WhatsApp: Sending uncompressed photos – this is how

If you want to send uncompressed photos via WhatsApp, you have to use a small workaround. This is because photos are normally compressed to save data volume. We show you how to bypass this WhatsApp function.

For some time now, you have also been able to send other file formats via WhatsApp. You can make use of this function when sending photos. The following instructions work on Android.

Open the desired chat history and tap on the paper clip at the bottom right of the screen.

• Instead of the “Gallery” button, now select “Documents”.
• Now a list view appears, select the desired picture in the displayed list. You can recognise this by the respective ending (most common: .jpg ; .png or .JPNG).
• If you cannot find your photo, select the button “Search other documents…”. Now you will get a better view and more files will be displayed.

How it works on iOS

On iOS, it’s a bit awkward to send photos uncompressed via WhatsApp. You first have to back up the photo to a folder in the cloud

• • • So launch the Photos app and select the photo you want to send. Tap the share icon in the bottom right corner.
  • • Scroll down to “Save to Files” on the next screen and tap the option.
  • • Select “iCloud Drive -☻ Downloads” as the location.
  • • Then start WhatsApp and the chat through which you want to send the photo.
  • • Tap the plus sign to the left of the input field and then tap “Document”.
  • • In the iCloud Drive folder “Downloads” you will find the photo you saved here earlier. Tap it to send it.

Other ways to send uncompressed photos

• But you don’t necessarily have to use WhatsApp to send uncompressed photos. These alternatives also work without any problems and do not require a workaround.
• The easiest way is to send your photos by mail. That’s still the easiest way to share your pretty snapshots with others.
  Alternatively, you can upload your photos to Google Drive and then share them via a link.
• Another option is to download the Dropbox app and upload your picture there. Then you can share the file (or an entire folder) with friends or relatives.