How to Convert HEIC Files to JPEG Directly on iPhone (No Apps Needed) - Make Tech Easier

Since iOS 11, iPhones have defaulted to saving photos in HEIC/HEIF format. This change typically goes undetected until you attempt to share or export a photo—only to find that certain platforms, software, or devices lack HEIC support. As a result, manually converting HEIC files to JPEG becomes necessary, which can be tedious. Fortunately, your iPhone includes built-in tools to handle this conversion—no external apps required. Here’s how to do it.

Table of Contents

• Why iPhones Use HEIC as the Default Format
• Convert HEIC to JPEG Directly on Your iPhone
• Switch the Default Capture Format to JPEG

Why iPhones Use HEIC as the Default Format

HEIC/HEIF stands for High Efficiency Image Container / Format—the Apple-developed standard designed to replace JPEG. It leverages the advanced H.265 (HEVC) compression algorithm, allowing images to retain visual fidelity while significantly reducing file size—often cutting storage needs by nearly 50% compared to JPEG.

Apple prioritized HEIC for its space-saving benefits: faster iCloud backups, reduced mobile data usage during sharing, and improved overall storage efficiency on devices with limited capacity.

To confirm whether a photo is saved in HEIC format, open it in the Photos app and tap the i icon at the bottom.

Look for the file type listed next to your iPhone model name.

You can also verify the format using the Files or Preview app (available on iOS 16 and later). In Files, open the image and tap its filename at the top. If the label beneath reads Image, it’s almost certainly a HEIC file.

In Preview, tap the i button at the bottom to pull up full metadata. Scroll to the File Name or Kind field to identify the format.

Convert HEIC to JPEG Directly on Your iPhone

To sidestep compatibility headaches, convert HEIC files to JPEG before sharing. Here's a simple, native method:

In the Photos app, locate the image you want to convert and tap the Share button.

From the list of options, select Copy Photo, found just below the row of app icons.

Next, launch the Files app and navigate to On My iPhone (you may need to tap Back several times to reach the Browse screen where this option appears).

Long-press on any blank area and choose Paste.

The pasted image will appear—and if you check its details, you’ll see it has been automatically saved as a JPEG.

Send the image(s) via email

Another effortless way to trigger HEIC-to-JPEG conversion is by emailing the photo. The system converts it automatically upon attachment.

Open the photo in Photos, tap Share, then choose Mail (or your default email client) to attach it to a new message. Send it to yourself.

Once delivered, open the email and inspect the attachment—you’ll notice the image is now in JPEG format.

Additionally, transferring images through services like Blip also results in automatic JPEG delivery.

Create a shortcut for bulk conversion

If you regularly convert multiple HEIC files, automating the process saves time. Build a custom shortcut:

Open the Shortcuts app and tap the icon in the top-right corner. Then tap the Search Actions field at the bottom.

Search for Select Photos, add it, and enable Select Multiple by tapping the downward arrow.

Return to Search Actions, look up Convert image, and ensure the output format is set to JPEG. If not, tap the current format and switch it.

Repeat the search and add Save to Photos. By default, images save to Recents, but tapping it lets you choose another album.

Lastly, rename your shortcut using the downward arrow at the top—and optionally select Add to Home Screen for one-tap access.

When you run the shortcut, select the HEIC photos you’d like converted. After a few seconds, check your chosen destination—you’ll find the JPEG versions ready.

Note: Shortcuts offer far more than batch conversions. For instance, you can design one to merge two images side-by-side—no third-party tools needed.

Change Default Capture Format to JPEG

If you'd rather avoid conversions altogether, configure your iPhone to capture photos in JPEG from the start. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats, then switch from High Efficiency to Most Compatible.

Keep in mind: this setting only affects newly taken photos. Any existing HEIC files will still require conversion. If you're working with Windows, here are some practical solutions for handling incoming HEIC images.

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