How to Convert Images on Mobile (Android & iOS)

Date published: December 10, 2025
Last update: November 21, 2025
Author: Marek Hovorka

Category: Device & Platform Guides
Tags: Android image converter, convert images on phone, HEIC to JPG mobile, iOS image converter, mobile image conversion, WebP to PNG mobile

A complete 2026 guide on how to convert images on your mobile phone (Android & iOS). Learn the easiest ways to convert HEIC, PNG, JPEG, WebP, AVIF and more — using apps or online tools.

Converting images on your mobile phone has never been easier. Modern smartphones—both Android and iPhones—support advanced photo formats such as HEIC, JPEG, PNG, WebP, and even AVIF. But not every app, social network or website can handle these formats correctly.

Whether you need to convert a HEIC photo from your iPhone to JPEG, turn a WebP meme into PNG, shrink a large image for upload, or prepare AVIF/WebP for your website, this guide explains all available options.

Below is your complete 2026 guide on converting images directly on mobile—no computer required.

1. Why Convert Images on Mobile?

There are several situations where image conversion on your phone becomes essential:

✔ Upload errors

Some apps (older systems, corporate portals, CMS editors) do not accept HEIC or WebP.

✔ Sharing compatibility

Your friend’s phone or messenger app might not support newer formats.

✔ Reducing file size

PNG → JPEG or JPEG → WebP/AVIF saves a lot of space.

✔ Preserving transparency

Only PNG and WebP support alpha channel.

✔ Editing limitations

Many mobile editors still don’t open HEIC or AVIF.

Because of these limitations, converting on mobile is becoming part of everyday workflows.

2. The Easiest Way: Use an Online Image Converter (Android & iOS)

You can convert most image formats directly in your browser—no installation needed. Tools like PixConverter.io work instantly on both Android and iOS.

How it works:

1. Open PixConverter.io
2. Upload or drag & drop your image
   (supports HEIC, JPEG, PNG, WebP, AVIF, BMP, TIFF)
3. Choose the output format
   – convert HEIC → JPEG
   – PNG → WebP
   – JPEG → AVIF
   – …anything you need
4. Tap Convert
5. Download the final image

Advantages of online conversion

• Works on any phone
• No installation needed
• Fast conversion
• Supports many formats
• Lossless & compressed options
• Works even on older devices

Best for:

Users who want a quick conversion without downloading anything.

3. How to Convert Images on Android (Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, etc.)

A) Convert Using the Built-In Gallery App

Some Android manufacturers (Samsung, Huawei) allow basic conversions:

1. Open Gallery
2. Choose the photo
3. Tap Edit → Save as copy
4. Select JPEG or PNG (if available)

Note: Not available on all devices.

B) Convert Using the Google Photos App

Google Photos can export in a compatible format:

1. Open the image in Google Photos
2. Tap Share
3. Choose Save to device
   → The photo is exported as JPEG

This is a simple fix for HEIC files.

C) Convert Using a Mobile App (Android)

Here are common apps:

• Image Converter
• Photo & Picture Resizer
• XConvert

These support PNG, JPEG, WebP, HEIC and sometimes AVIF.

Best Mobile Conversion Formats for Android

Format	When to use it
JPEG	Social media, messaging, small file size
PNG	Transparency, UI graphics
WebP	Best quality/size balance
AVIF	Maximum compression, modern websites

4. How to Convert Images on iPhone (iOS 16–18)

A) Convert HEIC to JPEG Automatically

iPhones save photos as HEIC by default.
You can switch to JPEG:

Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible (JPEG)

This changes format for future photos.

B) Convert HEIC to JPEG via Files App

1. Open Files
2. Long-press the HEIC image
3. Tap Quick Actions → Convert Image
4. Select JPEG or PNG

This is built directly into iOS.

C) Convert Using Shortcuts App (iPhone Automation)

Apple Shortcuts allow custom workflows:

1. Open Shortcuts
2. Choose +
3. Add action Convert Image
4. Select output: JPEG, PNG, HEIC
5. Add Save to Photos

Now you have a one-tap converter.

D) Use an Online Converter on iPhone

iOS supports uploading HEIC/PNG/JPEG directly—use PixConverter:

• Works with original HEIC metadata
• No app installation
• Fast download back to Photos

Ideal for quick conversions.

5. Recommended Formats for Mobile Workflows

For Social Media

• JPEG (universal)
• WebP (modern apps)

For Websites / CMS

• AVIF (best for speed)
• WebP (fallback)
• PNG (transparency)

For Printing

• TIFF
• High-quality JPEG

For Messaging Apps

• JPEG (fastest upload)

6. How to Convert Multiple Images at Once (Batch Conversion)

Android:

Use:

• XConvert
• Batch Image Converter
• Photo Resizer

Or convert multiple files at once with PixConverter’s bulk upload.

iPhone:

Use:

• Files app (Select → Convert)
• Shortcuts batch workflow
• Online converter with multiple uploads

Batch conversion saves a huge amount of time during content creation.

7. Offline vs Online Converters — What to Choose?

Online (PixConverter.io)

✔ No installation
✔ Supports more formats
✔ Fast, simple, instant
✔ Cross-platform (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac)

Ideal for quick, one-off or frequent conversions.

Offline (Apps)

✔ Works without internet
✔ Useful for massive batch jobs
✔ Advanced features in some apps

Ideal for long trips or offline environments.

8. Tips for Best Quality When Converting on Mobile

• Prefer PNG → WebP/AVIF for smallest size
• Avoid converting JPEG → PNG (only increases size)
• Keep original HEIC for archival
• Always download in highest resolution (no compression)
• Avoid converting the same image multiple times (lossy → lossy)

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does converting HEIC to JPEG reduce quality?

Yes, but only slightly. HEIC stores more data. JPEG conversion introduces minimal compression loss that most users won’t notice.

2. Can Android open HEIC files?

Yes, Android 10+ supports HEIC natively.

3. What is the best image format for mobile use?

For quality + size: WebP
For maximum compression: AVIF
For compatibility: JPEG

4. How do I convert multiple images at once on iPhone?

Use Files → Select → Quick Actions → Convert Image.

5. Is online conversion safe?

PixConverter uploads nothing from submitted media to convert on server.

6. Why do iPhones use HEIC instead of JPEG?

Because HEIC provides higher quality at smaller file size and supports HDR, depth maps, bursts, and Live Photos.

7. Will Instagram or Facebook accept WebP uploads?

Most social apps convert uploaded images to their own format, so WebP is usually accepted.