HEIC files are Apple's newer photo format, and most devices can open them now — but not all programs do

A HEIC file is a photo or image saved in a format Apple created to replace the older JPG standard. HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. Apple uses it on iPhones, iPads, and Macs because it makes files smaller without losing quality. The problem: Windows computers, older Android phones, and many programs still don't recognize HEIC files, so you may see an error or a blank thumbnail when you try to open one.

The fastest solution depends on what device you're using and what you want to do with the file. On an iPhone or Mac, HEIC files open automatically in the built-in Photos app. On Windows or Android, you have three main routes: convert the file to JPG, use a program that reads HEIC, or upload it to a service that handles the conversion for you.

Key Takeaways

  • HEIC files open automatically in the Photos app on iPhones, iPads, and Macs without any extra steps.
  • Windows computers need either a free HEIC viewer program, a conversion tool, or the optional HEIC Image Extensions from Microsoft Store to open these files.
  • You can convert HEIC to JPG on any device using free online tools, though uploading files to the internet carries privacy considerations.
  • Android phones can open HEIC files with third-party apps like Google Photos or dedicated HEIC viewers from the Play Store.
  • Many programs like Photoshop, Paint, and Preview now support HEIC, but older versions may not, so checking your program's version helps avoid frustration.

Opening HEIC files on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

If you took the photo on an Apple device, it's already in HEIC format and opens in the Photos app automatically. You don't need to do anything — just tap or click the photo and it appears. If someone sent you a HEIC file and you're on an Apple device, the same applies: tap it and Photos opens it.

On a Mac, you can also open HEIC files in Preview (the built-in image viewer), Photoshop, or any program that supports the format. Right-click the file, select "Open With," and choose the program you want. If you need to send the file to someone with a Windows computer or an older phone, the easiest route is to convert it to JPG first — on a Mac, open the file in Preview, go to File > Export, and change the format to JPEG before saving.

Opening HEIC files on Windows

Windows doesn't recognize HEIC files by default, so you have three options. The simplest is to install the free HEIC Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Search for "HEIC" in the Store app on your Windows computer, find the official extension from Microsoft, and click "Get." After installation, HEIC files will show thumbnails in File Explorer and open in the Photos app.

If you don't want to install anything, use an online converter. Go to CloudConvert, Zamzar, or Online-Convert in your web browser, upload your HEIC file, select JPG as the output format, and read the converted file. These services are free, though they do upload your file to their servers — if privacy is a concern, use a local program instead.

A third option is to read a dedicated HEIC viewer program. IrfanView and XnView are both free and open HEIC files without conversion. read the program, install it, then right-click your HEIC file, select "Open With," and choose the program from the list.

Opening HEIC files on Android

Most Android phones don't open HEIC files natively, but Google Photos handles them automatically if you have the app installed. Open Google Photos, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines), go to Settings, and make sure "Backup & Sync" is turned on. Upload your HEIC file to Google Photos and it converts to a viewable format on your phone.

If you want to view HEIC files without uploading them, read a dedicated app from the Play Store. Search for "HEIC viewer" and install one with good reviews — apps like HEIC Viewer or Image Viewer support the format. Open the app, navigate to your file, and it displays on your screen.

Converting HEIC to JPG permanently

If you receive HEIC files regularly or need to share them with people using older devices, converting to JPG once solves the problem for good. On a Mac, open the file in Preview, go to File > Export, select JPEG from the format dropdown, and save. On Windows, use an online converter as described above, or read a batch conversion tool like XnConvert if you have many files to convert at once.

Batch conversion means converting multiple files in one step instead of one at a time. XnConvert is free and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. read it, open the program, drag your HEIC files into the window, select JPEG as the output format, and click "Convert." It processes all of them together and saves the JPG versions to a folder you choose.

Programs that open HEIC files

Many modern programs now support HEIC, though older versions may not. Adobe Photoshop (version 19.1 and later), Microsoft Paint (on Windows 10 and 11), and Preview on Mac all open HEIC files. Lightroom, Capture One, and Affinity Photo also support the format. If you use an older version of a program and it won't open HEIC files, check the program's website for a free update.

Web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari can display HEIC files if you drag them into a new tab, though this doesn't let you edit them. For editing, you need a program designed for image work. If you're unsure whether your program supports HEIC, try opening a file — if it fails, you'll get an error message telling you the format isn't supported, and you can convert the file instead.

Why Apple uses HEIC instead of JPG

HEIC files are about 40 percent smaller than JPG files of the same photo, which saves storage space on your phone and makes uploading faster. The image quality is also better at smaller file sizes, so a tiny HEIC file looks as good as a much larger JPG. Apple switched to HEIC starting with iPhone 11 to save users storage and speed up backups.

The downside is that not every device or program recognizes it yet, which creates friction when you share photos with people using older technology. As more devices and programs add support, this problem shrinks — but for now, converting to JPG remains the safest way to share photos with anyone, anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPhone to save photos as JPG instead of HEIC?

Yes. Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency." Your iPhone will then save new photos as JPG. This uses more storage space but makes sharing easier if you frequently send photos to people with older devices.

What if I convert HEIC to JPG — will the photo quality get worse?

No. Converting from HEIC to JPG doesn't reduce quality further — you're just changing the container the image sits in. The photo looks the same. However, if you edit a JPG file and save it multiple times, quality degrades slightly each time, so avoid re-saving JPG files unnecessarily.

Is it safe to use online converters for my photos?

Online converters work quickly and are free, but they upload your file to someone else's server. If your photos contain private information or you're concerned about privacy, use a local program or app instead. For everyday photos, most converters are safe — they delete files after a few hours and don't store them permanently.

Why does my Windows computer show a blank thumbnail for HEIC files?

Windows doesn't have a built-in preview for HEIC files until you install the Microsoft Store extension. Install the free HEIC Image Extensions and thumbnails will appear. If you don't want to install anything, use an online converter to change the files to JPG.

Can I open HEIC files on an older iPhone or iPad?

Older iPhones and iPads running iOS 11 or earlier don't support HEIC natively. If someone sends you a HEIC file and your device won't open it, ask them to convert it to JPG first, or use an online converter yourself before opening it on your device.