WhatsApp rolls out Group Message History feature to help new members catch up instantly

• WhatsApp rolls out Group Message History for new group members
• Admins can share 25 to 100 recent messages with new users
• End-to-end encryption feature rollout started February 19, 2026

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WhatsApp has started rolling out a new Group Message History feature aimed at making group chats more welcoming and easier to follow for newly added members. The update allows group admins and participants to share recent messages with new users so they can quickly understand ongoing conversations without relying on screenshots or forwarded texts.

The company has confirmed that the feature is end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the same privacy standards as personal and group messages across the platform. The rollout began gradually from February 19, 2026.

How the feature works

When a new member is added to a group, admins or members will now see an option to share recent messages. Users can choose to send anywhere between 25 and 100 of the latest messages. This ensures only relevant and recent context is shared rather than the entire chat history.

WhatsApp has designed the experience to be clear and transparent. Shared message history appears visually distinct from ongoing chats and includes timestamps and sender names. Everyone in the group is also notified when history is shared, making the process visible to all participants.

Sending message history is not automatic. It requires a manual action each time a new member joins. Group admins also have the power to disable the setting entirely if they prefer not to allow history sharing. However, admins will always retain the ability to share messages themselves.

WhatsApp has emphasized that all shared messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption, meaning only group members can access the content. This ensures convenience does not come at the cost of user privacy.

Gradual rollout

The company confirmed that Group Message History is being introduced in phases, so users may see the feature appear over the coming weeks. Once fully available, it is expected to become a standard part of the group chat experience across devices.