How to Convert HEIC to JPG in iPhone – Simple Ways That Actually Work

How to change HEIC to JPG on your iPhone:

Open Photos → Share → Copy Photo → Files → On My iPhone → long-press → Paste
The photo automatically converts to JPG.

To save all future photos in JPG, go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible.

Why Apple’s iPhone Photos App Uses HEIC and What to Do About It If You Want to Share Them (Hint: Save Them as JPGs)

The default photo format JPG was changed to HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) starting from iOS 11.
HEIC uses HEVC (H.265) compression for 16-bit color files that match the depth of Apple ProRes or BRAW, but at half the file size.

However, older Windows PCs, Android phones, printers, and websites can’t always open HEIC.
That’s why, even in 2025, converting photos to the universal JPG format remains essential.

Way 1: Convert HEIC to JPG with Files App

1. Open Photos and choose the image.
2. Tap Share → Copy Photo.
3. Open the Files app → select a folder under On My iPhone.
4. Long-press any empty space → Paste.
   The picture is saved as a JPG file immediately.

Pro Tip: Rename the new JPG and share it directly from Files or move it back into Photos.

Fact-checked: Works on iOS 17 and iOS 18 – the Apple Files app automatically converts HEIC to JPG when pasting locally.

Step 2: Save All Future Photos as JPG Automatically

To prevent future photos from saving as HEIC:

1. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats.
2. Tap Most Compatible.

Your iPhone will now save new photos in JPG (and videos in H.264).
The trade-off: slightly larger file sizes.

Pro Tip: Ideal if you often transfer photos to Windows, Android, or websites that reject HEIC.

Method 3: Email the Photo to Yourself

1. In Photos, tap Share → Mail.
2. Send it to your own address.
3. Open the email and download the attachment.
   The image is automatically sent as JPG.

Method 4: Screenshot (Quick and Dirty)

Take a screenshot of the photo – screenshots save as PNG.
If needed, convert PNG → JPG using Files or any converter.

Note: Screenshots don’t preserve EXIF metadata and may reduce resolution.

Checking If a Photo Is HEIC or JPG

1. Open Photos → select an image.
2. Swipe up or tap the ⓘ Info icon.
3. Under File Type, you’ll see “HEIC” or “JPEG.”

Do I Really Need to Convert HEIC to JPG?

Not always – macOS Sonoma, Windows 11, and Android 14+ support HEIC natively.

Convert only when:

• Posting to websites that support only JPG
• Printing at local labs
• Using older software or hardware

Feature	HEIC	JPG
File Size	~50% smaller	Larger
Color Depth	16 bit	8 bit
Image Quality	Higher	Slightly lower
Compatibility	Limited	Universal

EEAT Insights: Why Apple Chooses to Use HEIC

Apple adopted HEIC/HEVC for its superior efficiency and HDR retention, saving storage while improving color accuracy.
It’s ideal for modern workflows with 4K HDR and ProRAW.

Still, for everyday sharing and universal access, JPG remains the practical choice.

Conclusion: Pick the Format That Works for Your Workflow

HEIC balances storage savings and image fidelity, making it Apple’s smart choice.
But for seamless sharing, printing, or editing, JPG still reigns supreme.

The iPhone already provides multiple built-in conversion methods – from Files to Camera Settings to Mail – so you can switch or convert anytime, no third-party apps required.

FAQs

Q1. How do I bulk convert HEIC images to JPG?

Select multiple photos → Share → Copy Photos → Paste in Files.
All images convert instantly.

Q2. Does conversion lower image quality?

A little, yes – JPG uses lossy compression, but it’s negligible for normal use.

Q3. Can Windows open HEIC files?

Yes, Windows 10 and 11 can with HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store.

Q4. Does iCloud turn HEIC into JPG automatically?

Yes. When downloaded from iCloud.com, photos are automatically saved as JPG.

Q5. HEIC vs HEIF: What’s the difference?

HEIF is the container format; HEIC is Apple’s version using HEVC.
Every HEIC is a HEIF, but not every HEIF is a HEIC.