badloHow to Open HEIC Photos on Windows and Android
Updated
Someone sends you photos from an iPhone, and your computer won't open them. The files end in .heic, and your photo app shows an error. Here's why, and what you can do about it.
Why HEIC files won't open
iPhones save photos in HEIC by default because the files take up less space. Support on other devices is uneven. Some Windows PCs need an extra extension to read the format, and some apps, websites and printing services don't accept it at all.
Option 1: convert to JPG online
This is the simplest option, and it works on any device. Upload your photos to our HEIC to JPG converter and download the JPG files. There is nothing to install, and several photos can be converted at once.
Option 2: add HEIC support to Windows
Microsoft offers HEIF and HEVC video extensions through the Microsoft Store. With these installed, the Photos app can usually open HEIC files. Availability and pricing can vary, so check the Store listing. This helps you view files on your own PC, but it won't help with websites that reject HEIC.
Option 3: have your iPhone send JPGs
When photos are shared in certain ways, an iPhone converts them automatically. In Settings, under Photos, the Automatic option in the Transfer to Mac or PC section can help when you copy with a cable. To make all new photos JPG, go to Settings, then Camera, then Formats, and choose Most Compatible. New photos will take up more storage.
Option 4: use a program that already supports it
Many modern image apps can open HEIC. Google Photos can display them, and some free desktop viewers and editors handle them too. This is a good choice if you only need to look at the picture.
Which should you choose?
| Your situation | Best option |
|---|---|
| Uploading to a website or a form | Convert to JPG |
| A one-off batch from a friend | Convert to JPG |
| You receive HEIC files all the time | Add Windows support |
| It's your own iPhone | Change the camera format |
| You just want to look at them | Use an app that supports HEIC |
What else you can do
Need your photos in one document? Image to PDF accepts HEIC directly. To post a photo without cropping, try Instagram no crop. Curious how the formats differ? Read JPG vs PNG vs WEBP.
