How to Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Since the introduction of iOS 11, Apple has been using the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIC) for photos taken on iPhones and iPads. While HEIC files are smaller and offer better image quality, they are not universally supported by all devices and applications. This can create a need to convert HEIC files to the more widely accepted JPG format. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore multiple methods to convert HEIC to JPG on your iPhone, ensuring you can share your photos with anyone, anywhere.

Why Convert HEIC to JPG?

HEIC files are Apple’s default format for photos, but they are not supported by many older or non-Apple devices. Converting HEIC to JPG offers several advantages:

1. Compatibility: JPG is a universally accepted format, ensuring your photos can be viewed on any device or application.
2. File Size: While HEIC files are generally smaller, JPG files can be further compressed for web use, making them ideal for sharing online.
3. Editing: Many photo editing applications and services do not support HEIC files, so converting to JPG makes editing easier.
4. Backup: Storing photos in JPG format ensures they are compatible with various backup and storage solutions.

Method 1: Using the Photos App

The built-in Photos app on your iPhone provides a simple way to convert HEIC files to JPG. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Photos app: Locate and open the Photos app on your iPhone.
2. Select the photo: Tap on the photo you want to convert to JPG.
3. Tap the Share button: The Share button is typically located at the bottom of the screen and looks like a square with an upward arrow.
4. Choose the ‘Copy to Files’ option: Tap on ‘Copy to Files’ to save the photo in the Files app.
5. Save to Files: Select a location in the Files app where you want to save the photo.
6. Open the saved photo: Go to the Files app and find the photo you saved.
7. Share as JPG: Tap the Share button again and select ‘JPEG’ as the format. You can then choose to share the photo via email, messaging, or save it to your camera roll.

This method is straightforward and does not require any additional apps or software. However, it can be a bit time-consuming if you have many photos to convert.

Method 2: Using the ‘Compatibility’ Setting

iPhone users can adjust the settings to automatically save photos in a more compatible format. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap ‘Camera’: Scroll down and find the ‘Camera’ option under the ‘Photos & Camera’ section.
3. Scroll down to ‘Format’: Within the Camera settings, locate the ‘Format’ option.
4. Select ‘Most Compatible’: Tap on ‘Most Compatible’ to ensure all new photos are saved in both HEIC and JPG formats.

By changing the format to ‘Most Compatible’, your iPhone will save new photos in both HEIC and JPG formats, making it easier to share them without the need for conversion.

Method 3: Using Third-Party Apps

There are several third-party apps available on the App Store that can help you convert HEIC to JPG. Some popular options include:

1. HEIC to JPG Converter: This app is specifically designed for HEIC to JPG conversion and is user-friendly.
2. Adobe Photoshop Express: A free photo editing app that supports HEIC files and allows you to save them as JPG.
3. HEIC Converter Pro: This app offers batch conversion and additional editing features.

Here’s how to use HEIC to JPG Converter:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download the app: Go to the App Store and download the HEIC to JPG Converter app.
2. Open the app: Launch the app on your iPhone.
3. Select the photos: Tap on ‘Import’ to select the HEIC photos you want to convert.
4. Choose the conversion format: Select ‘JPG’ as the output format.
5. Start the conversion: Tap on ‘Convert’ to start the conversion process.
6. Save the converted photos: Once the conversion is complete, you can save the JPG files to your camera roll or share them directly.

Third-party apps are a great choice if you need to convert multiple photos quickly or require additional editing features.

Method 4: Using Online Tools

If you prefer not to use any apps or want to convert photos on a computer, several online tools can help. Here are a few options:

1. Cloud Convert: A versatile online converter that supports HEIC to JPG conversion.
2. ILoveIMG: Another user-friendly online tool that allows you to convert HEIC to JPG without registration.
3. Zamzar: A well-known file conversion service that supports a wide range of formats including HEIC to JPG.

Let’s use Cloud Convert as an example:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Go to Cloud Convert: Open your web browser and visit cloudconvert.com/heic-to-jpg.
2. Upload the HEIC file: Click on ‘Select File’ and choose the HEIC photo you want to convert. You can also drag and drop the file into the designated area.
3. Choose the conversion format: Select ‘JPG’ as the output format.
4. Start the conversion: Click on ‘Convert’ to start the conversion process.
5. Download the JPG file: Once the conversion is complete, download the JPG file to your device.

Online tools are convenient if you need to convert files from multiple devices or prefer not to install additional apps on your iPhone.

Method 5: Using macOS

If you have a Mac, you can easily convert HEIC files to JPG using the built-in Preview app. Here’s how to do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Transfer the photos to your Mac: Use AirDrop or a USB cable to transfer the HEIC photos from your iPhone to your Mac.
2. Open the photo in Preview: Double-click the HEIC photo to open it in the Preview app.
3. Click ‘File’ and choose ‘Export’: In the top menu bar, click on ‘File’ and select ‘Export’.
4. Select ‘JPEG’ format: In the export dialog, choose ‘JPEG’ from the format dropdown menu.
5. Adjust the quality settings: You can adjust the quality of the JPG file to balance file size and image quality.
6. Save the file: Click ‘Save’ to save the converted JPG file to your desired location.

This method is useful if you have a Mac and want to convert multiple photos at once. Preview also offers additional editing options, making it a versatile tool for managing your photos.

Method 6: Using iCloud Photos

iCloud Photos offers an easy way to manage and convert your photos. By enabling the ‘Optimize iPhone Storage’ feature, you can ensure that your photos are stored in a more compatible format.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open Settings: Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap ‘Photos’: Scroll down and find the ‘Photos’ option.
3. Enable ‘iCloud Photos’: Make sure ‘iCloud Photos’ is turned on.
4. Enable ‘Optimize iPhone Storage’: Turn on the ‘Optimize iPhone Storage’ feature. This will keep smaller, more compatible versions of your photos on your device while the full-quality versions are stored in iCloud.
5. Download the photos: When you need to access the full-quality JPG versions, you can download them from iCloud.

Enabling iCloud Photos and optimizing storage is a great way to manage your photo library and ensure compatibility across devices.

Method 7: Using PhotoSync

PhotoSync is a popular app that allows you to transfer and convert photos between your iPhone and other devices. Here’s how to use it for HEIC to JPG conversion:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Download PhotoSync: Go to the App Store and download the PhotoSync app.
2. Install the companion app: Download and install the PhotoSync companion app on your computer or another device.
3. Connect your devices: Pair your iPhone with the companion app using Wi-Fi or a USB cable.
4. Select the photos: Choose the HEIC photos you want to transfer and convert.
5. Choose the conversion format: In the app settings, select ‘JPEG’ as the output format.
6. Transfer the photos: Tap ‘Transfer’ to send the converted JPG photos to your other device.

PhotoSync is particularly useful if you need to transfer and convert photos to multiple devices, such as a computer or a different smartphone.

Conclusion

Converting HEIC to JPG on your iPhone is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using various methods. Whether you prefer the built-in Photos app, third-party apps, online tools, or your Mac, there are plenty of options available to ensure your photos are compatible with any device or application. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily share your high-quality photos without the hassle of unsupported file formats. Happy converting!