You just transferred photos from your iPhone to a Windows PC or shared an image with someone — and they can't open it. The file ends in .heic, and the other device has no idea what to do with it.
This guide explains what HEIC is, why Apple uses it, and four free methods to convert HEIC to JPG so your photos work everywhere.
What Is HEIC?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It's a file format based on the HEIF (High Efficiency Image Format) standard developed by the MPEG group and adopted by Apple starting with iOS 11 in 2017.
HEIC files are significantly smaller than JPG at the same visual quality — typically about half the size. This lets iPhones store roughly twice as many photos in the same storage space without noticeably reducing image quality. Apple Camera also captures 10-bit HDR color in HEIC, which JPG cannot store.
Why Can't Everyone Open HEIC?
The problem is compatibility. HEIC is a relatively new format and not universally supported:
- Windows 10/11 — requires a paid codec extension from the Microsoft Store (or free workarounds) to natively open HEIC files
- Older Macs — macOS High Sierra (2017) and later support HEIC natively; older versions do not
- Android, Linux, most web browsers — limited or no native HEIC support
- Image editing software — many older versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, and other editors don't support HEIC without plugins
The result: photos taken on an iPhone may not open on other devices without first converting them to a widely supported format like JPG.
Method 1: BestPNG — Free Online Converter (Any Device)
The easiest way to convert HEIC to JPG without installing any software is to use BestPNG's HEIC converter. It works in any browser on any device.
How to use it:
- Go to bestpng.com/tools/heic-to-jpg
- Upload your HEIC file (drag and drop or click to browse)
- The tool automatically converts it to JPG
- Download the JPG file
Pros:
- Works on Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, or iPhone — anything with a browser
- Free with no sign-up required
- No software to install or update
- Batch conversion supported — convert multiple HEIC files at once
Cons:
- Requires an internet connection
- Not well-suited for bulk converting an entire photo library (hundreds of files)
For most people converting a handful of photos, BestPNG is the fastest option by far. Just open a browser tab and you're done.
Method 2: Mac Preview — Built-In Conversion
If you're on a Mac (macOS High Sierra or later), the built-in Preview app can open HEIC files and export them as JPG without any additional software.
How to convert a single HEIC file:
- Open the HEIC file in Preview (double-click it)
- Go to File → Export
- In the Format dropdown, choose JPEG
- Adjust quality if needed (higher = better quality, larger file)
- Click Save
How to convert multiple HEIC files at once:
- Select all the HEIC files in Finder
- Right-click and open them all in Preview
- In Preview, select all thumbnails in the sidebar (Command+A)
- Go to File → Export Selected Images
- Choose JPEG as the format and select a destination folder
Pros:
- Built into macOS — no downloads needed
- High-quality conversion with adjustable compression
- Easy batch conversion via the Export Selected Images option
Cons:
- Mac only — not available on Windows or other platforms
- Slightly more steps than an online tool
Preview is the best option if you're on a Mac and want to keep everything local without using an online service.
Method 3: Windows — Using the Photos App or a Codec
On Windows, HEIC conversion requires a few extra steps because Windows doesn't support HEIC natively by default.
Option A: Install the HEIF Image Extensions (free workaround)
- Search for "HEIF Image Extensions" in the Microsoft Store
- Install it (it's free from Microsoft)
- Once installed, the Windows Photos app can open HEIC files
- Right-click the HEIC file → Open with → Photos
- Click the three-dot menu → Save a copy → choose JPG
Option B: Use a free desktop converter
Several free Windows applications can batch convert HEIC files, including iMazing HEIC Converter and CopyTrans HEIC for Windows. Both are free and simple.
Pros:
- Keeps everything local on your PC
- After installing the codec, HEIC files open natively in Windows
Cons:
- Requires a one-time setup step
- The Microsoft Store codec is officially free but some listings charge — make sure to get the free "HEIF Image Extensions" from Microsoft directly
If you're on Windows and regularly deal with iPhone photos, installing the HEIF codec once is worth doing so HEIC files always open correctly.
Method 4: Change iPhone Settings to Shoot in JPG
If you want to avoid the HEIC format altogether when sharing photos, you can configure your iPhone to capture photos in JPG instead.
To change the camera format:
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Go to Camera → Formats
- Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"
With "Most Compatible" selected, your iPhone will take photos in JPG format going forward. Existing HEIC photos in your library won't be changed, but all new photos will be JPG.
Pros:
- Eliminates the compatibility problem at the source
- No conversion needed for photos taken after this change
Cons:
- JPG files are roughly twice the size of HEIC — you'll use more storage
- You lose 10-bit HDR capture quality that HEIC provides
- Doesn't help with existing HEIC photos already in your library
This option makes sense if you regularly share photos across devices and the compatibility friction bothers you more than the storage cost.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Situation | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Converting a few photos right now | BestPNG online tool |
| On a Mac, converting many files | Preview → Export Selected Images |
| On Windows, want to open HEIC normally | Install HEIF codec from Microsoft Store |
| Want to avoid HEIC going forward | Change iPhone camera to "Most Compatible" |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
Yes, slightly. HEIC to JPG conversion involves re-encoding the image in JPG's lossy format. At high quality settings (90+), the difference is usually invisible. Avoid converting at low quality settings if the original HEIC photo is important to you.
Can I convert HEIC to PNG instead of JPG?
Yes. BestPNG's general format converter supports HEIC to PNG as well. PNG gives you lossless quality but larger file sizes.
Why does my Windows PC show a HEIC file as a generic icon?
This means Windows doesn't have the HEIF codec installed. Install "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store to fix this.
Can I convert HEIC to JPG on my iPhone directly?
Yes — when you AirDrop or share a HEIC photo from iPhone to a non-Apple device, iOS often automatically converts it to JPG for compatibility. You can also use an app like "HEIC to JPG Converter" from the App Store for batch conversions.
Conclusion
HEIC is a great format for storage efficiency on iPhones, but the compatibility gap with Windows and older software makes conversion a regular need. The simplest fix: use BestPNG's free HEIC to JPG converter when you need to share photos quickly, and set your iPhone to "Most Compatible" if you want to avoid the problem entirely going forward.