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WhatsApp is testing a new feature that allows users to send recent group chat history to newly added members, making it easier for them to understand ongoing conversations without asking others to repeat important updates.
The feature is currently being rolled out to selected users and may not yet be available to everyone. In a notice published on its Help Center, WhatsApp encouraged users to keep the app updated as the feature is gradually introduced.
"This is a new feature we're building and testing out and may not be available to you yet. In the meantime, we recommend keeping WhatsApp updated on your device so you can get the feature as soon as it's available," WhatsApp said.
The company said the feature allows users to send all available pinned messages together with up to 100 recent messages whenever a new participant joins a group.
"When you add a new member to a group, you may have the option to send message history to them to help them quickly get up to speed. You can send all available pinned messages and up to 100 messages," the company said.
To use the feature, users should open the WhatsApp group chat and tap the group name. They can then select Add, search for or choose the contact they want to add, switch on the Message history option, select the number of recent messages they would like to send, tap Add members, and then Continue to complete the process.
Once the history is shared, the newly added member will receive a notification informing them that previous messages have been sent. Existing members of the group will also see a system notification confirming that message history has been shared with the new participant.
WhatsApp also gives group administrators control over the feature. Admins can open the group information page, select group permissions, and turn the send message history option on or off. If the feature is disabled, members who add new participants will not have the option to share previous conversations.
The update is expected to benefit work teams, schools, community organisations and family groups where discussions often continue over long periods. Instead of asking other members to explain what was discussed earlier, new participants can quickly review the shared messages and better understand the context of the conversation.
WhatsApp has
not announced a global rollout date but says the feature will become available
to more users as testing continues.
