What to do if Galaxy S9 Plus Whatsapp app reduces image quality and resolution

Some Android users have been wondering why photos and videos they add as part of their #GalaxyS9 Plus Whatsapp conversation has low resolution. In our brief explanation below, we show you why.

Problem #1: Galaxy S9 Plus Whatsapp reduces image quality and resolution

Hi. I recently bought my Samsung Galaxy S9+ unlocked version. When i start to used it i can find that all the images that i send using whatsapp lost a lot of quality. Even when i make a smart capture of a document and send it it´s impossible to read it. I´ve using other way to send files, choosing the option send document. This way works but it´s too slow and complicated. Before SG9+ i had a SG7 edge terminal, that one works perfectly with whatsapp and i never had problems with the quality of images. Galaxy 9Plus should be the best terminal in the market right now, but Im having this bad experience and i can’t understand how this is possible with an expensive terminal used for work. I really need to hear that you are working on it and i’ll can solve this ASAP. BR; GPM. — Gplasenciam

Solution: Hi Gplasenciam. In order to move files such as photos and videos more efficiently in this platform, Whatsapp has to reduce the resolution of files to about a third of its original resolution. While this is fine as long as you view the photos or videos on your phone, this reduction in resolution can be easily noticed once you blow the photos or videos up in a computer. If this is your concern, we’re afraid we have no resolution for you. The only effective workarounds we have for two are two-fold:

• add files as attachments, and
• archive and/or compression them (ZIP or 7ZIP)

Both of these processes are not as convenient as attaching the photos and videos in a conversation thread though so you either have to adapt them (to preserve the quality of the files) or to continue with the normal process at the expense of file quality and resolution.

We don’t work for Whatsapp though so there’s a chance that they may have an existing workaround that they haven’t made public yet at this time. To check, kindly contact Whatsapp by using the contact information on their app. You can do that by going under its settings.

Problem #2: Galaxy S9 sent emails stay in Outbox or Sent box depending on the connection type

Hi Droid Guy. I have an issue when I send my Gmail emails from my phone & they end up in Outbox, or disappear when I’m using my home WIFI, BUT when I shut down my WIFI & use mobile data the emails go through & I see them in the SEND box.  What the hell?? Any help would be greatly appreciated as one can’t connect with Google to save your life! — Roma

Solution: Hi Roma. There’s a number of possible reasons for the problem so your main task is to isolate the causes first. The causes in this case can include the following:

• corrupted system cache
• corrupted email app cache and data
• bad email settings
• unknown software bug

Rebuild the system cache

The first troubleshooting step that you want to do is to ensure that the system cache is refreshed. Sometimes, installing updates and apps may corrupt the system cache, which in turn, may lead to more problems. To check if you have a cache issue, make sure that you clear the cache partition. Here’s how:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
3. When the Android logo displays, release all three keys.
4. An ‘Installing system update’ message will show for 30 – 60 seconds before the Android system recovery menu options appear.
5. Press the Volume down key several times to highlight wipe cache partition.
6. Press Power key to select.
7. Press the Volume down key to highlight yes, them and press the Power key to select.
8. When the wipe cache partition is complete, Reboot system now is highlighted.
9. Press the Power key to restart the device.

Clear cache and data

The other troubleshooting step that you can do in this case is to clear the email app’s cache and data. Sometimes, apps may not behave properly if their cache or data is outdated. To ensure that the email app you’re using is set up properly and has a good cache and data:

1. Open Settings app.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Tap More settings (three-dot icon) at the upper-right.
4. Tap Show system apps.
5. Find the app you’re having an issue with and tap it.
6. Tap Storage.
7. Tap Clear Cache button.
8. Restart your S8.
9. Check if the problem still exists.

Should the issue remain after clearing the cache, repeat steps 1-7 and hit Clear Data button. Clearing your email app’s data will erase your email account so make sure you know how to re-add it afterwards.

Use another email app

There’s a chance that the email app you’re using may be buggy. To check, consider using another email app and see how email works. If you are using Samsung’s stock email app, consider using other apps like Google’s Gmail, Microsoft’s Outbox, or any other email app you want.

Reset settings

Should the issue still remains after doing all the solution options, make sure that you reset all software settings. This procedure has a similar effect to a factory reset without actually needing to wipe the phone. Basically, resetting your S9’s settings will bring all your settings back to their factory state.

To reset your S9 settings:

1. Open Settings app.
2. Tap General management.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Tap Reset all settings.
5. Tap RESET SETTINGS button.

Factory reset

The last troubleshooting step that you should try is to wipe the phone and reset the software back to its defaults. Factory reset will erase all personal you might have so be sure to back them  before doing. If the issue is caused by a software bug, then factory reset will most likely fix it.

1. Back up data on the internal memory. If you have signed into a Google account on the device, you have activated Anti-theft and will need your Google credentials to finish the Master reset.
2. From the Home screen, swipe up on an empty spot to open the Apps tray.
3. Tap Settings > Cloud and accounts.
4. Tap Backup and restore.
5. If desired, tap Back up my data to move the slider to ON or OFF.
6. If desired, tap Restore to move the slider to ON or OFF.
7. Tap the back button to the Settings menu and tap General Management > Reset > Factory data reset.
8. Tap Reset device.
9. If you have screen lock turned on, enter your credentials.
10. Tap Continue.
11. Tap Delete all.

 

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