How to Change the Default Video Recording Resolution and Frame Rate on iPhone

Modern iPhones are capable of shooting incredibly high-quality video, including 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) and 10-bit HDR formats. While this results in stunning footage, it also consumes an immense amount of storage space. A single minute of 4K video at 60 fps can take up over 400 Megabytes of space, compared to just 60 Megabytes for standard 1080p HD video at 30 fps.

If you are running low on iCloud or local storage, or if you simply do not need cinematic quality for everyday family clips, you should permanently change your default video recording settings.

How to Change the Default Settings

While you can temporarily change the resolution inside the Camera app, changing the system default requires navigating to the Settings app.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down significantly and tap on Camera.
3. Tap on Record Video.
4. You will see a list of available resolutions and frame rates. The higher the resolution (4K vs 1080p) and the higher the frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps), the larger the resulting file will be.
5. Tap to select your preferred default.
   • For maximum space saving: Select 720p HD at 30 fps.
   • For the best balance (Recommended): Select 1080p HD at 30 fps or 1080p HD at 60 fps. This looks excellent on all screens and social media without draining storage.
   • For cinematic quality: Select 4K at 24 fps or 4K at 30 fps.

Once selected, a blue checkmark will appear next to your choice. The next time you open the Camera app and switch to Video mode, it will default to these settings.

How to Change Settings Quickly in the Camera App

Even after setting a default, you might occasionally need to shoot a specific clip in higher quality. You do not need to return to the Settings app to do this.

1. Open the Camera app.
2. Swipe to the Video mode.
3. Look in the top-right corner of the screen. You will see two small icons representing your current resolution (e.g., “HD” or “4K”) and frame rate (e.g., “30” or “60”).
4. Tap the Resolution icon (HD/4K) to instantly toggle between 1080p and 4K.
5. Tap the Frame Rate icon (30/60) to instantly toggle the frames per second.

This allows you to quickly adjust quality on the fly. However, if you close the Camera app entirely and reopen it later, it will revert back to the default setting you chose in the main Settings app.