How to Convert HEIC to JPG on iPhone

The fastest answer

An iPhone keeps photos in HEIC by default because this format stores high-quality images in smaller files than JPG. To get a JPG without leaving iOS, open the image in Files, tap and hold it, choose Quick Actions, then Convert Image and select JPEG. The new JPG appears alongside the original. If you need the conversion only when moving photos to a computer, you can instead set the transfer preference to Automatic or Most Compatible so exported copies become JPG while the originals stay unchanged.

Convert a stored photo in Files

This method works when the HEIC file is already available in the Files app. If the photo is in your camera roll, first save it to Files.

• Open the Files app and go to the folder containing the HEIC image.\nTap and hold the image until a menu appears.\nChoose Quick Actions, then Convert Image.\nSelect JPEG as the output format.\nChoose the file size you want or leave the suggested size selected.\nTap Convert and check that a JPG with the same name appears in the folder.

Have iOS create JPGs during transfer

If your main goal is compatibility with another device or app, you may not need to convert individual files. iOS can deliver JPG versions automatically when photos are transferred to a Mac or PC.

• Open Settings and tap Photos.\nScroll to the Transfer to Mac or PC section.\nSelect Automatic or Most Compatible.\nWhen you import photos to the computer, the transferred copies should arrive as JPG.

This changes the format of exported copies, not the original images on the iPhone. The exact wording of the setting can vary slightly depending on the iOS version.

Use Mail to get a JPG copy

The Mail app can provide a converted copy for a single photo without a computer.

• Open the photo in the Photos app.\nTap the Share button.\nChoose Mail and address the message to yourself.\nWhen prompted, allow Mail to send the attachment in a compatible format.\nSend the message, then open it and save the attached photo. The attachment can arrive as a JPG.

Mail compatibility behavior can differ across iOS versions, so confirm the delivered file type rather than assuming it is already JPG.

What to note

Converting a HEIC file to JPG trades a smaller image file for a more broadly compatible one. Original photos remain untouched by the methods above unless you deliberately replace or delete them. If a specific conversion option is not visible, check the iOS version or move the image into Files first.