WhatsApp to Introduce Auto-Download Quality Settings for Photos and Videos

Menlo Park, CA — WhatsApp is reportedly working on a new feature that will allow users to control the quality of images and videos downloaded automatically on their devices. According to WABetaInfo, a trusted source for WhatsApp updates, this feature is currently under development in the WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.12.24 and aims to give users more flexibility over storage and data usage.

What Is WhatsApp’s Auto-Download Quality Feature?

The upcoming feature, Auto-download quality, will offer users two options for incoming media:

• Standard quality

• HD quality

Once rolled out, users will be able to access this feature under:

Settings > Storage and Data > Auto-download Quality

The new setting will apply to images and videos that users receive in chats. While the feature isn’t functional for beta testers yet, screenshots shared by WABetaInfo show a clear interface for selecting between standard and high-definition media downloads.

Why Auto-Download Quality Matters

This feature has two main benefits for WhatsApp users:

Storage Management: By choosing standard quality, users can reduce the space occupied by media files on their devices.

Mobile Data Optimization: Users concerned about data consumption can avoid downloading HD content when not connected to Wi-Fi.

How the Feature Works Under the Hood

WhatsApp maintains end-to-end encryption, and to accommodate different quality preferences, the app reportedly uploads both HD and standard versions of the media to its servers. Based on a recipient’s settings, WhatsApp will deliver the appropriate file during download.

Additionally, users may still have the option to manually switch to HD view on supported images, as long as the HD version remains on the server.

Cross-Platform Rollout Coming

Though the feature was first spotted on Android, WhatsApp typically ensures feature parity across Android and iOS. Users on iPhones can also expect to receive the auto-download quality setting in a future update.

The feature is still in its development phase, and WhatsApp has not announced an official beta or stable rollout date yet.