How Do I Convert HEIC to JPEG on iPhone?

Q: How do I convert HEIC to JPEG on iPhone?

The easiest method: share or AirDrop the photo to a non-Apple device — iOS auto-converts to JPEG. To shoot JPEG going forward, go to Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible. To convert existing photos automatically when transferring to a PC, go to Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC > Automatic. There is no direct batch HEIC-to-JPEG converter built into iOS, but the Share Sheet conversion works photo-by-photo.

By Jack Smith — Updated March 8, 2026

Sharing or AirDropping a photo to a non-Apple device automatically converts it from HEIC to JPEG. To shoot JPEG going forward, change Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible. For automatic JPEG conversion when transferring to a PC, use Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC > Automatic. iOS has no built-in batch converter, but each method above handles the conversion seamlessly.

Method 1 — Auto-Convert via the Share Sheet (Easiest)

iOS automatically converts HEIC to JPEG when you share a photo to any app or service that doesn't support HEIC natively. Simply open the photo, tap the Share button (box with an arrow), and send it to Mail, Messages (to a non-iPhone), or save it to Files as a JPEG. You can also select multiple photos in the Photos app, tap Share, and choose "Save to Files" — iOS will save them as JPEG if you choose a location that doesn't support HEIC. This works for 1-50 photos at a time and requires no extra apps.

Method 2 — Change Camera Format to Shoot JPEG Going Forward

If you want all new photos to be JPEG instead of HEIC:

Open Settings
Tap Camera
Tap Formats
Select Most Compatible

From this point, every photo you take will save as JPEG. The trade-off is larger file sizes — JPEG photos are roughly twice the storage size of equivalent HEIC photos. Existing HEIC photos in your library are not converted by this change. Learn about the full format comparison in our ProRAW vs. HEIC vs. JPEG guide.

Method 3 — Auto-Convert on Transfer to Windows PC

If you transfer photos via USB cable to a Windows PC or older Mac:

Open Settings
Tap Photos
Under "Transfer to Mac or PC," tap Automatic

With Automatic selected, iOS converts HEIC to JPEG and HEVC to H.264 when you connect your iPhone via USB and import photos in Windows Explorer or the Windows Photos app. The originals on your iPhone remain as HEIC — only the transferred copies become JPEG. Choose "Keep Originals" instead if you want exact copies transferred without conversion.

Method 4 — Use AirDrop to a Mac (Photos App Handles Conversion)

If you AirDrop photos to a Mac running macOS High Sierra or later, the Mac's Photos app can open HEIC natively — no conversion needed. But if you want JPEG copies, you can export them from the Mac's Photos app: select photos, go to File > Export > Export Photos, and choose JPEG in the format dropdown. This is the best method for batch-converting large numbers of photos to JPEG on a Mac. See our full guide on AirDropping photos from iPhone to Mac.

Why HEIC Is Worth Keeping (When Possible)

Before converting everything to JPEG, consider that HEIC offers real advantages: roughly 50% smaller file sizes at the same visual quality, support for 16-bit color depth, and better representation of HDR lighting. If storage is tight, keeping HEIC and only converting specific photos for sharing is the most efficient approach. Use Swype Photo Cleaner to delete unwanted photos first — this often frees more space than converting formats would save. For more context, see our HEIC glossary page.

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