Announces Several New Features for the App
How to Disable Meta AI in WhatsApp Chats
Up to 100 Messages Selectable
When adding a new person, it can be specified how many of the most recent messages should be shared. It is possible to release between 25 and 100 messages. New members thus receive a compact overview of ongoing discussions and agreements without having to read the entire chat history.
The group message history remains end-to-end encrypted like all personal messages. This technology ensures that only the involved parties can view the content. According to WhatsApp, the feature is intended to make group chats faster and more private and to avoid unnecessary forwarding.
Also interesting: This feature is now disappearing from WhatsApp
Transparency and Control for Admins
Sharing the message history does not happen automatically. Admins can disable the setting for their groups but always retain the option to share the history. Thus, the decision to release older content remains with the respective group.
To maintain transparency, all group members are informed when a message history is sent. The shared content is visually distinct from normal messages. Additionally, timestamps and information about the respective sender remain clearly visible.