videos received via text message are too bright

I think I need to clarify, because the above solution is unhelpful.

I also have an iPhone 7 with the latest iOS update (15.7.3), but my wife has a 13 pro. She is texting me HDR videos, and these are all highly overexposed when I play them. FWIW, the thumbnails all appear normal, even slightly desaturated. This problem started only after the most recent update. Up until this software update I've been able to view HDR and cine-mode videos that my wife texted me from her phone with no issues.

If I switch off HDR on MY phone, it makes no difference. It all has to do with incoming videos via text, at least so far.

Aside from asking my wife to switch off HDR on her end, is there another solution? This seems like a bug to me.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Same issue.

Apple keeps suggesting fixes that have to do with HDR camera settings which has nothing to do with how videos are received in Messenger.

Since the last two updates, when anyone texts me a video, Messenger washes out everything from frame two on to the end of the clip.

It’s just awful.

Interesting note; if the same person sends me the video via Whatsapp, it looks perfect. So, this tells me it’s Messenger that is mucking with the video file.

I'm having the exact same issue. I don't think the solution described below will help. My wife texted me some HDR videos from her 13 pro to my 7, and they are all way overexposed, like you've been experiencing. Hopefully they can fix this. Haven't had any issues like this until this software update. Good luck!

You didn’t accurately interpret the message.

The overexposure problem relates to RECEIVING and PLAYING HDR VIDEOS…NOT with recording HDR videos.

Apple needs to issue a code to fix this bug…or is this “feature” intentional and permanent for iPhone 7 users?!

Same issue. Maybe it's Apple's way of annoying old iPhone 7 and below users so much that we'll eventually buy a new phone. Same thing they did with the battery not holding a charge issue. Code is written to make things break.. intentionally. Hope big brother is listening. But yeh... it's totally an issue with the latest update. 7 and below on 15.7.3 can't play videos sent from other iPhones that recorded in HDR. Tested it today. Had a buddy send me a video with HDR and without from his 12. One without HDR played fine. HDR video was overexposed.

Hi MelissaD817,

From what you described in your original post, we recommend you follow the steps below to learn how to turn off HDR from your videos.

Adjust HDR camera settings on iPhone

Next, we'd like to show you how to perform the recommended troubleshooting steps via the link above. Please click to open the link, then read through the steps in the section below that apply to your situation.

Turn off automatic HDR

By default, iPhone automatically uses HDR when it’s most effective. On some iPhone models, you can manually control HDR instead.

*On iPhone XS, iPhone XR, iPhone 11 models, iPhone SE (2nd generation), and iPhone 12 models: Go to Settings  > Camera, then turn off Smart HDR. Then from the camera screen, tap HDR to turn it off or on.

*On iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone X: Go to Settings > Camera, then turn off Auto HDR.

To turn HDR back on from the camera screen, tap HDR, then tap On.

Keep the non-HDR version of a photo

By default, the HDR version of a photo is saved in Photos. On iPhone X and earlier models, you can also save the non-HDR version.

*Go to Settings  > Camera, then turn on Keep Normal Photo.

Turn HDR video off and on

*On iPhone 12 models, iPhone 13 models, and iPhone 14 models, iPhone records video in Dolby Vision HDR for true-to-life color and contrast. To turn off HDR video recording, go to Settings  > Camera > Record Video, then turn off HDR Video.

*See the Apple Support article Play and record HDR video on iPhone or iPad.

We recommend the steps above because they will show you how to adjust HDR camera settings on your iPhone.

Please let us know the outcome after giving the above steps a try.

Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

Cheers!

I also have an iPhone 7 Plus with the same up to date software version. Here’s how a video I received from an iPhone 13 Pro looks like on my device.

To AlliNWOnderLand and Helpfulhopeully ---

I have an iPhone 7 Plus with software version 15.7.3 that was recently updated. The last few videos I have received via text messages (in February) show as HDR in upper left corner of display and are VERY light when actually played, but the first still video screen and the smaller windows at the bottom are fine.

In each case, I eventually downloaded the videos by clicking the small square with downward arrow on right of video. They took a while to transfer, but once completely downloaded, they played fine. Looks like we have to download any videos received via text message if we care about the quality of the display, but at least it is possible.

Make no doubt about it, Apple knows exactly what they are doing. They are the best at obsoleting their older equipment. They have created the HDR problems for older equipment, knowing that a certain percentage of those affected will go out and buy new equipment. If that were not the case, they would have immediately issued a simple work-around for the problem. Instead they say nothing and direct you to the Community where you will find multiple opinions and confusing information.

Absolutely 💯% agree‼️

Great explanation‼️

Exactly correct.

Apple being very manipulative and disrespectful towards customers.

No fix issued by Apple

= Apple very aware of issue

= Apple wants us to buy very expensive new iPhones and iPads

👎SHAME ON APPLE👎

I send iMessage copy of HDR videos to myself then save video to photos app. Too much of a process for high volume of videos though I think.

I reported this bug to Apple with multiple levels of App support team about 2 months ago. I’ve upgraded to latest version on IP7 (15.7.6), and this problem still persists. Apple proves again and again that they’re a hardware company and not a software company. Their inability to permit users to rollback on Revs, and their demeaning silence on reported bugs, tells you all you need to know about their company and their prowess at developing and maintaining software products. Moving to Android once and for all.

I’m having the same issue with HDR videos sent in texts with my iPhone 7 being super bright and I had the exact same thought, “they’re trying to annoy me into upgrading!!” …came here hoping for a solution but will now be looking up how to un-update the latest software update!!

I have the 7plus with the same annoying issue. I saved the video to my Photos and it didn’t seem to help. After a few minutes, I checked and the video lost the brightness and was perfect. Tried it with two videos that were sent in Messages and it worked. I’m not sure why, but I’ll take it.

Amazing! Thank you for being the first one in the thread to give a suggestion that actually works. I was getting so annoyed lol

Im not trying to upgrade my phone right now. Apple needs to just include iPhone 7 in their iOS 16 upgrade smh

That didn't work for me (iPhone 7; IOS V15.7.7)......tried to do it multiple times. What I got to work is the following:

• Copy SMS Video to Messenger App;
• Display in Messenger App. Make take several tries, but it ultimately displays properly in Messenger;
• Share Messenger Video out to my Google Drive, and I can disperse from there.

Shame on Apple for not addressing this. Such a mediocre software company. This after I spent an hour with their tech support describing the problem in great detail.