Before you share a file with someone, it helps to know exactly what you are sending. Is that video 50MB or 500MB? Did you record in 4K or 1080p? Understanding these details can save you from failed uploads, long wait times, or accidentally sending lower quality content than you intended. Here is how to check file sizes and quality details on your iPhone.

Checking Photo and Video Details in the Photos App

The Photos app hides file information by default, but accessing it is simple once you know where to look.

To view photo or video details:

• Open the Photos app and select the photo or video you want to check
• Swipe up on the image to reveal the information panel
• You will see details including the date, time, location, and camera settings

For photos, this panel shows the resolution (like 4032 x 3024), file format (HEIF, JPEG, or RAW), and file size. For videos, you will see the resolution and frame rate displayed as something like “4K, 60 fps” along with the duration and file size.

The file size appears in the caption area and tells you exactly how much data you are about to share. A one-minute 4K video at 60fps can easily exceed 400MB, while the same video recorded in 1080p at 30fps might be closer to 60MB.

Understanding Video Quality Settings

If you frequently share videos and want more control over file sizes, it helps to understand your recording settings. Your iPhone can record video at various quality levels, each producing different file sizes.

Common video recording options:

• 720p HD at 30 fps: Smallest files, suitable for social media or quick clips
• 1080p HD at 30 fps: Good balance of quality and size, works well for most sharing
• 1080p HD at 60 fps: Smoother motion, moderately larger files
• 4K at 24 fps: Cinematic quality, large files
• 4K at 30 fps: High resolution with smooth playback, very large files
• 4K at 60 fps: Maximum quality and smoothness, largest files

To check or change your current recording settings, go to Settings, then Camera, then Record Video. The settings screen shows approximate file sizes for one minute of recording at each quality level, which helps you plan ahead if storage or sharing is a concern.

Checking File Sizes in the Files App

For documents, downloads, and files stored on your device or in iCloud Drive, the Files app provides detailed size information.

To check file size in Files:

• Open the Files app
• Navigate to the folder containing your file
• Tap and hold on the file to bring up the context menu
• Select “Get Info” from the menu

The info panel displays the file size, creation date, modification date, and file type. This works for PDFs, documents, images, videos, zip files, and any other file type stored in your Files app.

Quick size check without opening info:

In list view, you can see file sizes at a glance. Tap the three-dot menu at the top of the Files app, select “View Options,” and make sure you are in list view. File sizes appear next to each filename, making it easy to scan through and identify large files.

Checking Image Quality and Format

Modern iPhones capture photos in either HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) or JPEG, depending on your settings. HEIF files are typically smaller while maintaining quality, but some older devices and software may not support them.

To check which format your iPhone uses:

• Go to Settings, then Camera, then Formats
• “High Efficiency” uses HEIF for photos and HEVC for videos
• “Most Compatible” uses JPEG for photos and H.264 for videos

When you share photos, your iPhone typically converts HEIF to JPEG automatically if needed. However, understanding your format settings helps explain why two similar photos might have different file sizes.

Viewing detailed image metadata:

The swipe-up info panel in Photos shows basic details, but for more technical information like aperture, ISO, and exact pixel dimensions, you may need to transfer the photo to a computer or use a third-party app that displays full EXIF data.

Checking Storage Used by Specific Apps

Sometimes you want to understand how much space your photos, videos, or other media are using overall rather than checking individual files.

To see storage breakdown by app:

• Go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage
• Wait for the list to load (this can take a few seconds)
• Tap on Photos or any other app to see a detailed breakdown

The Photos section shows how much space is used by your photo library total. If you have iCloud Photos enabled, this also indicates how much is stored locally on your device versus in the cloud.

Practical Tips for Understanding File Sizes

When checking file sizes, these reference points can help you understand what you are looking at:

• 1-3 MB: Typical high-resolution iPhone photo
• 10-20 MB: RAW photo or ProRes screenshot
• 50-100 MB: One minute of 1080p video at 30fps
• 100-200 MB: One minute of 1080p video at 60fps
• 200-400 MB: One minute of 4K video at 30fps
• 400+ MB: One minute of 4K video at 60fps

These are rough estimates. Actual sizes vary based on what you are recording. A static scene uses less data than fast action with lots of movement and detail.

When Quality Matters Most

Knowing your file size and quality becomes especially important in specific situations:

• Sending to professional contacts: They may need full resolution files without compression
• Uploading for printing: Higher resolution photos print better at large sizes
• Archiving memories: Original quality preserves all the details for future viewing
• Limited bandwidth: Smaller files upload faster on slow connections
• Storage concerns: Understanding sizes helps you manage device and cloud storage

Taking a moment to check file details before sharing ensures you send exactly what you intend, at the quality level that matters for that particular situation.