Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone
iPhone photos are saved as HEIC by default — a format that Windows, Android, and most websites cannot open. Convert to JPG instantly, no app required.
HEIC File Size
~1.5 MB
Typical iPhone HEIC photo
Same Photo as JPG
~3 MB
HEIC is 50% smaller at equal quality
Conversion Time
< 5 sec
Using PixlTools online tool
3 Ways to Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone
Method 1 — Use PixlTools (Any Device, No App)
Fastest- 1Open Safari or Chrome on your iPhone and go to pixltools.com/heic-to-jpg
- 2Tap 'Upload' and select your HEIC photo from your Camera Roll
- 3Tap 'Convert' — your JPG is ready in seconds
- 4Tap 'Download' to save the JPG to your Photos app
This is the fastest method. No app download, no account, no HEIC files stored on any server.
Method 2 — Change iPhone Camera Setting to JPEG
Permanent Fix- 1Open Settings on your iPhone
- 2Scroll down and tap Camera
- 3Tap Formats
- 4Select 'Most Compatible' instead of 'High Efficiency'
After this change, your iPhone saves all new photos as JPEG instead of HEIC. This is the best long-term fix if you frequently need JPG files.
Method 3 — Share from iPhone (Auto-Converts on PC)
Quick Share- 1Open the Photos app on your iPhone
- 2Select the HEIC photo you want to convert
- 3Tap Share → choose AirDrop, email, or Messages
- 4iPhone automatically converts to JPG when sharing to non-Apple devices
iPhone automatically converts HEIC to JPG when sharing outside the Apple ecosystem. No conversion needed if you just need to send the photo.
HEIC Compatibility by Platform
| Platform | HEIC Support | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad (iOS 11+) | ✅ Native | No conversion needed |
| Mac (macOS High Sierra+) | ✅ Native | No conversion needed |
| Windows 10 / 11 | ⚠️ Partial | Install HEVC Extension from Microsoft Store, or convert to JPG |
| Windows 7 / 8 | ❌ None | Convert to JPG before opening |
| Android | ❌ None | Convert to JPG before sharing |
| Gmail / Outlook Web | ⚠️ Partial | Displays inline on some browsers — convert to JPG for reliability |
| WordPress / CMSs | ❌ None | Convert to JPG or WebP before uploading |
| WhatsApp / Telegram | ✅ Auto-convert | Apps convert automatically when sharing from iPhone |
Free Conversion Tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEIC and why does iPhone use it?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's photo format, introduced with iOS 11 in 2017. It uses the HEVC (H.265) codec to achieve file sizes roughly 50% smaller than JPEG at equivalent visual quality. A 3MB JPG becomes approximately 1.5MB as HEIC — saving significant storage on your iPhone. Apple uses HEIC by default because it doubles your photo storage capacity without any visible quality loss.
Why can't I open HEIC photos on my Windows PC or Android?
HEIC is an Apple-specific format that Windows and Android do not natively support. Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files if you install the free HEVC Video Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Android has no built-in HEIC support. The easiest solution is to convert HEIC to JPG using PixlTools before sharing with non-Apple users.
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
The conversion itself is lossless in terms of visual quality when done at quality 90-100%. However, JPEG is a lossy format — once converted, re-saving the JPG will reduce quality. For best results, convert once at high quality and avoid re-saving the output JPG.
How do I stop my iPhone from taking HEIC photos?
Go to Settings → Camera → Formats → select 'Most Compatible'. This makes your iPhone shoot in JPEG instead of HEIC. Note: this uses more storage per photo (approximately 2x) but ensures universal compatibility with all devices and platforms.
Can I convert HEIC to JPG without a computer?
Yes — PixlTools works directly in your iPhone's Safari or Chrome browser. No computer needed. Simply open the website, upload your HEIC photo, and download the converted JPG back to your Camera Roll.
What is the difference between HEIC and HEIF?
HEIC and HEIF are closely related. HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format) is the container format standard. HEIC is the specific variant Apple uses for photos taken with iPhone cameras. They are functionally identical for most purposes — our converter handles both.