WhatsApp Tests New 'Auto-download Quality' Feature to Help Save Space

WhatsApp released a new beta update to Android users this week. This update introduces a new 'auto-download quality' feature that gives users a choice over the incoming media download quality.

First spotted by WABetaInfo, the feature to change the media quality for automatic downloads has now made it to WhatsApp beta for Android version 2.25.18.11. Using this feature, users will be able to set a preferred quality for photo and video downloads— either standard or HD.

This new feature is visible under the Storage and data menu on the Settings page. As evident from the image below, if you're a beta tester and the feature is live for you, you will see the new "Auto-download quality" option below the Media upload quality option.

Once you've set the preferred download quality, every incoming photo and video from thereafter will be downloaded in the set resolution by default.

The new feature works hand-in-hand with the dual upload process that WhatsApp introduced a while back for media. This feature enables users to send HD images while retaining the standard copy. This is because WhatsApp encryption prevents the change of media quality on the fly via its servers. So, both image types are sent to the user.

And now, with the auto-download quality option, you will be able to set the quality to HD if you prioritise detailed media output. Or, you can set the option to standard in case you have data and storage woes or have a slow connection. 

If you are a beta tester and haven’t received the feature yet, be on the lookout, as it will expand to more testers in the coming days. Moreover, Android users of the stable WhatsApp version can expect to see the feature roll out pretty soon.