HEIC: the iPhone photo format explained - and how to convert it

Updated: 2026-07-03 · 3 min read

You want to upload or send an iPhone photo - and the website or program says "file type not supported". The reason is called HEIC. Here’s what’s behind it and how to fix it in seconds.

What is HEIC?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the photo format iPhones have used by default since iOS 11. It stores photos at roughly half the size of JPG at the same quality - which is why Apple uses it.

Why many programs can’t open HEIC

Outside the Apple world, support is patchy: older Windows versions, many web forms, government portals, print services and some image editors can’t read HEIC.

JPG, on the other hand, has worked everywhere for decades. For anything you share or upload, JPG is the safe choice.

Convert HEIC to JPG - without uploading

Most online converters upload your photos to third-party servers. For private pictures, that’s a real problem.

The BiGimg HEIC converter works differently: the conversion runs entirely in your browser, and your photos never leave your device. Multiple photos at once are no problem - as single downloads or a ZIP.

Tip: switch your iPhone to JPG

If you want to avoid HEIC permanently: Settings → Camera → Formats → "Most Compatible". From then on your iPhone shoots straight to JPG - at the cost of a bit more storage.

For all existing HEIC photos, in-browser conversion remains the fastest route.