Why your iPhone saves photos as HEIC and how to switch to JPG
Your iPhone saves photos in HEIC format by default because it takes up less storage space than JPG while keeping the same image quality. HEIC is Apple's newer format, but many older computers, websites, and devices don't recognize it. If you need to share photos with people using Windows, Android, or older software, converting to JPG is the simplest fix.
You have two main paths: change your iPhone's camera settings so it saves new photos as JPG automatically, or convert photos you've already taken. The first method prevents the problem going forward. The second method works on photos already in your library.
Key Takeaways
- Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and tap "Most Compatible" to make your iPhone save all new photos as JPG instead of HEIC.
- Photos already taken in HEIC stay in that format unless you convert them one at a time or use a third-party app.
- The built-in Photos app on iPhone can convert a single HEIC photo to JPG by opening it, tapping Edit, then using the Share menu to save as JPG.
- If you have many HEIC photos to convert, a free app like Image Converter or Convertio handles batches faster than doing them one by one.
Change your camera settings to save new photos as JPG
This is the fastest way to stop the problem from happening with future photos. Open the Settings app on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Camera. Then tap Formats.
You'll see two options: "High Efficiency" (which is HEIC) and "Most Compatible" (which is JPG). Tap "Most Compatible." From now on, every photo your iPhone takes will save as JPG automatically. This uses slightly more storage space, but the difference is small on modern iPhones.
If you use Portrait mode or take photos in low light, switching to JPG may slightly reduce the detail Apple's software can capture. For most everyday photos, you won't notice the difference.
Convert a single HEIC photo to JPG using the Photos app
If you only have one or two photos to convert, the built-in Photos app works without downloading anything. Open Photos and find the HEIC photo you want to convert. Tap Edit in the top right corner.
Make any changes you want, or just tap Done without editing. Now tap the three dots (or the share arrow) in the bottom right. Scroll down and tap Save as Copy. Your iPhone will ask you to choose a format — select JPG. The converted photo saves to your library as a new file, and your original HEIC photo stays unchanged.
This method works but is slow if you have dozens of photos. Each one takes about 30 seconds to convert this way.
Convert many HEIC photos at once with a free app
If you have 10 or more HEIC photos, downloading a converter app is faster. Open the App Store and search for "image converter" or "HEIC converter." Free options include Image Converter, Convertio, and CloudConvert. read one and open it.
Most of these apps work the same way: tap the button to select photos, choose multiple HEIC files from your library, then tap Convert. The app processes them all at once and saves the JPG versions to your Photos library or lets you read them as a folder.
Read the app's description before downloading to see whether it stores your photos on its servers or converts them only on your phone. Apps that work entirely on your phone are faster and more private.
Transfer HEIC photos to a computer and convert there
If you plan to edit photos on a computer anyway, converting on a Mac or Windows PC is another option. Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB cable. On a Mac, open Image Capture (in Applications > Utilities). On Windows, open File Explorer and find your iPhone under "Devices."
Select the HEIC photos you want to convert and import them to your computer. On a Mac, you can convert them using Preview: open a photo, go to File > Export, and choose JPEG from the Format dropdown. On Windows, right-click the photo, select "Open with," and choose Photos or Paint. Then use File > Save As and pick JPEG format.
This method is useful if you're already moving photos to a computer, but it requires a cable and takes longer than using your phone alone.
What happens to HEIC photos already on your iPhone
Changing your camera settings to JPG does not convert photos you've already taken. Those stay in HEIC format unless you convert them. If you have hundreds of old HEIC photos and want them all as JPG, a batch converter app is your fastest option.
You can also leave old photos as HEIC and only convert the ones you plan to share. Many modern devices now recognize HEIC, so the problem is shrinking over time. Check whether the person or service you're sending photos to actually needs JPG before you spend time converting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will converting HEIC to JPG make my photos look worse?
No. JPG is a well-established format that holds the same image quality as HEIC for most photos. You won't see a visible difference unless you zoom in very far or edit the photo heavily afterward. The file will be slightly larger, but the visual quality stays the same.
Can I convert HEIC to JPG on my iPhone without an app?
Yes, using the Photos app's Edit and Save as Copy method works without downloading anything. It's slower than a batch converter app if you have many photos, but it's free and built in. For one or two photos, it's the easiest route.
What if the person I'm sending photos to still can't open JPG?
JPG is supported on every device made in the last 20 years, so this is extremely rare. If someone truly cannot open JPG files, they likely have a very old device or a software problem on their end, not a problem with the format itself. Ask them to update their software or use a different device to view the photos.
Does changing to JPG affect photos I've already taken?
No. Your camera settings only control new photos going forward. Photos already in HEIC format stay that way unless you convert them manually. You can change back to HEIC anytime by going to Settings > Camera > Formats and selecting "High Efficiency" again.
Is HEIC better than JPG?
HEIC takes up less storage space and can hold slightly more detail in shadows and highlights. JPG is older and works everywhere. For most people, JPG is "better" straightforward because it works with more devices and services. Choose based on what you need: maximum compatibility (JPG) or maximum storage savings (HEIC).