How to convert iPhone HEIC photos to JPG
Updated 2026-09-22
Last checked: 2026-09-22. Verify with the official source before submitting.
iPhones save photos in HEIF (files ending in .heic), a format Apple introduced with iOS 11 because it needs less storage than JPEG. Apple's own devices open it without trouble, but many Windows PCs, older Android apps, websites and government upload forms do not, and some reject .heic outright.
There are three practical fixes: convert the photos you already have, let the iPhone convert them when you copy them to a computer, or switch the camera to JPEG for future photos. This guide covers all three, with the exact setting names from Apple's support page.
Requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone photo format | HEIF (.heic), introduced with iOS 11; "High Efficiency" camera setting | Apple Support: Using HEIF or HEVC media |
| Take JPEG photos instead | Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible | Apple Support: Using HEIF or HEVC media |
| Conversion when importing over USB | May convert to JPEG; turn off with Settings > Apps > Photos > Keep Originals | Apple Support: Using HEIF or HEVC media |
| Example: Saudi Absher photo upload | JPEG required; .heic uploads reported rejected (third-party guide) | Aalejha (Saudi guide site, third-party) |
Open the tool with these settings
Runs in your browser; the photo is not uploaded and its location data is dropped.
Only needed if a form limits the file size.
All tools linked here run in your browser; the photo is never uploaded to GivenTool.
1. Convert the photos you already have
Open the HEIC to JPG converter, choose the .heic file (send it from the iPhone by AirDrop, email or a cable, or open the page on the iPhone itself) and click Convert. Leave quality at 90% for a JPG that looks the same as the original. The conversion runs in your browser with a WebAssembly decoder, so private photos are not uploaded, and the photo's location data is not copied into the JPG.
The JPG is usually larger than the HEIC, because JPEG compresses less efficiently. If an upload form has a size limit, run the JPG through the image compressor next; if it needs exact pixel dimensions, use the image resizer, which also accepts HEIC directly.
2. Let the iPhone convert when copying to a computer
Apple says that when you import HEIF photos over USB, or share them by AirDrop, Messages or email with a device that does not support the format, the media might be converted to JPEG automatically. If you want the originals instead, Apple's setting is Settings > Apps > Photos > Keep Originals; leaving that option off is what allows the conversion.
3. Shoot JPG from now on
On the iPhone open Settings > Camera > Formats and choose Most Compatible. New photos are then saved as JPEG (and videos as H.264). Choose High Efficiency to go back to HEIF and HEVC, which use less storage. Photos you already took stay HEIC.
- Most Compatible: JPEG photos, larger files, open everywhere.
- High Efficiency: HEIF photos, smaller files, may need converting for uploads.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't Windows open my iPhone photos?
Windows needs an extra codec to open HEIC, and many other apps and websites do not support it at all. Converting to JPG avoids the problem everywhere.
Does converting to JPG reduce quality?
At 90% quality the difference is not visible in normal use. The JPG is usually larger than the HEIC, because HEIF compresses more efficiently than JPEG.
Are Live Photos kept?
No. A JPG holds a single still image, so the converter keeps the main photo of a Live Photo and drops the video part.
Is it safe for private photos?
Yes. The GivenTool converter decodes the photo in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
This guide summarises published requirements for convenience. It is not legal advice and GivenTool is not affiliated with any government. The issuing authority's page is the only authoritative source.
Last checked: 2026-09-22. Verify with the official source before submitting.