HEIC files are Apple's newer photo format, and many devices and websites don't recognize them yet

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default format Apple uses to save photos on iPhones, iPads, and newer Macs. The format takes up less storage space than older formats, but many computers, phones, and websites still expect JPG files instead. Converting HEIC to JPG means your photos will open anywhere — on Android phones, older computers, email systems, and photo-sharing sites that reject HEIC.

The conversion process depends on what device you're using. On an iPhone or iPad, you can change your camera settings to shoot in JPG from now on, or convert existing HEIC photos one at a time. On a Mac or Windows computer, you can use built-in tools or free software to convert files in bulk. Online converters also work if you don't want to install anything.

Key Takeaways

  • iPhones and iPads can be set to capture photos in JPG format instead of HEIC by going to Settings > Camera > Formats and selecting Most Compatible.
  • Existing HEIC photos on an iPhone can be converted to JPG by opening each photo, tapping Share, selecting Save Image, and choosing JPG from the format menu.
  • Mac computers have a built-in Preview app that opens HEIC files and exports them as JPG without installing additional software.
  • Windows computers need free third-party software like XnConvert or an online converter, since Windows does not natively support HEIC.
  • Online converters work on any device with a web browser, but uploading photos to the internet carries privacy considerations you should weigh first.

Change your iPhone or iPad camera to shoot JPG instead of HEIC

The easiest way to stop getting HEIC files is to tell your iPhone or iPad to save photos in JPG format from now on. Open Settings, tap Camera, then tap Formats. Select Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency. From that point forward, every photo you take will be a JPG file.

This setting does not convert photos you already have — it only affects new photos. If you want to keep using High Efficiency for storage savings but need JPG files for sharing, you can leave this setting alone and convert individual photos as needed.

Convert existing HEIC photos on iPhone or iPad one at a time

Open the Photos app and find the HEIC photo you want to convert. Tap the photo to open it, then tap the Share button (the square with an arrow pointing up). Scroll down and tap Save Image. A menu will appear asking what format to use — select JPG. The converted JPG will be saved to your Photos library alongside the original HEIC file.

This method works one photo at a time, so it is practical if you have only a few photos to convert. If you have dozens or hundreds, consider using a computer instead, where you can convert multiple files at once.

Convert HEIC to JPG on a Mac using Preview

Mac computers come with a built-in app called Preview that can open HEIC files and save them as JPG. Open Preview, then go to File > Open and select the HEIC photo you want to convert. Once the photo is open, go to File > Export. A dialog box will appear — change the Format dropdown from HEIC to JPEG, choose where to save the file, and click Save.

If you have multiple HEIC files to convert, Preview can handle them in sequence. Open all the files you need at once (File > Open, then hold Shift and click each file), then export each one individually. For truly large batches, a free tool like XnConvert or Automator (Mac's built-in automation app) will be faster.

Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows using free software

Windows does not recognize HEIC files natively, so you will need to install free software first. XnConvert is a popular choice — download it from the XnConvert website, install it, and open the program. Click the folder icon to select your HEIC files, then choose JPEG from the Output format dropdown. Click Convert and the software will save JPG versions of all your files in a folder you specify.

Other free options include IrfanView and ImageMagick, both of which work similarly. Download, install, open your HEIC file, and export as JPEG. All three programs are free and do not require a subscription or account.

Use an online converter if you prefer not to install software

Websites like CloudConvert, Zamzar, and Online-Convert let you upload HEIC files and download JPG versions without installing anything. Go to the website, click the upload button, select your HEIC photo, wait for the conversion to finish, and download the JPG file. Most online converters work on any device — phone, tablet, or computer.

The trade-off is privacy: your photo is uploaded to someone else's server during the conversion. If your photos contain sensitive information, converting on your own device (using the methods above) is safer. If you use an online converter, choose one with a privacy policy you trust, and delete the file from the website after you download it.

Batch convert multiple HEIC files at once

If you have many photos to convert, doing them one at a time is slow. On Mac, use a free tool like XnConvert or Automator to process entire folders. On Windows, XnConvert, IrfanView, and ImageMagick all have batch modes — select a folder of HEIC files, set the output format to JPEG, and let the software convert them all. Online converters sometimes offer batch upload too, though limits vary by site.

Batch conversion is also useful if you are moving photos from an iPhone to an older computer or camera that does not support HEIC. Convert everything at once, then transfer the JPG folder to your other device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will converting HEIC to JPG make my photos look worse?

No. HEIC and JPG are both compressed formats, and the quality loss from conversion is minimal to invisible. You will not see a difference in how the photo looks. The main trade-off is file size — JPG files are usually larger than HEIC files, so conversion uses more storage space.

Can I convert HEIC to JPG on my Android phone?

Android phones do not usually receive HEIC files from iPhones, but if you have HEIC files on your Android device, use a free app like Image Converter or CloudConvert's mobile site. Most Android photo apps do not natively support HEIC, so a dedicated converter app is the easiest route.

What if a website still won't accept my JPG file after conversion?

Check the website's file size limit — some sites reject files larger than a certain size. You can reduce file size by opening the JPG in a photo editor, resizing it, and saving it again. Alternatively, try uploading from a different browser or device, or contact the website's support to ask what formats they accept.

Do I need to delete the original HEIC files after converting to JPG?

No, but you can if you want to save storage space. HEIC files take up less room than JPG, so keeping both means you have a smaller original and a larger copy. If storage is tight, delete the HEIC versions after confirming the JPG conversions worked.