The Automatic Way (Easiest)
Good News!
When you share photos from your iPhone using AirDrop, email, or
messaging apps, iOS automatically converts HEIC photos to JPG. You
don't need to do anything special!
| Transfer Method |
Auto Converts to JPG? |
| AirDrop to Mac/PC |
✓ Yes |
| Email photos |
✓ Yes |
| Message apps (WhatsApp, etc.) |
✓ Yes |
| Social media (Facebook, Instagram) |
✓ Yes |
| USB cable to Windows PC |
✗ Stays as HEIC |
| iCloud Photo sync |
✗ Stays as HEIC |
Best Solution: Prevent HEIC Altogether
Change Camera Settings to JPG
Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible
This makes your iPhone save all new photos as JPG automatically.
Then every transfer method will use JPG!
💡 Pro Tip
If you're transferring many photos to a Windows PC via USB and
they're coming through as HEIC, it's faster to convert them in bulk
using our free converter rather than emailing them one by one.
🔍 How to Check File Format
On your computer: Right-click a photo, select Properties (Windows)
or Get Info (Mac), and look at the file extension. It should say
.jpg or .jpeg, not .heic
Need to Convert HEIC Photos?
If you already transferred photos as HEIC or downloaded them from
iCloud,
use our free converter to change them to JPG instantly.
Convert to JPG Now →