How-to Guide 2 min read

How to Convert iPhone HEIC Photos to JPG

iPhones have saved photos in HEIC format since iOS 11 (2017). HEIC files are about half the size of JPG at the same quality, but many Windows apps, government portals, and older software cannot open them. This guide shows every way to convert HEIC to JPG — from a free online tool to built-in iPhone and Mac settings.

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By ImgToolkit Team · Updated May 2026 · 2 min read · Processed in your browser
PNGJPGWebPGIF

Quick Answer

iPhones have saved photos in HEIC format since iOS 11 (2017). HEIC files are about half the size of JPG at the same quality, but many Windows apps, government portals, and older software cannot open them.

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Step-by-Step Guide

5 steps · takes under 1 minute

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Option 1: Use the free online converter (fastest)

Upload your HEIC file to the HEIC to JPG converter. It converts in your browser using the heic2any library — no file is uploaded to any server. Works on Windows, Mac, Android, and any device with a modern browser.

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Option 2: Change iPhone camera settings (prevents future HEIC)

On your iPhone: Settings → Camera → Formats → choose 'Most Compatible'. This saves all future photos as JPG. Existing HEIC photos are unaffected.

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Option 3: Email or AirDrop from iPhone (auto-converts)

When you share a HEIC photo via email or AirDrop to a non-Apple device, iOS automatically converts it to JPG. This is a quick workaround for one or two photos.

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Option 4: Use Mac Preview (for Mac users)

Open the HEIC file in Mac Preview → File → Export → choose JPEG format → adjust quality → Save. Built-in, no download needed.

5

Batch convert multiple HEIC files

Use the HEIC to JPG tool to upload and convert up to 20 HEIC files at once. Each is converted and available for individual download.

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Pro tip

Use 75–85% quality for web images — you get 60–80% smaller files with no visible difference at normal screen sizes.

Format & File Size Comparison

Same 1080×1080px photo processed four ways

FormatQualityFile SizeNotes
PNG (original) Perfect 4.2 MB No compression — too large for web
Compressed PNG Visually identical 1.1 MB −74% — transparency preserved
JPG (85% quality) Excellent 310 KB −93% · Best for photos
WebP (85%)BEST Excellent 205 KB −95% · Recommended for web

Based on a 1080×1080px photo. Results vary by image content and complexity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

4 questions answered

What is HEIC and why does my iPhone use it?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's photo format that uses the HEVC codec. It produces files roughly half the size of JPG at equivalent quality, saving storage space on your iPhone. Apple introduced it with iOS 11 in 2017.

Why can't Windows open HEIC files?

Windows needs the HEIF Image Extensions (free from the Microsoft Store) to open HEIC files natively. Without it, you'll see a format error. Converting to JPG is the easiest workaround and ensures compatibility with all Windows software.

Do Samsung phones also use HEIC?

Samsung cameras can save in HEIF/HEIC format, but most Samsung phones default to JPG. Check Settings → Camera → Picture Format on your device. If HEIF is selected, switch to JPEG or use the converter for existing files.

Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?

At 90%+ quality, the visual difference is negligible. HEIC is a more efficient format, so a converted JPG may be slightly larger in file size at equivalent quality — but visually they look the same.

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