How to Convert HEIC to JPG Free Online (iPhone Photos)

What is HEIC and Why Can't I Open It?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. It offers:

• 50% smaller file sizes than JPG at the same quality
• Support for 16-bit color depth
• Live Photos and image sequences

The problem? Most Windows computers, older apps, websites, and many devices can't open HEIC files. You see errors like:

• "Windows cannot preview this file"
• "Unsupported file format"
• "Cannot upload this file type"

The Privacy Problem with Online Converters

Your iPhone photos contain:

• Personal memories - Family, friends, private moments
• Location data - Where you've been
• Face recognition data - Used by Apple Photos
• Device information - Your iPhone model, settings

Most online converters upload your photos to their servers. Even if they claim to delete them, you have no way to verify this.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG Without Uploading (Safe Method)

Using EverydayPDF Image Converter

Our converter processes everything in your browser. Your photos never leave your device.

1. Go to EverydayPDF Image Converter
2. Select "HEIC" as input format (or drag your files directly)
3. Choose "JPG" as output format
4. Drop your HEIC files (batch conversion supported)
5. Click "Convert" and download your JPG files

Alternative Methods (With Trade-offs)

Method 2: Change iPhone Settings (Prevents Future HEIC)

You can configure your iPhone to take JPG photos instead:

1. Open Settings → Camera → Formats
2. Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"

Trade-off: Your photos will take up more storage space (roughly 2x).

Method 3: Transfer Settings

When transferring to PC/Mac:

1. Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC
2. Select "Automatic" (converts to compatible format)

Trade-off: Only works during transfer, not for existing files.

Method 4: Windows HEIC Codec

Microsoft offers HEIC extensions for Windows, but:

• The free version often doesn't work
• The paid version costs $0.99
• Still doesn't help when sharing files

HEIC vs JPG vs PNG: When to Use Each

Frequently Asked Questions

Will converting HEIC to JPG reduce quality?

Slightly, but imperceptibly for most uses. JPG uses lossy compression, but at high quality settings (which we use), the difference is invisible to the human eye.

Can I convert HEIC on Android?

Yes! EverydayPDF works in any modern browser, including Chrome on Android.

What about HEIF files?

HEIF and HEIC are essentially the same thing. HEIC is just Apple's name for the HEIF format. Our converter handles both.

Can I convert HEIC to PNG instead?

Absolutely! PNG preserves more quality (lossless), but files will be larger. Use PNG if you need transparency or plan to edit the image further.

Does the conversion preserve EXIF data?

Yes, metadata like date taken and camera settings are preserved. Location data is also kept unless you specifically strip it.

Related Tools

• Image Converter - Convert between any image formats
• Image Compressor - Reduce image file size
• Image Resize - Change image dimensions
• Image to PDF - Convert photos to PDF