Key Takeaways
- WhatsApp introduced a new catch-up function for group chats, allowing new members to view selected past messages.
- Group admins can choose to share 25, 50, 75, or 100 recent messages with newly added participants.
- A notification alerts the group when message history is shared, and all messages remain end-to-end encrypted.
- Admins control whether only they can share messages or allow other members to do so.
- The feature rolls out gradually, so not all users will access it at the same time.
WhatsApp has introduced a new catch-up function for group chats. The update allows recent messages to be shared with users who are newly added to a group. The feature was announced in February 2026.
Until now, new members could not view earlier conversations. They could only see messages sent after they joined. The new catch-up function addresses this limitation by allowing selected past messages to be forwarded within the chat.
How the Catch-Up Function Works
Group admins can choose how many recent messages to share. The available options are 25, 50, 75, or 100 messages. These messages are delivered directly to the newly added participant.
A notification appears in the group when message history is shared. The forwarded messages include the original timestamps and sender names. The feature does not unlock the full chat archive. Only the selected number of recent messages is transferred.
All shared messages remain protected by end-to-end encryption. The security standard is the same as regular WhatsApp chats.
Admin Controls and Availability
Administrators manage the feature settings. They can enable or disable message sharing. They may also control whether only admins can share previous messages or if other group members can do so.
The function applies only when someone joins an existing group. It does not activate automatically. Admins must select the message range before sending.
The rollout is gradual. Not all users will receive the update at the same time. WhatsApp advises users to update the app to access new features as they become available.
Source: https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/whatsapp-adds-catch-up-function-to-group-chats/812788/