Changing the resolution of pictures on WhatsApp is easy and can be done right within the app. The resolution determines the size and quality of a picture, so adjusting it can help reduce file size for quicker sharing or improve image quality. Here are some quick answers about changing WhatsApp picture resolution:
Why Change WhatsApp Picture Resolution?
There are two main reasons you may want to change the resolution of a picture before sending it on WhatsApp:
- To reduce file size – Lower resolution pictures take up less storage space and are quicker to send.
- To improve quality – Higher resolution pictures have more detail and look sharper when zoomed in.
Finding the optimal resolution can give you a picture that looks great but isn’t too large to share easily. The best resolution depends on the specific photo and your needs.
How to Check Current Picture Resolution
To see the current resolution of a picture on WhatsApp for Android:
- Open WhatsApp and go to the chat where the picture is saved.
- Tap and hold on the image to select it.
- Tap the circular overlay icon at the top.
- Tap “Details” to see the resolution listed.
On WhatsApp for iPhone:
- Open the chat with the picture.
- Tap and hold the picture to select it.
- Tap the arrow icon at the bottom.
- Tap “Info” to see the resolution.
The resolution will be shown in megapixels (MP) or the pixel dimensions (e.g. 1024 x 768).
What Are Typical Picture Resolutions?
Here are some common picture resolutions and their uses:
| Resolution | Use |
|---|---|
| 0.3 MP to 2 MP | Social media posts, profile pictures |
| 2 MP to 6 MP | Standard smartphone camera pics |
| 8 MP to 12 MP | Detailed smartphone photos |
| 12 MP to 24 MP | Pro/DSLR camera photos |
| 30 MP to 50 MP | High-end digital photography |
As a general rule, higher megapixel images contain more detail but also have much larger file sizes.
How to Change WhatsApp Picture Resolution
To adjust the resolution before sending a photo on WhatsApp:
- Open your device’s Gallery or Photos app.
- Find the picture you want to share and open it.
- Tap the edit button (looks like a slider icon).
- Find the option to change the resolution.
- Select a lower or higher resolution depending on your needs.
- Save the changes to the photo.
- Go back to WhatsApp to send the picture.
The specific steps can vary between Android and iPhone, but the process is generally the same. Play around with the resolution settings while previewing the photo to see the impact on appearance and file size.
How to Adjust Resolution on Android
To change the resolution of a picture on Android before sending through WhatsApp:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap the picture to edit.
- Tap the pencil icon at the bottom.
- Tap “Adjust” in the menu.
- Use the slider under “Image resolution” to decrease or increase the MP.
- Tap “Save copy” to overwrite the original.
You can also edit photos in other apps like Snapseed. The steps are essentially the same – open a picture, find the resolution setting, adjust, and save the changes.
How to Adjust Resolution on iPhone
To change the resolution of a photo on an iPhone before sending via WhatsApp:
- Open the Photos app.
- Find the picture you want to adjust.
- Tap “Edit” in the upper right corner.
- Tap the ellipsis (…) button to expand the edit menu.
- Tap “Resize” and choose your desired resolution.
- Tap “Done” to apply the changes.
The standard Photos editing tool on iPhone allows you to resize by percentages or pixel dimensions. Play around to get the ideal resolution.
Tips for Changing WhatsApp Picture Resolution
Here are some tips when adjusting WhatsApp picture resolution:
- For photos taken on your phone, lower resolution to reduce size.
- For old/low-quality photos, increase resolution to sharpen.
- Avoid going below 0.7 MP or above 16 MP for WhatsApp.
- Always save a copy – don’t overwrite originals.
- Review edits before sending – zoom in to check quality.
- Stick to common resolutions – 1 MP, 2 MP, 5 MP, etc.
Find a happy medium between small file size and good image quality. Test different resolutions before choosing one to send.
Does WhatsApp Compress Photos?
Yes, WhatsApp does compress photos and videos to optimize file size during sending. The maximum resolution for images on WhatsApp is currently 4128 x 3096 pixels. Any photo sent that exceeds that resolution will be compressed.
However, adjusting resolution before sending can still be beneficial:
- Allows control over compression vs quality.
- Avoids excessively large files that slow sending.
- Reduces strain on data/bandwidth usage.
While WhatsApp will compress large photos, it’s best to optimize resolution yourself when possible.
Should I Change Video Resolution on WhatsApp?
Yes, adjusting video resolution before sending on WhatsApp can also be helpful. The key factors are:
- Video quality – Higher resolution = better quality but bigger files.
- Playback – Lower resolution = more compatible across devices.
- File size – Videos take up a lot of space, so smaller is usually better.
Aim for a maximum resolution of 1080p HD at 30 fps. This provides excellent quality while minimizing file size. Always review videos after changing resolution before sending.
Typical WhatsApp Video Resolutions
| Resolution | Quality | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| 144p | Pixelated, blurry | Small |
| 240p | OK quality | Small-medium |
| 360p | Fair quality | Medium |
| 480p | Good quality | Medium-large |
| 720p HD | High quality | Large |
| 1080p FHD | Excellent quality | Very large |
Other WhatsApp Photo Editing Tips
In addition to resolution, you may want to edit your pictures in other ways before sending on WhatsApp:
- Cropping – To highlight important parts of a photo.
- Filters – To enhance color or apply effects.
- Orientation – To rotate or flip the image.
- Markup – To add text, emoji, or drawings.
Use your device’s built-in photo editing tools or third-party apps to touch up pictures before sharing on WhatsApp.
Photo Editing Apps for WhatsApp
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Snapseed | Android, iOS | Resolution, filters, tools |
| AirBrush | Android, iOS | Blemish remover, slimming |
| Pixlr | Android, iOS | Collages, effects, overlays |
| ToolWiz Photos | Android | Filters, blemish removal |
| Darkroom | iOS | Filters, frames, textures |
Conclusion
Adjusting picture and video resolution before sending on WhatsApp is easy to do right from your phone’s gallery or photo editing apps. Lower resolutions reduce file size for quicker sharing, while higher resolutions improve picture quality.
Aim for resolutions between 1-8 MP for photos and 720p or 1080p for videos. Review the changes before sending to ensure the proper balance of quality vs file size. With the right resolution, you can share great looking photos and videos quickly on WhatsApp.