WhatsApp Adds Group Chat Filters, Indefinite Pinning and Group Status
The messaging app is rolling out four group chat features, including a mentions and replies filter and status updates visible only to group members.
WhatsApp announced four new features on October 30, 2026, aimed at making group chats easier to manage, including a filter for mentions and replies, unlimited message pinning, retroactive messages for new members and group-only status updates.
The mentions and replies filter will sit in the filter drawer that appears when users swipe down on the conversations list. It narrows the list to unread group conversations in which the user was mentioned or received a direct reply, and it also picks up @all messages.
Pinned messages in group chats will no longer expire after 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days; users will be able to pin a message indefinitely. Separately, existing members can send recent messages retroactively to someone who has just joined a group by tapping that person's name in the chat.
The fourth addition is group status sharing. A status posted this way is visible only to members of that specific group and disappears after 24 hours, and other group members can view it, react to it and add statuses of their own.
The company said the features are rolling out and may take time to reach all users.
Quick answers
What are the new WhatsApp group chat features?
A mentions and replies filter, indefinite message pinning, the ability to send recent messages to new group members, and status updates visible only to a specific group.
How long do group statuses last on WhatsApp?
They disappear after 24 hours and are visible only to members of that group.
Can I pin a message in a WhatsApp group permanently?
Yes. Pinned messages can now stay pinned indefinitely instead of expiring after 24 hours, 7 days or 30 days.