HEIC files are Apple's newer photo format, and most devices need a converter or the right app to open them

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default format that iPhones and iPads use to save photos starting with iOS 11. If someone sends you a HEIC file or you've transferred photos from an Apple device, your Windows computer or Android phone may not recognize it. You have three main paths: convert the file to a more common format like JPG, open it with an app that supports HEIC, or use your web browser to view it.

The easiest route depends on what device you're using and whether you want to keep the file as HEIC or change it permanently to JPG or PNG.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files natively through the Photos app if you install the HEIC Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, which is free.
  • Mac computers open HEIC files directly in Preview and Photos without any extra steps.
  • Android phones do not support HEIC natively, but you can use free apps like Google Photos or Heic to JPG converters from the Play Store.
  • Online converters like CloudConvert or Zamzar let you upload a HEIC file and download it as JPG without installing anything.
  • If you regularly receive HEIC files, converting them to JPG once saves you from opening them with a special app every time.

Opening HEIC on Windows 10 and 11

Windows does not recognize HEIC by default, but Microsoft offers a free extension that takes about two minutes to install. Open the Microsoft Store app on your Windows computer, search for "HEIC Image Extensions," and click the blue Get button. Once installed, you can double-click any HEIC file and it will open in the Photos app.

If you prefer not to install anything, you can also right-click the HEIC file, select "Open with," and choose an app like Paint or another image viewer. The image may look blurry or fail to open properly this way, so the extension is the better choice.

If the Microsoft Store extension does not work or you want a different tool, third-party apps like IrfanView (free) or XnView (free) also open HEIC files. Download one of these, install it, then right-click your HEIC file and select "Open with" to choose the app.

Opening HEIC on Mac

Mac computers have supported HEIC since macOS High Sierra (2017), so you do not need to install anything. Double-click any HEIC file and it will open in Preview, the built-in image viewer. You can also open HEIC files in the Photos app, which is where most Mac users organize their pictures.

If you want to convert a HEIC file to JPG on Mac, open it in Preview, click File, then Export As, and choose JPEG from the Format dropdown. This creates a new JPG copy without deleting the original HEIC file.

Opening HEIC on Android phones and tablets

Android does not support HEIC natively, but Google Photos (free, available on Google Play) can open and view HEIC files. Install Google Photos, tap the menu icon, select Settings, and turn on "Backup & sync" if you want to store photos in the cloud. Then open the file manager on your Android device, find the HEIC file, and tap it — Android will ask which app to use, and you can select Google Photos.

If you want to convert HEIC to JPG on your Android phone, use an app like Heic to JPG Converter (free on Google Play). Open the app, select your HEIC file, and it will create a JPG version in your Photos folder. The original HEIC file stays on your phone unless you delete it manually.

Converting HEIC to JPG without installing apps

If you do not want to install software, online converters work on any device with a web browser. Go to CloudConvert.com or Zamzar.com, click the upload button, select your HEIC file, choose JPG as the output format, and click Convert. The site will process the file and let you download the JPG version. This usually takes less than a minute.

Online converters are safe for personal photos, but be cautious if the file contains sensitive information — the file travels to a server you do not control. For private or confidential images, use a converter you install on your own computer instead.

When to convert HEIC to JPG permanently

If you receive HEIC files regularly from an iPhone user, converting them to JPG once saves time. JPG is supported on every device and web browser, so the person you send them to will not need special software. Most online converters and apps let you convert multiple files at once — upload five HEIC files and download five JPGs in one batch.

The trade-off is file size: HEIC files are usually smaller than JPG files because HEIC uses more efficient compression. A HEIC photo might be 2 MB, but the JPG version could be 4 MB. If storage space matters, keep HEIC files as they are. If compatibility matters more, convert to JPG.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open HEIC files in Photoshop or other editing software?

Adobe Photoshop (version 2021 and later) opens HEIC files directly on Mac and Windows. Older versions of Photoshop do not support HEIC, so you would need to convert to JPG first. Other editors like GIMP (free) do not support HEIC natively, but you can convert the file first and then edit the JPG version.

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

Apple switched to HEIC as the default format because it saves storage space on your phone. You can change this in Settings: go to Camera, tap Formats, and select Most Compatible to save new photos as JPG instead. This does not change photos you already took.

Is it safe to use online converters for my photos?

Online converters are generally safe for personal photos, but the file is uploaded to a server you do not control. If the photo contains sensitive information or you prefer not to upload anything to the internet, use a converter app you install on your computer instead. Most reputable converters delete uploaded files after a few hours.

What if the HEIC file won't open even after I install the extension?

The file may be corrupted or incomplete. Try downloading it again if someone sent it to you, or try converting it with an online tool to see if that works. If the file opens in one app but not another, the app itself may not support that particular HEIC variant — try a different app or converter.