WhatsApp is a convenient platform to keep in touch with friends and family. Some workplaces even use the app for interoffice communication. But one of the platform’s significant limitations is its punitive cap on the file size of shared images.

Additionally, if you try to send full-resolution images via WhatsApp, you'll probably see errors or notice extreme image compression. So, what do you do if you want your photos to retain their original quality? Well, hidden in WhatsApp is a little-known method for transferring crisp, high-quality images, and we're going to show you how it works.

WhatsApp's File-Sharing Limits

WhatsApp has different file sharing limits depending on the media. The maximum file size for photos, videos, and voice messages is 16 MB. That may sound like enough, but there's a catch: Even if your image is less than 16 MB, WhatsApp applies a compression algorithm.

It's this compression that results in a reduction in photo quality. On the other hand, WhatsApp’s document-sharing limit is 100 MB, and files sent as documents are not compressed.

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How to Send High-Quality Photos With WhatsApp

You've probably already figured out where we're going here, but the way you send high-quality photos via WhatsApp is by sharing your image as a document. Document-sharing is the key to the best quality WhatsApp image transfers.

Here’s the procedure:

  1. Open any WhatsApp conversation.
  2. On Android, tap the attachment icon adjacent to the camera icon and select Document. If you’re using an iPhone, tap the + icon on the left of the text box and select Document.
  3. Browse through your files and select your image.
  4. Tap Send to share the image.

Once you press send, your photo will bypass WhatsApp's 16 MB limit and evade compression. So, recipients should receive the image in its original quality as long as the file size stays within the 100 MB limit.

In the future, WhatsApp may officially begin letting users share “best quality” images and videos. However, you can still use the document-sharing method at any point to transfer full-resolution images.

Related: Tips to Save Data While Using WhatsApp

Send Full-Resolution Images on WhatsApp

WhatsApp’s 16 MB limit and compression algorithm make it hard to send top-quality photos. But by sharing your image as a document, you can trick the app into thinking you’re sending a regular file.

This method is pretty handy, and hopefully, it's helpful when you need to send any full-resolution photos to your WhatsApp contacts.