How to compress photos and videos on iPhone
To compress a photo or video on iPhone, open Lessr, add your file, and pick a size target — a preset like Under 500 KB or your own exact size or quality. Lessr shrinks the file right on your device and lets you save or share it, with no uploads and no account.
How to compress a photo or video
- Open Lessr and choose Compress.
- Add a photo or video from your library or the Files app.
- Pick a target: a size preset like Under 500 KB, or switch to Custom to set an exact file size or a quality level.
- For videos, choose an output resolution if you want the file smaller.
- Tap Compress, then save the smaller file to Files or Photos, or share it directly.
Supported formats
Input: Photos: JPEG, HEIC, PNG, WebP. Videos: MP4, MOV.
Output: Photos: JPEG, HEIC, PNG, or WebP. Videos: MP4 or MOV.
You can keep the same format or switch formats while you compress.
What you can adjust
- Size presets: Under 200 KB, Under 500 KB, or Under 1 MB
- Custom mode: set an exact target file size (KB or MB), or choose a quality level
- Video resolution: 720p, 1080p, 4K, or keep the original
- Keep or remove photo metadata (such as location and camera info) as you compress
When to use Compress
Beat email and upload limits
Many email apps and web forms cap attachments at a few megabytes. The Under 1 MB and Under 500 KB presets get a photo under common limits in a single tap.
Free up storage
High-resolution videos and photo bursts fill up storage fast. Compressing copies keeps the moments while reclaiming space on your device.
Share faster on slow connections
Smaller files send and upload quicker when you are on a weak signal or watching your data usage.
Passport and ID uploads
Government and job portals often require photos under 200 KB. The Passport / ID preset targets that size exactly.
Tips
- Start with a preset; switch to Custom only when you need an exact size or higher quality.
- Compressing a file again will not always shrink it further — if a smaller version is not possible, Lessr keeps your original instead of saving a worse one.
- For small photos that still look sharp, HEIC usually beats JPEG at the same size.
Frequently asked questions
Does compressing reduce quality?
JPEG and HEIC photos use lossy compression, so very small targets can soften fine detail, while PNG stays sharp. Lessr lets you balance size and quality and shows the result before you save it.
How many files can I compress for free?
The free version includes 2 conversions per day, one file at a time. Pro removes the daily limit and adds batch compression for many files at once.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Compression happens entirely on your iPhone or iPad. Lessr makes no network connections and never uploads your files.
Can I compress a video without making it blurry?
Yes. Keep the resolution high, such as 1080p or Original, and Lessr reduces the file size while preserving the picture. Choosing a lower resolution shrinks the file more.
What if the file cannot reach my target size?
For formats that cannot hit an exact target, Lessr saves the smallest version it can and tells you the final size, so you never get a broken or empty result.
Where are my compressed files saved, and is my original changed?
Your original is left untouched — Lessr saves the compressed copy as a new file that you can store in the Files app, add to Photos, or share to another app.
Compress runs entirely on your iPhone or iPad — no uploads, no account, no ads.
Download Lessr on the App Store