The Problem: HEIC Format
Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos in a format called HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) instead of the classic JPG. Apple did this because HEIC files are roughly half the size of a JPG at the same quality great for saving storage on your phone.
The catch: most Windows PCs, older Android phones, websites, and apps like WhatsApp Web or job application forms don’t recognize HEIC at all. You get a broken thumbnail, an “unsupported file type” error, or a blank upload.
Quick Fixes
1. Change your iPhone’s camera settings (for future photos)
Go to Settings → Camera → Formats and switch to “Most Compatible.” This makes new photos save as JPG automatically. It won’t fix photos you’ve already taken, though.
2. Convert existing HEIC photos to JPG or PNG
For photos already stuck in HEIC, the fastest fix is converting them directly in your browser no software to install, and nothing gets uploaded anywhere since it all happens on your device. Just use our free Image Converter drop your HEIC file, pick JPG or PNG, and download instantly.
HEIC vs JPG — Quick Comparison
| Format | File Size | Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIC | Smaller (~50% of JPG) | Apple devices only | Storage on iPhone |
| JPG | Larger | Universal — every device/site | Sharing, uploading, printing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?
There’s a very slight quality difference, but it’s not visible to the human eye in most cases.
Can I convert multiple HEIC photos at once?
Yes — our Image Converter supports bulk conversion, so you can drop in your whole camera roll and convert everything together.
Will my photos be uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything happens locally in your browser — your photos never leave your device.