How to Open and View HEIC Photos on Your Computer and Phone

HEIC files are Apple's newer photo format, and most computers and phones can open them now — but the steps depend on what device you're using

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the photo format that Apple switched to around 2017. If you've received a HEIC file or taken photos on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you may need to open it on a Windows computer, an Android phone, or an older device that doesn't recognize the format yet. The good news: most devices handle HEIC files without extra software, though the method varies by what you're working with.

The reason HEIC exists is practical — it shrinks file size while keeping the same image quality, which saves storage space on your phone. But because it's newer and Apple-specific, older software sometimes doesn't know what to do with it. If you can't open a HEIC file, it's usually because your device or app is simply too old to recognize the format, not because anything is broken.

Key Takeaways

Windows 10 and 11 can open HEIC files directly in the Photos app if you install the HEIC Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store (free, takes two minutes).
Mac computers built after 2017 open HEIC files automatically in Preview and Photos; older Macs need a free converter app.
Android phones cannot open HEIC files natively, but you can use free apps like Google Photos or HEICtoJPG to view and convert them.
If you need to share a HEIC file with someone using older software, converting it to JPG is faster than asking them to install new tools.
iPhones and iPads open HEIC files instantly, but you can change your camera settings to save as JPG instead if compatibility matters more than storage space.

Opening HEIC files on Windows 10 and 11

Windows doesn't recognize HEIC by default, but Microsoft made it simple to add support. Go to the Microsoft Store on your Windows computer, search for "HEIC Image Extensions," and install the free app published by Microsoft Corporation. Once installed, you can open HEIC files by double-clicking them — they'll open in the Photos app just like any other image.

If you prefer not to use the Microsoft Store, you can also right-click a HEIC file, select "Open with," and choose any app that supports the format — Google Chrome, Firefox, and many photo editors will open HEIC files without the extension. The extension just makes it the default, so double-clicking works.

If you're on an older version of Windows (before Windows 10), or if the extension doesn't work, you'll need to convert the file instead. See the conversion section below.

Opening HEIC files on Mac

If your Mac was made in 2017 or later, it handles HEIC natively. Open the file in Preview (the default image viewer) by double-clicking it, or drag it into the Photos app. Both work instantly with no extra steps.

If you have an older Mac, you'll need a converter. The free app CloudConvert works in your web browser — go to cloudconvert.com, upload your HEIC file, choose JPG as the output format, and download the result. Another option is XnConvert, a free desktop app that converts HEIC to JPG in bulk if you have many files.

Opening HEIC files on iPhone and iPad

iPhones and iPads open HEIC files without any work — tap the file in Mail, Messages, or Files and it displays instantly. If you want to change how your iPhone saves photos going forward, open Settings, tap Camera, scroll to Formats, and select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency." This makes your phone save new photos as JPG instead of HEIC, which helps if you share photos with people using older devices.

Switching to JPG uses more storage space on your phone, so most people leave it on High Efficiency. You can always convert individual files later if you need to share them.

Opening HEIC files on Android

Android phones don't have built-in HEIC support, but Google Photos (free) opens HEIC files if you have it installed. Download Google Photos from the Google Play Store, open it, and tap the file. Google Photos will display it and let you download a JPG version if you need one.

Another option is HEICtoJPG (free, available on Google Play), which converts HEIC files to JPG on your phone. Open the app, select your HEIC file, and it creates a JPG copy you can share or edit with any other app.

Converting HEIC to JPG if you can't open it

If you need to send a HEIC file to someone with older software, or if you want a format that works everywhere, converting to JPG is the simplest solution. The quality loss is invisible to the human eye — JPG is a proven format that's been around for decades, and it opens on every device.

On Windows, use the free online converter CloudConvert (cloudconvert.com) or Online-Convert (online-convert.com). Upload your HEIC file, select JPG as the output, and download the result. Both take less than a minute.

On Mac, use Preview: open the HEIC file, go to File menu, select Export, and change the format dropdown to JPEG. On iPhone, open the file in Photos, tap Edit, tap the three dots, and select "Save as Copy" — it saves as JPG automatically.

If you have many HEIC files to convert at once, XnConvert (free, works on Windows and Mac) lets you select a whole folder and convert everything to JPG in one batch.

Why your device might not open HEIC files

If you've tried the steps above and still can't open a HEIC file, the most common reason is that your software is too old. Windows versions before Windows 10, Macs made before 2017, and Android phones all need workarounds because HEIC support wasn't built in when they were released.

Another possibility: the file itself might be corrupted or incomplete, especially if it was interrupted while downloading or transferring. Try downloading or transferring it again. If it still won't open after a fresh download, converting it on the original device (the iPhone or Mac that created it) usually works, because that device can always read its own format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a HEIC file in Photoshop or other photo editors?

Newer versions of Photoshop (2021 and later) open HEIC files directly. Older versions don't. If your Photoshop won't open it, convert the file to JPG first using one of the methods above, then open the JPG in Photoshop.

Will converting HEIC to JPG make the photo look worse?

No visible difference for most photos. JPG compression is very good, and the quality loss is too small for the human eye to detect in normal viewing. If you're printing large photos or doing professional editing, the difference might matter, but for sharing and viewing on screens, JPG is fine.

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

Apple chose HEIC because it saves storage space — HEIC files are about 40 percent smaller than JPG for the same quality. If you need JPG for compatibility, go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select "Most Compatible." New photos will save as JPG, but it uses more storage.

Can I batch convert many HEIC files at once?

Yes. On Windows or Mac, download XnConvert (free), open it, drag your HEIC files into the app, select JPG as the output format, and click Convert. It processes all of them at once. On Mac, you can also select multiple HEIC files in Finder, right-click, and use Preview's export feature to convert them all.

What if someone sends me a HEIC file and I can't open it?

Ask them to convert it to JPG and send that instead — it takes them about a minute using the steps above. If they can't do that, use an online converter like CloudConvert or Online-Convert, upload the HEIC file they sent you, and download the JPG version.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.