WhatsApp Group Chat History for new members now live

WhatsApp is rolling out its Group Message History feature in February 2026, letting group admins and members share up to 100 previous messages with new joiners. The feature aims to give newcomers instant context without requiring screenshots or lengthy explanations from existing members.

How does the Group Message History feature work?

When adding new members to a group, admins and existing participants now see a 'Send messages' option. They can choose to share the last 25, 50, 75, or 100 messages with the new person. WhatsApp set the 100-message limit because 'new members only need to read the most relevant, recent context, and the whole group can easily see the messages that have been shared.'

The feature puts control firmly in admins' hands. They can turn off Group Message History at any time, and all group members get notified when someone shares older messages, including sender details and message timestamps.

What this means for UAE WhatsApp users

The feature addresses a common frustration for WhatsApp's massive user base in the UAE, where group chats are central to both personal and professional communication. Previously, new members joining family groups, work teams, or social circles would miss crucial context, forcing others to recap conversations or send screenshots.

For businesses and professional groups particularly common in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this streamlines onboarding new team members or clients into project discussions. The WhatsApp's New Safety Overview feature works alongside this update to help users identify potentially problematic groups.

Does the feature maintain encryption?

WhatsApp confirms that group messages, including shared history, remain end-to-end encrypted. When someone provides access to older messages, all members get a notification showing exactly which messages were shared and by whom.

The timing is notable given recent scrutiny of WhatsApp's encryption. A lawsuit claimed the app's encryption is ineffective because Meta employees can access user messages for work purposes, though Meta has denied these claims. The Group Message History feature doesn't change WhatsApp's encryption model.

When can you use it?

Group Message History is rolling out in stages globally, so availability varies by region and device. Keeping your WhatsApp app updated increases your chances of accessing the feature sooner. The gradual rollout follows WhatsApp's typical pattern for major features, similar to how they launched new features around New Year.

The update builds on recent group chat improvements, including member tags that let participants add short captions below their names. WhatsApp continues expanding group functionality as competition intensifies with apps like Telegram and newer messaging platforms.

Availability and rollout

The Group Message History feature is free for all WhatsApp users and doesn't require any subscription. The staged rollout means some users will see it before others, but WhatsApp hasn't provided specific timelines for different regions including the UAE. Regular app updates through the App Store or Google Play Store will ensure you get the feature as soon as it's available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does WhatsApp's Group Message History feature work?

Admins and members can choose to share the last 25, 50, 75, or 100 messages with new group members when they join. The feature appears as a 'Send messages' option when adding someone new.

Is the Group Message History feature end-to-end encrypted?

Yes, WhatsApp states that group messages, including shared history, remain end-to-end encrypted. All members get notified when messages are shared with timestamps and sender details.

Can group admins disable the Group Message History feature?

Yes, group admins can turn the feature off at any time. They have complete control over whether new members can access previous messages in their groups.

When will the feature be available in UAE?

WhatsApp is rolling out Group Message History in stages globally. Keep your app updated to access the feature as soon as it reaches your region.

Does sharing message history notify other group members?

Yes, when someone shares older messages with new members, all group participants receive a notification showing who shared the messages and which ones were included.

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