WhatsApp Introduces Smart Media Quality Control to Save Data and Storage

Meta-owned WhatsApp is rolling out a new feature that gives users greater control over their data and storage by letting them choose the quality of automatically downloaded media.

Currently in beta testing for Android (version 2.25.18.11), the feature allows users to select between “Standard” or “HD” quality for incoming photos and videos. The setting can be found under Storage and Data in the app’s settings.

This update tackles a major user frustration—unwanted high-resolution media flooding group chats and eating up storage and mobile data. Here’s how it works:

• When someone sends an HD photo or video, WhatsApp uploads both standard and HD versions (without server compression, thanks to end-to-end encryption).

• The recipient’s app automatically downloads the version matching their preset preference, conserving data if set to “Standard.”

• If users later want to see the HD version, they can manually download it—as long as the file hasn’t expired.

This is especially useful for those with limited data plans or slow connections, while still catering to users who prefer high-resolution media.

WhatsApp plans to expand the feature to all users in the coming weeks. For now, beta testers are getting a first look at smarter, more efficient media downloads.

(Rewritten for brevity, clarity, and a more engaging flow while keeping key details intact.)