How to Convert HEIC Photos to JPG on iPhone (Complete Guide)

Date published: September 10, 2025
Last update: August 31, 2025
Author: Marek Hovorka

Category: Device & Platform Guides
Tags: batch HEIC converter, convert HEIC to JPG, HEIC to JPG iPhone, image compatibility, iPhone camera settings, iPhone photo format, PixConverter.io

Discover how to convert HEIC photos to JPG on iPhone. Learn iPhone settings, share/export tricks, and the fastest free online conversion methods.

If you’ve ever transferred photos from your iPhone to a computer, emailed them, or tried to upload them online, you may have noticed the unfamiliar .HEIC format instead of the classic .JPG. Since iOS 11, Apple has set HEIC as the default photo format on iPhones and iPads. While HEIC is efficient, it can cause compatibility problems when sharing or editing images outside the Apple ecosystem.

This guide explains everything you need to know about converting HEIC photos to JPG on iPhone. We’ll explore why Apple uses HEIC, when it’s better to stick with JPG, and the easiest ways to convert your iPhone photos into JPG—directly on the device, using settings, built-in options, and online converters like PixConverter.io.

What is HEIC?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It’s part of the HEIF format (High Efficiency Image Format), designed to reduce storage usage. A HEIC photo is typically 40–50% smaller than a JPG of the same quality. It also supports advanced features such as:

• 16-bit color depth (for richer, more accurate colors).
• Transparency (like PNGs).
• Multiple frames in one file (enabling Live Photos and bursts).
• Depth data for Portrait Mode effects.

For iPhone users, this means sharper photos, less storage used, and better performance. However, HEIC is not universally supported yet. That’s where JPG comes in.

What is JPG and Why It Still Matters

JPG (or JPEG) is the world’s most common image format. Every operating system, browser, and app supports it. JPG may use more storage than HEIC, but it guarantees maximum compatibility. This makes JPG the preferred choice when you need to:

• Upload photos to websites, blogs, or CMS platforms.
• Email photos to people using older devices or software.
• Print or edit images in professional software.
• Share photos across Windows, Android, or Linux.

You can find detail comparison between HEIC and JPG here.

Why Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone?

Here are the most common situations when you’ll want to convert HEIC to JPG on your iPhone:

• You want to upload photos to a website that doesn’t accept HEIC.
• You need to share photos with friends or colleagues who can’t open HEIC files.
• You’re editing images in apps that only support JPG/PNG.
• You need to print or archive images in a universal format.

In the next section, we’ll explore the different methods to convert HEIC photos to JPG directly on iPhone, from built-in settings to third-party apps and online converters.

Change iPhone Settings: Save Photos as JPG Instead of HEIC

The easiest way to avoid compatibility issues is to tell your iPhone to save photos as JPG by default instead of HEIC. This ensures that every picture you take is already in the universal format, ready to upload, share, or edit without conversion. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step: Switch iPhone Camera Format

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Camera.
3. Tap Formats.
4. Choose Most Compatible instead of High Efficiency.

From now on, your iPhone will capture photos in JPG format. Videos will also be recorded in H.264 instead of HEVC for maximum compatibility.

Pros and Cons of Using JPG as Default

Advantages:

• Photos are universally supported—no need to convert.
• Easy sharing across Windows, Android, and web platforms.
• Better compatibility with professional editing software.

Disadvantages:

• Files are larger—up to 50% bigger than HEIC.
• More storage used on iPhone and iCloud.
• No access to some advanced features of HEIC (like depth maps or transparency).

When Should You Use JPG by Default?

Choosing JPG as the default format is recommended if:

• You regularly transfer images to a Windows PC.
• You upload a lot of images to websites or CMS platforms.
• You often share photos with non-Apple users.
• You don’t have limited storage concerns (or you use large-capacity iCloud/Google Photos).

Alternative: Keep HEIC but Export as JPG When Needed

If you want to save space but still need JPG sometimes, keep your iPhone in High Efficiency mode and only convert HEIC to JPG when necessary. This way, you get the best of both worlds: efficient storage and universal compatibility when required.

In the next section, we’ll look at the built-in methods Apple provides for converting HEIC to JPG on iPhone without changing the default camera format.

Convert HEIC to JPG Directly on iPhone

If you don’t want to change the camera settings but still need JPG files occasionally, there are several built-in ways to convert HEIC photos to JPG on iPhone. These methods are quick, don’t require third-party apps, and let you keep the storage benefits of HEIC while still producing compatible JPGs when needed.

1. Use the Share Option (Automatic Conversion)

When you share a HEIC photo from your iPhone, iOS often converts it to JPG automatically. For example:

• Email: Attaching a photo usually sends it as JPG.
• Messaging apps: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and others typically convert images to JPG before sending.
• AirDrop: Sharing a photo to a Mac or older iPhone often results in a JPG file.

Pro tip: Always test the result—sometimes AirDrop still sends the original HEIC if the receiving device supports it.

2. Export from the Photos App

The Photos app provides another built-in way to generate JPGs:

1. Open the Photos app.
2. Select one or multiple HEIC images.
3. Tap the Share button → choose Save to Files.
4. In many cases, iOS will save them as JPGs in the Files app.

3. Use the Files App

You can also trigger conversion by exporting through the Files app:

1. Select your HEIC photo in Photos.
2. Tap Share → Save to Files.
3. Depending on your iOS version, the photo may be saved as JPG.

This method is not always consistent but works for many users.

4. Duplicate and Edit Method

Another trick is to duplicate and edit photos:

1. Open a HEIC photo in Photos.
2. Tap Edit and make a minor change (e.g., crop slightly).
3. Save the photo → the duplicate is often stored as a JPG.

This is useful when you only need a few images converted.

5. iCloud Export

When you download HEIC photos from iCloud.com on a Windows PC, they are often converted to JPG automatically. On Mac, you may still get HEIC files since macOS supports them natively.

Best Use Case

These methods are excellent if you only need to convert a handful of images at a time. However, they can be inconsistent when handling large photo libraries. For bulk conversion, you’ll need an online tool or third-party app—which we’ll cover in the next section.

Use Online Tools and Apps to Convert HEIC to JPG

If you need to convert many HEIC photos to JPG at once—or you want more control over quality and format—the best solution is to use online tools or third-party apps. Let’s look at the most effective methods for iPhone, Mac, and Windows users.

1. Convert HEIC to JPG Online (PixConverter.io)

The easiest way to convert HEIC to JPG for free is using PixConverter.io. It works directly in your browser, without installing any apps, and supports batch conversion:

1. Open PixConverter.io in Safari or Chrome on your iPhone.
2. Tap to upload or drag & drop multiple HEIC photos.
3. Select JPG as the target format.
4. Click Convert and wait a few seconds.
5. Download the converted files instantly (in bulk as a ZIP archive).

Why choose PixConverter.io?

• Unlimited conversions – no limits on number of photos.
• Free forever – no hidden paywalls.
• Batch support – convert dozens of images at once.
• Secure & private – files are processed directly in your browser.

2. HEIC to JPG Apps from the App Store

There are many free and paid apps on the App Store that can convert HEIC to JPG directly on your iPhone. Popular ones include:

• HEIC to JPEG Converter – lightweight, simple, batch support.
• iMazing HEIC Converter – also available for Mac and Windows.
• HEIC Converter Free – free version with optional upgrades.

These apps are handy, but most free versions impose limitations (watermarks, daily limits, or ads). That’s why browser-based tools like PixConverter.io are more practical for most users.

3. Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

On a Mac, you don’t need third-party apps—just use the built-in Preview app:

1. Open multiple HEIC files in Preview.
2. Select them all from the sidebar.
3. Click File → Export Selected Images.
4. Choose JPEG and save.

This method works well for smaller sets, but lacks advanced batch features.

4. Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Windows 10/11 can open HEIC with the HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. Once installed:

1. Open the HEIC file in the Photos app.
2. Click Save As and choose JPG.

For larger batches, uploading your HEIC images to our HEIC to JPG converter is much faster than converting one by one.

Which Method Should You Use?

• For a few quick photos: Use iPhone’s built-in share/export features.
• For regular use or bulk conversion: PixConverter.io is the fastest and simplest option.
• For offline editing: Use Mac Preview or Windows Photos app.
• For pro workflows: Consider iMazing HEIC Converter for advanced features.

FAQ: How to Convert HEIC Photos to JPG on iPhone

Why does my iPhone save photos as HEIC instead of JPG?

Since iOS 11, iPhones use HEIC by default because it provides smaller file sizes and better image quality compared to JPG. It helps save storage space and iCloud capacity.

How do I make my iPhone save photos as JPG automatically?

Go to Settings → Camera → Formats and select Most Compatible. This forces your iPhone to capture photos in JPG format instead of HEIC.

Can I convert HEIC to JPG directly on my iPhone?

Yes. You can use the Share option, export via Files app, duplicate and edit a photo, or use an online tool like PixConverter.io to instantly convert HEIC images to JPG without installing anything.

What is the fastest way to convert many HEIC photos at once?

The fastest method is using PixConverter.io. It allows batch conversion—upload dozens of HEIC files at once, convert them to JPG, and download everything in a single ZIP archive.

Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?

JPG uses lossy compression, so there may be slight quality loss. However, with proper converters, the difference is minimal and usually invisible to the human eye.

Can I open HEIC on Windows or Android?

Yes, but you may need HEIF Image Extensions on Windows or third-party apps on Android. For maximum compatibility, convert HEIC files to JPG before sharing.