# WhatsApp group chats get 4 new features: Group Status, permanent pins, history sharing and a Mentions filter

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/technology/whatsapp-group-chats-get-4-new-features-group-status-permanent-pins-history)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 31 Oct 2026
Updated: 31 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 1 Nov 2026

> Rolling out now on Android and iPhone in Pakistan. What each feature does, how to use it, and why the permanent pin will matter most to family and school groups.

**WhatsApp has added four new features to group chats: Group Status, pins with no time limit, sharing older messages with new members, and a "Mentions and replies" filter.** WhatsApp announced them on 29 October and they are rolling out gradually on Android and iPhone, [ProPakistani reported](https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/31/whatsapp-launches-4-new-features-for-group-chats/), so some people in Pakistan will see them before others.

## 1. Group Status

A status update you post **only to one group**. Unlike your normal status, which goes to your chosen contacts, a Group Status is visible only to members of that group. They can view it, react and post their own, and it disappears after 24 hours.

**Use it for:** wedding photos for the family group, a notice for the mohalla committee, match pictures for the cricket team, without your other contacts seeing them.

## 2. Pins that never expire

Until now a pinned message lasted 24 hours, seven days or 30 days. **You can now keep a message pinned permanently.**

**Use it for:** the school group's timetable and fee dates, a building's maintenance account details, an office group's leave policy. Nobody has to re-pin it every month.

## 3. Share old messages with someone who has already joined

Group Message History already let you share recent chat when adding someone. Now you can share earlier messages **after** they have joined: tap the new member's name in the group and choose to share recent messages. WhatsApp says the shared messages stay end-to-end encrypted.

## 4. "Mentions and replies" filter

A new chat filter shows only unread group conversations where someone **@mentioned you**, used **@all**, or **replied directly** to one of your messages. If you are in 20 busy groups, this is the one that saves the most time.

## How to get them

1. Update WhatsApp from the Play Store or App Store.
2. If the features do not appear, wait: WhatsApp releases in stages over several weeks.
3. In a group you admin, check **Group settings** for who can pin messages and post Group Status.

## A Pakistan note

PTA is blocking WhatsApp accounts linked to SIMs that have been inactive for a long time. If you changed your number, read [how to keep your WhatsApp account](/news/technology/pta-is-blocking-whatsapp-accounts-on-inactive-sims-how-to-keep-yours-if-you) before you update. For a new phone, check the import duty with our [PTA mobile tax calculator](/tools/telecom/pta-mobile-tax-calculator).

## Frequently asked questions

**What is WhatsApp Group Status?**

A status update shared only with members of one group, who can view and react to it; it disappears after 24 hours.

**Can I pin a WhatsApp message permanently?**

Yes. WhatsApp's October 2026 update removes the 24-hour, 7-day and 30-day limit, so a pinned group message can stay pinned for good.

## Sources

- WhatsApp Launches 4 New Features For Group Chats (ProPakistani): https://propakistani.pk/2026/10/31/whatsapp-launches-4-new-features-for-group-chats/

How to cite: "WhatsApp group chats get 4 new features: Group Status, permanent pins, history sharing and a Mentions filter", Searchable, 31 Oct 2026, https://searchable.pk/news/technology/whatsapp-group-chats-get-4-new-features-group-status-permanent-pins-history