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

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. Apple switched to it as the default format for iPhone photos in 2017 because HEIC files are smaller than JPEGs while keeping the same image quality. The problem: Windows computers, older Android phones, and many older programs still don't recognize HEIC. If someone sends you a HEIC file and your device won't open it, you have several straightforward options.

The easiest fix depends on what device you're using and what program you want to open the file with. On a Mac or iPhone, HEIC files open automatically in Photos and most other apps. On Windows or Android, you may need to convert the file or use a specific program. You don't need to buy anything — free tools exist for every situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Mac computers and iPhones open HEIC files in Photos and most other programs without any extra steps.
  • Windows computers can open HEIC files in the Photos app (Windows 10 and later) or Microsoft Edge, but older programs may not recognize them.
  • Android phones do not open HEIC files natively, so you need to convert them to JPEG or use a third-party app.
  • Free online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar can turn HEIC files into JPEG or PNG in seconds, and the converted file works on any device.
  • If you take photos on an iPhone but need to share them with Windows or Android users regularly, you can change your iPhone settings to save as JPEG instead.

Opening HEIC files on Mac and iPhone

If you own an Apple device, HEIC files open automatically. On a Mac, double-click the HEIC file and it opens in the Photos app or Preview. On an iPhone or iPad, tap the file in Files or Photos and it displays like any other image. You can also open HEIC files in most Mac programs that handle images — Mail, Messages, Safari, and most photo editors all recognize the format without any setup.

The only time you might run into trouble on Apple devices is if you're using very old software. If your Mac is running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or earlier, or your iPhone is running iOS 10 or earlier, HEIC files won't open. These versions are several years old, so this is rare. If you're stuck on old software, converting to JPEG (described below) is your best option.

Opening HEIC files on Windows

Windows 10 and Windows 11 can open HEIC files in the built-in Photos app. Right-click the HEIC file, select "Open with," and choose Photos. The image displays and you can view it, rotate it, and crop it. If Photos doesn't appear in the list, click "Choose another app" and scroll down to find it.

Microsoft Edge (the browser that comes with Windows) also opens HEIC files. Drag the file into an Edge window or right-click it and select "Open with Microsoft Edge." This works even if you don't use Edge for browsing — it's just a convenient viewer.

If you're using Windows 7 or Windows 8, or if you need to open HEIC files in a program that doesn't support them (like older versions of Photoshop or Paint), converting to JPEG is simpler than finding a workaround. The conversion process takes seconds and works on any Windows version.

Opening HEIC files on Android

Android phones do not open HEIC files natively, even on newer versions. If someone sends you a HEIC file, your phone won't recognize it. You have two options: convert it to JPEG first, or install a third-party app that handles HEIC.

Third-party apps like HEIC to JPEG Converter (available in the Google Play Store) let you open and convert HEIC files directly on your phone. Search "HEIC converter" in the Play Store and pick one with good reviews. Most are free and work quickly. However, converting online (described below) is often faster if you only need to do it once or twice.

Converting HEIC to JPEG using free online tools

The fastest way to open a HEIC file on any device is to convert it to JPEG or PNG. Free online converters work on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone. You don't install anything, and the converted file works everywhere.

CloudConvert and Zamzar are two reliable options. Go to CloudConvert.com or Zamzar.com, click "Select File," choose your HEIC file from your computer or phone, select JPEG as the output format, and click Convert. The converted JPEG downloads in seconds. You can then open it in any program or send it to anyone.

These tools are free for small files (most photos are well under the limit). They work on any internet connection and don't require you to create an account. Your file is deleted from their servers after a few hours, so privacy is not a concern for casual use.

Converting HEIC to JPEG on your device

If you prefer not to use an online tool, you can convert HEIC files directly on your computer or phone.

On Mac: Open the HEIC file in Preview (double-click it). Go to File menu, select "Export As," choose JPEG from the Format dropdown, and click Save. The JPEG appears in the same folder as the original HEIC file.

On Windows: Open the HEIC file in Photos. Click the three dots menu (top right), select "Edit," then click "Save a copy." Choose JPEG format and save. The JPEG is created alongside the original file.

On iPhone: Open the HEIC file in Photos, tap "Edit," then tap the three dots menu and select "Duplicate." The duplicate is saved as HEIC, but you can then use an online converter or a third-party app to turn it into JPEG.

Changing your iPhone to save photos as JPEG instead

If you take photos on an iPhone and regularly need to share them with Windows or Android users, you can change your iPhone settings so new photos save as JPEG automatically instead of HEIC. This prevents the problem from happening in the first place.

Go to Settings, scroll to Camera, tap Formats, and select "Most Compatible." Your iPhone will now save photos as JPEG. The downside is that JPEG files are larger than HEIC, so they take up more storage space. If storage is not a concern, this is the simplest long-term solution.

This setting only affects new photos. Existing HEIC files on your phone stay as HEIC. If you want to convert those, use the online converter method or a third-party app.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Apple switch to HEIC if not everyone can open it?

HEIC files are about half the size of JPEG files while keeping the same quality, which saves storage space on phones. Apple assumed other companies would adopt the format quickly, but adoption has been slower than expected. Most devices now support HEIC, but older software and some specialized programs still don't.

Is it safe to use free online converters with my photos?

Free converters like CloudConvert and Zamzar are safe for photos you don't mind being temporarily stored on their servers. They delete files after a few hours. If your photos contain sensitive information, convert them on your own device using Preview (Mac) or Photos (Windows) instead.

If I convert HEIC to JPEG, will the image quality get worse?

No. HEIC and JPEG are both compressed formats, but converting from one to the other does not cause additional quality loss. The image looks the same. The only difference is file size — JPEG will be slightly larger than the original HEIC.

Can I open HEIC files in Google Photos or OneDrive?

Google Photos recognizes HEIC files on Android, iPhone, and web browsers, so you can upload and view them there. OneDrive (Microsoft's cloud storage) also opens HEIC files in the web version. If you use either service, uploading the HEIC file there is another way to view it on any device.

What if I have hundreds of HEIC files to convert?

For large batches, use CloudConvert's batch upload feature (upload multiple files at once) or install a desktop converter like XnConvert (free, works on Windows and Mac). XnConvert lets you select a folder of HEIC files and convert them all to JPEG in one operation.