How to Convert iPhone HEIC Photos to JPG

Why iPhones Use HEIC

Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos in HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format by default. HEIC files are about half the size of JPGs while maintaining the same quality.

Great for storage, but problematic when:

• Sharing with Windows users
• Uploading to websites that don't support HEIC
• Using older software
• Sending via email to non-Apple users

What You'll Need

• Your HEIC photos (from iPhone, iPad, or Mac)
• An image converter (we'll use ImgConvert)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Get Your HEIC Files

From iPhone directly:

• AirDrop to Mac (stays HEIC)
• Email to yourself (auto-converts to JPG)
• Use Files app to access

From iCloud:

• Download originals (HEIC)
• Or select "Most Compatible" in Settings

From a Mac:

• Photos app → Export → Select format

Step 2: Convert to JPG

• Go to imgconvert.app
• Drag and drop your HEIC file(s)
• Select JPG as output format
• Download your converted image

Step 3: Choose Your Quality

JPG uses compression. You'll typically have options:

• High quality (90-100%): Larger file, minimal quality loss
• Medium quality (70-85%): Good balance
• Low quality (below 70%): Smallest file, visible quality loss

For photos you care about, use 85%+ quality.

Change iPhone Default to JPG

If you'd rather iPhone save JPGs from the start:

• Open Settings
• Go to Camera
• Tap Formats
• Select "Most Compatible"

Note: This uses about 2x storage space.

HEIC vs JPG Comparison

Batch Conversion

Have lots of HEIC files? Most converters support batch processing:

• Select multiple HEIC files
• Upload all at once
• Download as ZIP

This is much faster than converting one at a time.

Common Issues

Problem: HEIC file won't open on Windows

Solution: Either convert to JPG, or install the HEIC codec from Microsoft Store (free)

Problem: Converted JPG looks different from original

Solution: Use higher quality setting. Some color variation is normal due to different color spaces.

Problem: Live Photos aren't working after conversion

Solution: Live Photos are a combination of image + video. Converting to JPG gives you just the still image.

Conclusion

HEIC is a great format for storage, but JPG remains the universal standard for sharing. Converting is quick and easy with online tools.

For most people, the best approach is converting as needed rather than changing your iPhone's default settings. That way you get the storage benefits of HEIC while maintaining compatibility when sharing.