How to Convert HEIC to JPG: When iPhone Photos Won’t Open on Windows

What is HEIC?

HEIC is the default photo format on iPhone and iPad. It is an image encoded with the HEVC compression method and stored in a HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) container, with the file extension .heic. Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos in this format unless you change the setting.

• Smaller files than JPEG at the same quality, which saves storage on your device
• Can hold multiple images in one file, which suits bursts and Live Photos
• Can keep information JPEG cannot, such as transparency and depth data
• In exchange, it will not open as-is on systems that do not support it

In short, HEIC is a newer, more efficient format that cannot yet be opened everywhere. It works smoothly while everything stays on your own devices, but things get stuck as soon as you send photos to other people or upload them to services that do not support it.

Why HEIC files won’t open or upload

It is tempting to assume the file is corrupted, but in almost every case it is fine. The app or service opening it simply does not support HEIC. Here is how to narrow down the cause by symptom.

You cannot change the recipient’s environment. Rather than asking them to install an extension, it is faster and more reliable to convert to JPEG yourself before sending.

Stop saving photos as HEIC in the first place

If converting every time is a chore, you can switch your iPhone to save photos as JPEG from the moment you take them. The change applies to future photos, so it cuts out most conversion work.

1. 1

   Open the Settings app

   Open Settings from your iPhone’s Home Screen.

2. 2

   Tap Camera

   Choose “Camera” from the list of settings.

3. 3

   Open Formats

   Open “Formats” and you will see two options: High Efficiency and Most Compatible.

4. 4

   Choose Most Compatible

   With “Most Compatible” selected, new photos are saved as JPEG (and videos as H.264). Photos you have already taken keep their existing format.

You can also control what happens when you transfer photos to a computer. In Settings, open “Photos” and, near the bottom under “Transfer to Mac or PC,” choose “Automatic.” Photos are then converted to a compatible format during transfer. With “Keep Originals,” they are transferred as HEIC and the problem continues.

Four ways to convert HEIC to JPEG

Choose a method based on your setup and how many photos you have. A few photos are easy with built-in tools; large batches call for bulk processing.

On a Mac, open the photo in Preview, choose File > Export, and pick JPEG as the format. Select several files and open them together in Preview to export them in one go. On Windows, adding HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store lets the built-in Photos app display HEIC files, and you can then use “Save as” to create a JPEG. Store availability and pricing can change, so check the listing before you install.

How to convert in your browser

If you cannot install software, you can convert in the browser. The Image Format Converter processes the images you select entirely within your browser and never uploads them to a server, which makes it suitable even for photos of people or internal work images.

1. 1

   Choose your image

   Drag and drop the image you want to convert, or load it using the file picker.

2. 2

   Pick the output format

   Choose PNG, JPEG, or WebP. Use JPEG for sharing with others, or PNG if you need to keep transparency.

3. 3

   Adjust the quality

   JPEG and WebP let you set the quality. For photos, around 80 to 90% gives a good balance between appearance and file size.

4. 4

   Convert and download

   The converted file size is shown, so check that it is what you expected before saving.

What you lose in conversion, and what to watch for

• Quality: both HEIC and JPEG are lossy formats. Each conversion degrades the image slightly, so avoid converting back and forth.
• File size: a JPEG of the same appearance takes up more space. With many photos, this can fill up your storage.
• Live Photos: the motion part is lost once you convert to a still image. Export as a video if you want to keep the motion.
• Shooting data: Exif information such as the date taken and location may be kept or dropped depending on the conversion method.
• Transparency: JPEG cannot keep HEIC’s transparency. Converting to JPEG fills the background with white.

Losing location data can be a problem or a benefit depending on the use. You may want to keep it to sort travel photos chronologically, but for photos posted on social media it is safer to have it removed than to publish your home’s location. Choose the method based on what matters most. For a step-by-step guide to checking and removing location data itself, see how to remove location data from photos.

FAQ

Does converting HEIC to JPEG reduce quality?

Slightly. Both HEIC and JPEG are lossy, so some information is lost with each conversion. With quality set to around 80 to 90%, the difference is rarely noticeable for normal viewing or printing. The problem comes when you convert an already converted image again and again, so keep the original HEIC and convert from it only once.

How do I open HEIC files on Windows?

Add HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, and the built-in Photos app will be able to display them. Once they display, you can use “Save as” in Photos to export a JPEG. If you cannot install the extension, the most reliable options are switching your iPhone to Most Compatible or setting it to convert automatically on transfer.

Can my iPhone save photos as JPEG from the start?

Yes. In Settings > Camera > Formats, choose “Most Compatible,” and new photos will be saved as JPEG. Existing photos keep their format. Since Most Compatible makes files larger, if your phone is low on space you may prefer to keep High Efficiency and convert only when needed.

Is it safe to upload photos to a browser-based converter?

The Image Format Converter processes the images you select entirely within your browser and does not send them to a server, so your photos are never stored externally. If you use an online conversion service, check whether files are sent to a server and, if so, when they are deleted.