Improve the Photo Resolution on an iPhone or iPad: Quick Guide

PDF download Download Article

Use the high-resolution option in the video settings

PDF download Download Article

Trying to take the best picture and video possible on your iPhone or iPad? You can easily increase the video resolution in the Camera app. Though there’s no way to adjust photo resolution directly, you can switch to the HEIF format for the highest-quality photos. This wikiHow will show you how to improve photo and video resolution on an iPhone or iPad.

How to Increase the Resolution of an Image on iPhone

  • Go to Settings > Camera > Formats to change your resolution from 12 MP to 24 MP. To change it to 48 MP, go to Settings > Camera > Formats , then turn on RAW or Resolution Control.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Changing Media Formats

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/17\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You’ll usually find this app on the home screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d5\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s at the top of the Camera options.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Now you’re ready to take a great picture of yourself and others!
    • High Efficiency compresses photos and videos to HEIF and HEVC formats, which are smaller files than JPEG and H.264. HEIF (which are saved as .HEIC) images can be high quality since they have a broader dynamic range than JPEG. But, they are less compatible than JPEG. [1] [2]
    • Most Compatible saves photos in the JPEG format. This image type doesn’t support transparency. Since it’s been around longer than HEIF, it tends to be more compatible on different systems and software.
    • Note that you can convert HEIF files to JPEG later if needed! The Photos app has an export function for exporting HEIF files as JPEG images.
    EXPERT TIP

    Brandon Phipps

    Technology Specialist
    Brandon Phipps is a Technology Specialist based in Bakersfield, CA. He is the owner of Second Star Technologies and specializes in Managed IT Services for small and mid-sized businesses in Bakersfield, CA. With over 23 years of experience, he offers expert cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network management solutions. Brandon is a committed community member and coach who leads and innovates in tech and sports coaching. His dedication to local businesses and communities is evident in his hands-on, tailored approach to IT solutions.
    Brandon Phipps
    Technology Specialist

    High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) is a file format that provides high-quality images while minimizing storage space. However, they're incompatible with many apps and devices, so you often have to convert them to other formats.

    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Changing Video Resolution

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You’ll usually find this app on the home screen.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It’s toward the bottom of the menu.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A list of resolution options will appear.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e4\/Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Improve-Photo-Resolution-on-iPhone-or-iPad-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The options will vary by phone or tablet model. The higher the number, the better the quality! This setting will take effect immediately.
    • 4K is the highest resolution option.
    • Increasing the frames per second (fps) will increase the smoothness of the video.
    • Increasing the resolution will increase the file size for videos.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the highest pixel ratio available on iPhone?
    Terrie S. Wheeler
    Community Answer
    iPhone X with 2436x1125-pixel resolution at 458 ppi.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 10 Helpful 17
  • Question
    How do I change the resolution on photos, not videos? For some reason, my photos are very small and very low res, yet I didn’t change any of the settings.
    Minorite
    Community Answer
    There is a chance that your photos were offloaded to iCloud. In this case, you will need to open them in full resolution while on Wi-Fi to trigger the download. To check if you have iCloud Photo Library enabled, go to Settings > Photos and see if iCloud Photo Library is ON and you have 'Optimize storage' selected.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 43 Helpful 36
  • Question
    Will a photo taken on my iPhone taken at 4K at 30fps satisfy the 2160x3840 pixel requirement needed to print this photo?
    Community Answer
    A frame from a 4k video on the iPhone (in fact any device at 4k) will have a resolution of 3840x2160, therefore it will satisfactorily print at 2160x3840 pixels.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 10
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • For general photography info, see our guides on taking pictures in the dark and taking blurry pictures.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Set a Ringtone from a Song on iPhone: 5 Easy Methods
      How to
      Add, Use, and Share Tickets in Apple Wallet on iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Win Cup Pong
      How to
      Set the Outgoing Mail Server on an iPhone
      How to
      Add Slow Motion to an iPhone Video (Before or After Recording)
      How to
      See How Many Miles You've Walked on an iPhone
      How to
      Manage Location Services Settings on iPhone and iPad
      How to
      Use the Apple App Store on iPhone: Beginners Guide
      How to
      Access Find My iPhone from a Computer
      2 Easy Ways to Show the Weather on Your iPhone Lock Screen
      How to
      Cancel Your BetterMe Subscription on Any Device
      How to
      Get Japanese Apps on iPhone or iPad
      How to
      Set Up Voicemail on an iPhone: Visual Voicemail Guide
      How to
      Add OneDrive to the Files App on iPhone or iPad
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207022
      2. ↑ https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/file-types/image/comparison/heic-vs-jpeg.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 459,769 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement