Finally, WhatsApp Launches 'One of the Most Requested Features From Users'

Finally, WhatsApp Launches 'One of the Most Requested Features From Users'

  • WhatsApp has introduced a new feature that allows new group members to view recent messages sent before they joined
  • The new feature requested by users for a long time, and it is now finally available
  • Admins and members can alsochoose to forward between 25 and 100 past messages in the new update

Legit.ng journalist Dave Ibemere has experience in business journalism, with in-depth knowledge of the Nigerian economy, stocks, and general market trends.

WhatsApp has officially rolled out one of its most requested feature called group message history.

The update, now available on Android and iOS, is designed to help newcomers catch up on conversations without needing to ask for screenshots or summaries from existing members.

WhatsApp just made busy groups easier to follow.
Finally WhatsApp lets new members catch up on old messages. Photo: wabetainfo
Source: Facebook

Previously, anyone joining a group chat could only see messages sent after their arrival, which often made catching up in busy groups difficult.

The new “Group Message History” feature allows group admins and existing members to forward between 25 and 100 recent messages to newcomers, helping them catch up on the conversation.

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Major changes in group message history

By default, the original behaviour remains unchanged, meaning new members will still only see messages from their join date unless someone takes action to share earlier messages. Admins can also disable the setting for a specific group if they prefer.

When enabled, the feature allows forwarding of between 25 and 100 of the most recent messages, and all group members are notified when this happens.

Forwarded messages are displayed with a distinct appearance to clearly indicate that they are historical, wabetainfo reports.

WhatsApp confirmed that these messages remain end-to-end encrypted, maintaining the same level of privacy as all chats on the platform.

The feature also provides flexibility in how much history is shared. By default, only messages from the past 14 days are included, but users can select to share fewer messages, with options of 25, 50, 75, or 100 messages depending on their preference.

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This allows groups to bring newcomers up to speed while keeping sensitive or older discussions private if desired.

WhatsApp’s new feature helps newcomers join the conversation seamlessly.
WhatsApp also now lets admins control how chat history is shared. Photo: Nurphoto
Source: UGC

WhatsApp described the update as a “quicker, more private way to keep conversations flowing, with no more screenshots and no more unnecessary message forwarding.”

Independent UK reports that the feature is currently being rolled out gradually to users worldwide.

WhatsApp described the update as:

“Quicker, more private way to keep conversations flowing, with no more screenshots and no more unnecessary message forwarding.”

5 exciting new features users could get on WhatsApp

Legit.ng earlier reported that WhatsApp is reportedly testing a premium subscription plan for its personal messaging app, giving users the option to unlock extra customisation and convenience features without affecting the free version.

Early leaks suggest the premium plan is aimed at users who love putting their personal stamp on their chats, and it will be optional.

WhatsApp plans to provide access to a new subscription plan through a waitlist.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Dave Ibemere avatar

Dave Ibemere (Senior Business Editor) Dave Ibemere is a senior business editor at Legit.ng. He is a financial journalist with over a decade of experience in print and online media. He also holds a Master's degree from the University of Lagos. He is a member of the African Academy for Open-Source Investigation (AAOSI), the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and other media think tank groups. He previously worked with The Guardian, BusinessDay, and headed the business desk at Ripples Nigeria. Email: dave.ibemere@corp.legit.ng.