WhatsApp’s camera may soon get smarter in the dark: Here’s what we know

WhatsApp is reportedly testing a new night mode for its in-app camera on Android, aiming to enhance photo quality in dimly lit settings. The feature, currently being trialled through the Google Play Beta Program, allows users to manually activate a low-light capture mode, improving image clarity without external lighting.

According to a report by WABetaInfo, the night mode has been introduced in the latest Android beta version 2.25.22.2. A moon-shaped icon now appears at the top of the camera screen for some beta users when the app detects poor lighting conditions. Tapping the icon activates software enhancements that adjust exposure and reduce visual noise in dark environments.

Unlike filters or overlays, this mode is likely designed to improve brightness and detail during capture rather than applying post-processing effects. It’s particularly useful for indoor settings or night-time photography, although performance may vary depending on how dark the environment is. In extremely low-light scenes, improvements may be limited, the report added.

Currently, the feature must be enabled manually, giving users full control over when to use it. While it’s not yet set to switch on automatically based on ambient light, the manual toggle ensures flexibility and keeps the interface simple. This move means users may no longer need to rely on external camera apps when taking photos in low light via WhatsApp, as they can now snap and share directly within the app.

The new night mode is still in beta testing and may roll out to a wider audience in the coming weeks.