How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows, Mac & Online (Free)
iPhone photos saved as HEIC won't open everywhere. Learn how to convert HEIC to JPG for free on Windows, Mac, and online without any upload.
Since iOS 11, iPhones save photos in HEIC format (High Efficiency Image Container) by default. HEIC files are roughly half the size of equivalent JPG files — but they don’t open in Windows Explorer, most email clients, or older software.
Here’s how to convert HEIC to JPG for free.
Why Can’t Windows Open HEIC Files?
HEIC uses the HEVC (H.265) video codec to compress still images. Windows doesn’t include HEVC support by default — Microsoft charges for the codec in the Windows Store. This is why you see a “can’t open” error when trying to view iPhone photos on Windows.
macOS Monterey and later can open HEIC natively. But even on Mac, you may need JPG for compatibility with older apps, web uploads, or email attachments.
Method 1: Convert Online (No Install, No Upload)
The fastest method, and the only one that keeps your photos private:
- Go to OneConvertly HEIC to JPG
- Drop your HEIC file or click to browse
- Choose output quality (High recommended for photos)
- Download the converted JPG instantly
Your photo never leaves your device. The conversion uses heic2any, a library that runs entirely in your browser.
This works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile — no installation required.
Method 2: Convert on iPhone Before Sending
The simplest fix: change your iPhone to capture in JPG instead of HEIC:
- Open Settings
- Tap Camera
- Tap Formats
- Select Most Compatible (saves as JPG instead of HEIC)
Or, when AirDropping or emailing photos from iPhone to a Windows device, iOS automatically converts to JPG. Just use the standard share sheet.
Method 3: Windows — Install the HEIC Codec
If you frequently work with HEIC files on Windows:
- Open Microsoft Store
- Search for “HEIF Image Extensions” (free)
- Install it
- Windows Photos and File Explorer will now open HEIC files
Note: This only lets you view HEIC files — it doesn’t convert them to JPG in bulk.
Method 4: Mac — Use Preview
On Mac:
- Open the HEIC file in Preview
- File → Export
- Choose JPEG format
- Set quality and save
For multiple files: select them all in Finder, right-click → Open With → Preview, then File → Export Selected Images.
HEIC vs JPG: Which Is Better?
| HEIC | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | ~50% smaller | Larger |
| Quality | Equivalent or better | Good |
| Compatibility | Limited | Universal |
| Best for | iPhone storage | Sharing, web, email |
Keep HEIC on your iPhone to save storage space. Convert to JPG when you need to share, upload, or edit in software that doesn’t support HEIC.
Can I Convert Multiple HEIC Files at Once?
OneConvertly currently converts one file at a time. For batch conversion of many photos, Mac’s Preview app (Method 4) is the most efficient offline option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose quality converting HEIC to JPG? At High quality settings, the difference is imperceptible to the human eye. At Maximum quality (100%), the JPG is virtually indistinguishable from the HEIC original.
Does HEIC conversion work on my phone? Yes. OneConvertly runs in any modern mobile browser. The conversion happens on your phone’s CPU.
What about HEIF vs HEIC? HEIF is the container format; HEIC is the specific variant used by Apple. They are effectively the same thing in practice. OneConvertly handles both.