Have you ever tried to upload or open a photo from your iPhone and got a strange message saying the file isn’t supported? If yes, then you’ve probably come across a file type called HEIC. Most iPhones and newer Apple devices save pictures in this format. It helps your phone store high-quality photos while saving storage space. However, many apps, including Instagram, Windows Photos, and some Android devices, don’t support HEIC files directly.
That’s where JPG (or JPEG) format comes in. JPG is the most common image type used almost everywhere — on websites, apps, and devices. If you want your photos to open easily or upload smoothly on social media, you’ll need to convert HEIC photos into JPG format.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about HEIC files, why they exist, why you may need to convert them, and the easiest ways to change HEIC to JPG — whether you’re using an iPhone, Windows PC, or Mac.
What Is a HEIC File?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. Apple introduced it starting from iOS 11 (iPhone 7 and newer) to replace the traditional JPG format. The purpose was simple: better photo quality in smaller file sizes.
For example, a 3MB JPG image might only take up 1.5MB as a HEIC file — with no loss in quality. That’s why iPhones use this format by default. It’s great for storage, backups, and fast sharing within Apple’s ecosystem.
However, outside Apple devices, this file type can cause problems. Many Windows systems, websites, and editing software don’t recognize HEIC images unless you install extra tools. That’s why people often need to convert them to JPG, which is compatible everywhere.
Why Convert HEIC to JPG?
Here are the main reasons why you might want to convert HEIC files to JPG:
- Compatibility Issues
HEIC files don’t always open on non-Apple devices. If you send a HEIC image to a Windows PC or Android user, they might not be able to view it. - Social Media Uploads
Apps like Instagram Chrome Website, Facebook, or Twitter often don’t accept HEIC uploads directly. You’ll need to use JPG for a smooth upload. - Editing Purposes
Most photo editing tools (especially older versions of Photoshop or Paint) don’t support HEIC. JPG works with all editing software. - Sharing and Printing
JPG files are widely accepted for email, websites, and printing, while HEIC may not display properly outside Apple devices.
In short — converting HEIC to JPG makes your photos easy to open, edit, share, and upload anywhere.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone
Apple already gives you options to make this process simple. You can either change your camera settings so that new photos save as JPG, or convert existing HEIC photos to JPG.
Option 1: Change Camera Settings (Save Future Photos as JPG)
- Open your iPhone’s Settings app.
- Go to Camera → Formats.
- Under Camera Capture, select Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency.
- From now on, new photos will automatically save as JPG.
This is the easiest way if you want all your upcoming photos to be in JPG format.
Option 2: Convert Existing HEIC Photos to JPG
If you already have HEIC photos in your gallery, follow these quick methods:
Using the Files App
- Open the Photos app and select your HEIC images.
- Tap the Share icon and select Save to Files.
- Open the Files app, find your image, and share it again.
- When you choose “Save Image,” it will be saved as JPG in your Photos.
Using the Shortcut App
You can use the Shortcuts app (available on iPhones) and create a “Convert to JPG” shortcut to convert multiple photos at once. Once set up, just select photos and run the shortcut — it will save JPG versions automatically.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
If you’re using a Windows PC, there are several ways to view and convert HEIC files easily.
Option 1: Use the Photos App
- Open your HEIC file in the Windows Photos app.
- Click the three dots (•••) in the top-right corner.
- Select Save As and choose JPG from the “Save as type” menu.
- Save your photo — that’s it!
If the file doesn’t open, you might need to install HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (it’s free).
Option 2: Use an Online Converter
If you want to convert multiple files quickly without installing anything, use an online tool such as HEIC to JPG converter by Zubair Ali:
- heictoojpg.com
- cloudconvert.com
- iloveimg.com
Simply upload your HEIC files, select JPG as the output format, and download the converted images.
Option 3: Use a Third-Party App
You can also use tools like:
- CopyTrans HEIC for Windows (lets you view and convert HEIC files easily)
- iMazing HEIC Converter (free desktop converter for bulk photos)
How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac
Mac users have a few built-in options too.
Option 1: Using Preview
- Open the HEIC photo in Preview.
- Click on File → Export.
- Choose JPEG from the format list.
- Adjust quality if needed and click Save.
Option 2: Using Photos App
- Open the Photos app.
- Select the photos you want to export.
- Click File → Export → Export [number] Photos.
- Choose JPEG format, select quality, and click Export.
This method is great for converting multiple HEIC files quickly.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG Online (Any Device)
Online converters are the easiest way if you don’t want to install software. Here are some popular and trusted ones:
- heictoojpg.com — Simple drag-and-drop site, converts instantly.
- cloudconvert.com — Supports many formats and custom quality settings.
- freeconvert.com — Fast, clean interface for bulk conversion.
- convertio.co — Allows uploads from Google Drive, Dropbox, or computer.
Steps to Use an Online Converter
- Visit any converter website.
- Upload your HEIC file(s).
- Choose JPG as the output format.
- Click Convert, then download your JPG photo.
⚠️ Tip: If your photos are private or sensitive, use offline tools for better privacy.
How to Convert HEIC to JPG Automatically When Transferring
You can also make your iPhone automatically convert HEIC files when you transfer them to a PC or Mac.
- Go to Settings → Photos.
- Scroll to Transfer to Mac or PC.
- Select Automatic instead of “Keep Originals.”
Now, whenever you connect your iPhone and import photos, they’ll automatically be saved as JPG.
Pros and Cons of Converting HEIC to JPG
| Feature | HEIC | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Quality | Higher | Slightly lower |
| Compatibility | Limited (mostly Apple) | Universal |
| Editing Support | Limited | Full support |
| Social Media Upload | Sometimes unsupported | Fully supported |
Converting to JPG ensures better compatibility, even if it takes slightly more space.
Final Tips
- Always keep a backup of your original HEIC photos before converting them.
- Use batch converters to save time when converting many photos.
- For social media or website uploads, JPG is the safest choice.
- If you want to preserve high quality and smaller sizes, you can also convert to PNG or WEBP formats.
Conclusion
HEIC is a modern and efficient image format, but it’s still not supported everywhere. If you often share or upload photos outside Apple devices, converting images from HEIC to JPG is the simplest way to avoid compatibility problems.
Whether you use your iPhone’s built-in settings, online tools, or desktop apps, the process is quick and easy. Once converted, your photos will work perfectly on any platform — Instagram, Facebook, Windows, or Android.
So next time your photo doesn’t upload or open properly, remember — a quick conversion to JPG is all you need!
FAQs
What is a HEIC file?
A HEIC file is a photo format used by Apple devices like iPhones and iPads. It keeps your pictures high-quality while taking less storage space. However, since not all apps or devices support it, you may need to convert HEIC to JPG for better compatibility.
Why can’t I upload HEIC photos to Instagram or Windows?
Instagram Login Website and many Windows systems don’t recognize the HEIC format. These platforms mainly support JPG or PNG files. That’s why your HEIC photos may not upload or open until you convert them to a supported format like JPG.
What’s the easiest way to convert HEIC to JPG?
The simplest way is to use a free online converter like heictojpg.com or change your iPhone settings to “Most Compatible” in Camera settings. Both methods quickly save or convert photos to JPG without needing any advanced tools.
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce photo quality?
Slightly — but not in a noticeable way. JPG files may lose a small amount of detail due to compression, yet they still look great on social media, websites, and screens. For most users, the difference is hardly visible.
Can I convert multiple HEIC files to JPG at once?
Yes! You can use batch converters like iMazing HEIC Converter or CloudConvert to convert many photos together. Just upload all your HEIC files, choose JPG as the format, and download them after conversion — quick and easy.
