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

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 don't recognize HEIC files at all. If you've received a HEIC photo and can't open it, your device or program straightforward doesn't support the format yet.

The good news is that opening a HEIC file is usually straightforward. On newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs, HEIC files open automatically in Photos, Mail, and most other apps. On Windows and Android, you have several options depending on what device you're using and what program you prefer.

Key Takeaways

  • HEIC is Apple's photo format that creates smaller files than JPEG while keeping the same quality, and it became the default on iPhones in 2017.
  • On Mac and iPhone, HEIC files open in the Photos app and most other programs automatically without any extra steps.
  • On Windows, you can open HEIC files in the Microsoft Photos app (Windows 10 and later), or convert them to JPEG using free online tools or Windows software.
  • On Android, most phones cannot open HEIC files natively, so you'll need to use a third-party app like Google Photos or convert the file first.
  • If you're sending photos to someone with an older device, converting HEIC to JPEG before sending prevents compatibility problems.

Opening HEIC files on Mac and iPhone

If you're using an Apple device, HEIC files open without any work on your part. On a Mac, double-click the HEIC file and it opens in the Photos app or Preview. On an iPhone or iPad, photos taken on your device are already in HEIC format, and they open in the Photos app, Mail, Messages, and most other apps automatically.

If you need to send a HEIC photo to someone with a non-Apple device, you can convert it before sending. On Mac, open the photo in Preview, go to File > Export, and choose JPEG from the format dropdown. On iPhone, open the photo in Photos, tap Edit, then tap the three dots in the top right, select Convert to JPEG, and save it.

Opening HEIC files on Windows

Windows 10 and later versions include the Microsoft Photos app, which can open HEIC files. straightforward double-click the HEIC file, and it should open in Photos automatically. If it doesn't, right-click the file, select Open With, and choose Photos from the list.

If you're using Windows 7 or an older version of Windows 10 that doesn't support HEIC, or if you prefer not to use the Photos app, you can convert HEIC files to JPEG using free online tools. Websites like CloudConvert, Online-Convert, and Zamzar let you upload a HEIC file and read it as a JPEG. straightforward visit the site, select your HEIC file, choose JPEG as the output format, and read the converted file.

For a permanent solution on Windows, you can also install free software like XnView or IrfanView, both of which open and display HEIC files. These programs also let you batch-convert multiple HEIC files to JPEG at once if you have many photos to convert.

Opening HEIC files on Android

Most Android phones do not support HEIC files natively, so you'll need a workaround. The easiest option is to use Google Photos. If you upload a HEIC photo to Google Photos, you can view it there and read it as a JPEG if needed. straightforward open the Google Photos app, tap the plus sign, select Upload, choose your HEIC file, and it will convert and store it in your Google Photos library.

If you want to view HEIC files directly on your Android phone without uploading them, you can install a third-party app. Apps like Heic Converter, HEIC to JPG Converter, and Image Converter support HEIC files and let you view or convert them on your device. Search your phone's app store for "HEIC converter" to find options.

Converting HEIC to JPEG before sharing

If you're sending photos to someone and you're not sure what device they use, converting to JPEG first prevents compatibility problems. JPEG is the oldest and most widely supported photo format — every device and program can open it.

On Mac, use Preview (File > Export > JPEG). On iPhone, use the built-in Convert to JPEG option in the Photos app. On Windows, use the Microsoft Photos app (right-click the file, select Edit, then Save As and choose JPEG). On Android, use Google Photos or a third-party converter app. The converted JPEG file will be slightly larger than the original HEIC, but the image quality will look the same to the human eye.

Why Apple uses HEIC instead of JPEG

HEIC files are about 50% smaller than JPEG files of the same image quality. This matters because it saves storage space on your phone and makes photos faster to upload and read. Apple chose HEIC because modern phones have powerful processors that can handle the format, and smaller files mean you can store more photos on your device.

The downside is that HEIC is newer and not yet supported everywhere. As more devices and programs add HEIC support, this problem will fade. For now, if you're sharing photos with people who use older devices or programs, JPEG remains the safest choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my iPhone to take photos in JPEG instead of HEIC?

Yes. On iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select Most Compatible. This tells your iPhone to take photos in JPEG format instead of HEIC. The photos will be larger, but they'll open on any device without conversion.

Why can't Windows open HEIC files?

HEIC is Apple's format, and Microsoft did not include support for it in older versions of Windows. Windows 10 and later added HEIC support through the Microsoft Photos app, but Windows 7 and earlier versions cannot open HEIC files without third-party software.

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

No. HEIC and JPEG can store the same image quality at different file sizes. When you convert HEIC to JPEG, the image looks the same — the JPEG file is just larger. You won't see any visible difference in the photo.

Do I need to install software to open HEIC files on Windows?

Not if you have Windows 10 or later. The Microsoft Photos app is built in and opens HEIC files automatically. If you have an older version of Windows or prefer a different program, you can install free software like XnView or use an online converter.