Many iPhone users notice that their photos are saved in a format called HEIC instead of the regular JPG. HEIC is a new image format made by Apple to save space while keeping photo quality high. But sometimes this format can be a problem. When you try to open or share these pictures on other devices like a Windows computer or Android phone, they might not open correctly. This can be confusing and annoying for many users.
If you want to make your photos easier to view and share, the best way is to turn off the HEIC format on your iPhone. In this guide, you will learn simple steps to change your camera settings so that your pictures save in JPG format instead. Don’t worry — it’s very easy and only takes a minute to fix this problem.
Many people ask, what is the HEIC format on iPhone and why are my photos saved in it? The answer is simple. HEIC means High Efficiency Image Container, a special photo format made by Apple to save storage space while keeping pictures clear and high quality. When you take a photo, your iPhone automatically saves it as HEIC so your phone’s memory doesn’t fill up too fast. But there’s one big problem — many devices and computers can’t open HEIC images easily.
For example, if you send a photo to a Windows PC or Android phone, it might not open at all. That’s why people often want to turn off the HEIC format and switch to the JPG format, which is more common and works on every device without any trouble.
What is HEIC Format and Why iPhones Use It?
The HEIC format stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It is a photo format made by Apple to save space on your iPhone without losing picture quality. When you take a photo, your iPhone saves it as a HEIC file instead of a normal JPG file. This helps your phone keep more photos while using less storage.
Apple started using the HEIC format from iOS 11 and newer versions. The main reason is to make images smaller in size but still clear and bright. However, the problem is that HEIC files don’t open on every device. If you send these photos to a Windows PC, Android phone, or upload them on some websites, they may not show properly. That’s why many people want to turn off the HEIC format and use JPG, which works everywhere easily.
Why You May Want to Turn Off HEIC Format
Many iPhone users get confused when their HEIC photos do not open on other devices. The main reason people want to turn off this format is compatibility. While HEIC works great on iPhones and iPads, it often causes problems when you try to send photos to Windows PCs, Android phones, or upload them online. These devices and websites sometimes can’t read HEIC files, showing an error or blank image.
Another reason is editing and sharing. Many photo editing apps and social media platforms still prefer the JPG format. If you want to edit, print, or post your photos easily, JPG is the better choice. Also, when you turn off HEIC, your photos become simpler to share, easier to open, and more flexible to use anywhere.
In short, turning off HEIC helps you avoid file problems, save time, and make your photos usable on all devices without extra conversion.
How to Turn Off HEIC Format on iPhone: Step-by-Step Guide
Many people think changing the photo format on an iPhone is hard, but it’s actually very easy. You just need to change one small setting in your phone’s Camera Settings. Follow these simple steps below, and your iPhone will start saving all new photos in JPG format instead of HEIC.
Step 1 – Open the Settings App
Find the Settings app on your iPhone’s home screen. It looks like a grey gear icon. Tap on it to open the menu. The Settings app is where you can change how your phone works, including camera and photo options.
Step 2 – Scroll Down and Tap on Camera
After opening Settings, scroll down until you see the option called Camera. Tap on it. This section controls all the photo and video settings for your iPhone.
Step 3 – Tap on Formats
Inside the Camera settings, you’ll see several options like Grid, Record Video, and Formats. Tap on Formats. This is where you can choose how your iPhone saves photos.
Step 4 – Select “Most Compatible”
You will now see two choices: High Efficiency and Most Compatible.
- If you choose High Efficiency, your photos will save in HEIC format (the default option).
- If you choose Most Compatible, your iPhone will save photos as JPG files, which work on all devices.
Tap on Most Compatible. After that, all new photos you take will automatically save as JPG, not HEIC.
Step 5 – Test It Out
To make sure it worked, take a new photo. Then open the image details (tap the “i” icon if available) — it should show JPG as the format.
That’s it! You’ve successfully turned off the HEIC format on your iPhone. Now, you can share, upload, and edit photos without worrying about compatibility problems. It’s a simple fix that saves time and avoids frustration when sending pictures to other devices.
Bonus Tip: How to Convert Existing HEIC Photos to JPG
Turning off the HEIC format only affects new photos you take after changing the settings. But what about the old photos already saved in HEIC format? Don’t worry — you can easily convert HEIC photos to JPG using a few simple methods.
Method 1 – Use a HEIC to JPG Converter Tool
The easiest way is to use an online HEIC to JPG converter tool. You just need to upload your HEIC photos, and the tool will automatically change them into JPG format within seconds. This is the best option if you want a quick, free, and simple solution without installing any apps. It’s also perfect for people who want to convert multiple photos at once.
Method 2 – Use AirDrop to a Mac
If you have a MacBook, you can use AirDrop to share HEIC photos from your iPhone. Go to Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC, and choose Automatic. This way, your iPhone will automatically convert HEIC photos to JPG when sending them to your computer.
Method 3 – Use the Files App
Another simple method is to save your HEIC photos as JPG using the Files app. Just open your photo, tap the Share button, and select Save to Files. Then open it from the Files app and take a screenshot — the screenshot will automatically be saved as JPG.
These methods are easy for anyone to follow. Using a HEIC to JPG converter tool is the most convenient option because it works on any device — iPhone, Android, or Windows. Once you convert your photos, you can easily share, print, or upload them anywhere without format problems.
Benefits of Turning Off HEIC Format
Turning off the HEIC format on your iPhone can make your photo experience much easier, especially if you often share or edit pictures on different devices. Below are some important benefits explained in simple and clear words that anyone can understand.
1. Easy Sharing on All Devices When you use the JPG format, your photos can be opened easily on any phone, computer, or website. You don’t have to worry about your friends or family saying, “I can’t open this file.” JPG works everywhere without extra steps.
2. Better Compatibility with Apps and Websites Many photo editing tools, online forms, and social media sites don’t fully support HEIC files yet. By turning off HEIC, your photos will upload smoothly on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Windows PCs without conversion errors.
3. Faster File Transfers JPG files transfer faster through Bluetooth, email, or AirDrop because most systems recognize them easily. You won’t face slow transfers or compatibility warnings when sending pictures to non-Apple devices.
4. No Need for Converters If you turn off HEIC, you won’t have to use any HEIC to JPG converter tools every time you want to share a photo. Your pictures will already be in a universal format ready for use.
5. Easier Printing and Editing Many photo printers and software programs are designed for JPG format. Turning off HEIC makes your photos easy to print, resize, and edit without quality loss or errors.
6. Saves Time and Effort You don’t need to learn new apps or convert files anymore. Every photo you take will already be ready to share, upload, or edit instantly. This makes your iPhone experience faster and simpler.
7. Peace of Mind You won’t have to worry about whether someone can open your photos or not. Every image will be compatible, reliable, and easy to use, no matter what device they have.
Conclusion
Turning off the HEIC format on your iPhone is a simple but powerful change. By switching to JPG, you make your photos easier to open, share, edit, and upload on any device. It solves the common problem of compatibility issues with Windows PCs, Android phones, and many websites.
The process is quick and straightforward: just go to Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible, and all new photos will be saved as JPG. For old HEIC photos, you can use a HEIC to JPG converter tool to make them usable everywhere.
Overall, turning off HEIC saves time, reduces frustration, and gives you peace of mind knowing your photos will work on any device. Whether you are sharing with friends, uploading online, or editing for work or fun, JPG photos make everything easier.
Make this small change today and enjoy universal compatibility for all your iPhone pictures without any extra effort.
FAQs
1. What does HEIC mean on iPhone?
HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It’s a modern photo format made by Apple to keep pictures smaller in size while still clear and high quality. This format helps your iPhone save more photos without using much storage. However, not all devices can open HEIC photos easily, which can sometimes cause problems when sharing.
2. Why are my iPhone photos saved as HEIC instead of JPG?
Your iPhone uses HEIC by default to save storage space and improve image quality. Apple introduced this format from iOS 11 onward. While it works perfectly on iPhones and iPads, other devices like Windows or Android might not recognize it. That’s why many users prefer to change it to JPG for better compatibility.
3. How can I turn off HEIC format on my iPhone?
To turn off HEIC, open Settings → Camera → Formats, and select Most Compatible. This simple change tells your iPhone to save photos in JPG format instead of HEIC. You only need to do this once, and all new photos you take will be automatically saved in JPG going forward.
4. Will changing from HEIC to JPG affect my photo quality?
No, the difference in photo quality is very small. JPG files are a bit larger than HEIC, but the clarity, color, and sharpness remain nearly the same. You can still take beautiful, clear photos, and they’ll be easier to share and open on any device or computer.
5. Can I convert my old HEIC photos to JPG?
Yes, you can easily convert old HEIC photos using a HEIC to JPG converter tool. You just upload your photos and download them as JPG files. You can also use your Mac, AirDrop, or Files app for conversion. It’s a quick way to make your old photos compatible with all devices.
6. Why can’t I open HEIC photos on my Windows computer?
Windows doesn’t fully support HEIC files by default. To open them, you need to install an extension from the Microsoft Store or convert them to JPG format. The easiest solution is to use a free HEIC to JPG converter tool, which lets you open your photos instantly on any computer.
7. Does turning off HEIC format affect videos on iPhone?
No, it doesn’t. This setting only changes the photo format. Your videos will still be recorded in the MOV or MP4 format, depending on your camera settings. So you can safely turn off HEIC without worrying about video quality or compatibility.
8. Which format is better — HEIC or JPG?
Both formats have their benefits. HEIC is great for saving space and storing more photos on your iPhone. JPG, on the other hand, is more universal and works on every device, website, and app. If you often share or edit your photos, JPG is the better choice.
9. Do I need any app to turn off HEIC on my iPhone?
No, you don’t need any app. Apple already gives you this option inside your phone. Just go to Settings → Camera → Formats, and tap Most Compatible. It takes less than a minute and instantly switches all new photos to the JPG format.
10. Can I change back to HEIC later if I want?
Yes, you can switch back anytime. Just go back to Settings → Camera → Formats, and choose High Efficiency again. This will start saving your photos in HEIC format once more. It’s helpful if you want to save storage space or keep more photos on your iPhone.
