How to Send Images from iOS Devices as JPG or PNG Instead of HEIC

Summary

iOS devices since iOS 11 use HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Format) as the default image format. However, HEIC may not be compatible with all devices and platforms. This knowledge base article will guide iOS users on how to send images as JPG or PNG instead of HEIC.

Body

Overview

iOS devices since iOS 11 use HEIC (High-Efficiency Image Format) as the default image format. However, HEIC may not be compatible with all devices and platforms. This knowledge base article will guide iOS users on how to send images as JPG or PNG instead of HEIC.

Issue

Users will try top open HEIC images but they don't always work well with Windows/Android. With an iPhone:

You can change the camera settings, so new photos will be taken as JPEGS
Convert HEIC photos to JPEG using Files App on your Iphone
Or you can change the Settings, so the photos will automatically be converted to JPEGs, when you transfer them to a computer.

Instructions

Changing Camera Settings: This will configure your device to capture images in JPEG format rather than HEIC.

Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
Scroll down and tap on "Camera."
Under the "Formats" section, select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency."
All new photos and videos will now use JPEG or H.264 format. To return to using the space-saving HEIF and HEVC formats, choose High Efficiency.

Converting HEIC photos to JPG or PNG: Using the Files App on your Iphone

Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
Choose either the “On My iPhone/iPad” location or a cloud storage option
Press and hold in the empty area, then select “New Folder” from the popup. Give the folder a name and tap “Done.”
Now, open the Photos app and navigate to the album containing the HEIC photos.
Tap the “Select” button from the top toolbar and choose the photos you want to convert.
Tap the “Share” button from the bottom-left corner.
In the share menu, select “Copy photo.”
Go back to the Files app, open the folder you created earlier, and simply press and hold in the empty area and choose the "Paste" option from the popup menu.
The photos are now instantly converted from HEIC to JPG or PNG format.

How to automatically convert HEIC to JPEG when transferring iPhone images to Mac or PC

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and click on Apps

3. Select the Photos option.

3. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap on the Automatic option located under 'Transfer to Mac or PC'. This setting ensures that all photos transferred from your iPhone to Mac or PC will be in JPEG format instead of the default HEIC format, making the transfer process smoother and more convenient.

Troubleshooting

Still have questions? Contact the Technical Service Desk at 410-777-4357

Details

Article ID: 150015

Created

Fri 3/8/24 11:57 AM

Modified

Sat 12/13/25 11:20 AM

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