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How to Convert HEIC to JPG: Complete 2025 Guide (Windows, Mac & Online)

9 min readConvertFast Team
How to Convert HEIC to JPG: Complete 2025 Guide (Windows, Mac & Online)

How to Convert HEIC to JPG: Complete 2025 Guide

If you've ever transferred iPhone photos to your Windows PC or tried opening them in older applications, you've likely encountered the frustrating "Can't open file" error. This happens because iPhones save photos in HEIC format by default—a modern, efficient format that isn't universally supported.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn three simple methods to convert HEIC to JPG for universal compatibility, whether you're on Windows, Mac, or prefer an online solution.

Quick Answer: The fastest way to convert HEIC to JPG is using a free online converter like ConvertFast. Your images are converted directly in your browser with zero privacy concerns—no upload, no registration, and unlimited conversions.

Table of Contents

  • What is HEIC Format and Why Does It Matter?
  • Method 1: Convert HEIC to JPG Online (Recommended)
  • Method 2: Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows
  • Method 3: Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac
  • Batch Converting Multiple HEIC Files
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion

What is HEIC Format and Why Does It Matter?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format for iPhones since iOS 11 (2017). It uses advanced compression technology (HEVC/H.265) to create files that are 50% smaller than JPG while maintaining the same visual quality.

Why HEIC Isn't Supported Everywhere:

  • Windows 10/11 requires a paid codec to open HEIC files
  • Many photo editing software (older versions of Photoshop, Lightroom) don't support HEIC
  • Email clients and social media platforms may not accept HEIC uploads
  • Older devices and operating systems can't display HEIC images

When to Convert HEIC to JPG:

  • Sharing photos with non-iPhone users
  • Uploading images to websites or platforms
  • Editing photos in desktop software
  • Archiving photos for long-term compatibility
  • Opening images on Windows without installing codecs

Best for: Most users who want fast, private, and unlimited conversions without installing software.

Using ConvertFast (Free & Privacy-First)

ConvertFast is a free online HEIC to JPG converter that processes your images 100% in your browser. Unlike other online converters that upload your photos to their servers, ConvertFast keeps your iPhone photos completely private.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Go to ConvertFast HEIC to JPG Converter
  2. Upload Your HEIC Files
    • Click "Select Files" or drag & drop your iPhone photos
    • You can convert up to 100 images at once (batch conversion)
    • Accepted formats: HEIC, HEIF
  3. Adjust Quality Settings (Optional)
    • Use the quality slider to choose JPG compression (85-95% recommended)
    • Higher quality = larger file size
    • Lower quality = smaller file size
  4. Click "Convert to JPG"
    • Conversion happens instantly in your browser
    • Progress bar shows real-time status
  5. Download Your Converted JPG Images
    • Download individually or all at once as a ZIP file
    • Files are ready to use immediately

Why ConvertFast is the Best Choice:

  • 100% Private: Your images never leave your device
  • Unlimited & Free: No file limits, no daily caps, no hidden fees
  • Batch Processing: Convert 100 images at once
  • Lightning Fast: Instant conversions, no waiting for uploads
  • No Registration: Use immediately without creating an account

Try ConvertFast Now →

Method 2: Convert HEIC to JPG on Windows

Option A: Using Windows Photos App (Windows 11)

Windows 11's Photos app has built-in HEIC support (Windows 10 requires the HEIF codec from Microsoft Store).

Steps:

  1. Open the HEIC file in Photos app
  2. Click "..." (More options) > "Save as"
  3. Choose "JPG" as the format
  4. Click "Save"

Limitations:

  • Can only convert one image at a time
  • Requires codec installation on Windows 10
  • Slower for batch conversions

Option B: Using Paint (Windows 10/11)

Steps:

  1. Open the HEIC file in Paint
  2. Click "File" > "Save as" > "JPEG picture"
  3. Choose destination and click "Save"

Note: This method requires the HEIF codec to be installed first.

Option C: Installing the HEIF Codec (Windows 10)

If Windows can't open HEIC files at all:

  1. Open Microsoft Store
  2. Search for "HEIF Image Extensions"
  3. Click "Get" to install the free codec
  4. After installation, you can open HEIC files in Photos and Paint

Method 3: Convert HEIC to JPG on Mac

Using Preview (Built-in Mac App)

Steps:

  1. Open the HEIC file in Preview
  2. Click "File" > "Export"
  3. Choose "JPEG" from the Format dropdown
  4. Adjust quality slider if needed (75-90% recommended)
  5. Click "Save"

For Batch Conversion:

  1. Select multiple HEIC files in Finder
  2. Right-click > "Open With" > "Preview"
  3. Select all images (Cmd+A)
  4. Click "File" > "Export Selected Images"
  5. Choose "JPEG" and click "Choose"

Using Photos App (macOS)

Steps:

  1. Open Photos app and select HEIC images
  2. Click "File" > "Export" > "Export number Photos"
  3. Choose "JPEG" from Photo Kind dropdown
  4. Set quality (High or Maximum)
  5. Click "Export" and choose destination

Batch Converting Multiple HEIC Files

If you need to convert dozens or hundreds of iPhone photos at once, online batch converters are the fastest solution.

Using ConvertFast for Batch Conversion:

  1. Go to ConvertFast HEIC to JPG Converter
  2. Select up to 100 HEIC files (Ctrl+A to select all in a folder)
  3. Click "Convert to JPG"
  4. Wait for batch processing to complete (usually 10-30 seconds for 100 images)
  5. Click "Download All as ZIP"

Tips for Large Batches:

  • Process in groups of 100 for optimal performance
  • Use the quality slider to reduce file sizes if needed
  • Enable "Resize while converting" to create web-optimized versions
  • Keep your browser tab active during conversion for best performance

Batch Conversion on Windows:

For users who prefer desktop software:

  1. Install Windows Photos app codec (HEIF extensions)
  2. Use File Explorer to select all HEIC files
  3. Right-click > "Open with" > "Photos"
  4. Convert each image individually (time-consuming for large batches)

Alternative: Use ConvertFast for faster batch processing without software installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose quality when converting HEIC to JPG?

Minimal quality loss occurs during conversion, but it's virtually imperceptible to the human eye. If you use a quality setting of 85% or higher, your JPG images will look identical to the original HEIC files.

ConvertFast uses advanced conversion algorithms to preserve maximum quality while creating universally compatible JPG files. The slight compression applied during JPG encoding is necessary for compatibility but doesn't noticeably affect visual quality.

Can I convert HEIC to JPG for free?

Yes! ConvertFast is 100% free with unlimited conversions. There are no daily limits, no file size restrictions, and no hidden fees. You can convert as many HEIC images as you need, whenever you need.

Unlike other "free" converters that limit you to 5-10 files per day or require paid upgrades, ConvertFast provides truly unlimited access forever.

Is it safe to convert HEIC files online?

With ConvertFast, absolutely. Unlike traditional online converters that upload your photos to their servers, ConvertFast uses client-side processing. This means your iPhone photos are converted directly in your web browser and never leave your device. No one—including us—can access your images.

How it works:

  • Images are processed using browser-based JavaScript libraries
  • No server uploads or storage
  • No tracking or image analysis
  • Files are deleted from memory immediately after conversion

This approach provides the same privacy as desktop software while offering the convenience of online access.

How long does HEIC to JPG conversion take?

With ConvertFast, conversion is instant. Since processing happens in your browser (no upload required), single images convert in under 1 second. Batches of 100 images typically complete in 10-30 seconds, depending on your device's performance.

Factors affecting speed:

  • Number of images being converted
  • Original file sizes (larger photos take slightly longer)
  • Your device's processing power
  • Browser performance

Even on older devices, ConvertFast remains significantly faster than traditional upload-based converters.

Can I convert multiple HEIC files at once?

Yes! ConvertFast supports batch conversion of up to 100 HEIC files simultaneously. Simply select all your iPhone photos, drop them into the converter, and download them all as a convenient ZIP file.

Batch conversion benefits:

  • Save time—convert entire photo albums in seconds
  • Consistent quality settings across all images
  • One-click download of all converted files
  • No need to repeat steps for each photo

Do I need to install software to convert HEIC to JPG?

No. With ConvertFast, you can convert HEIC to JPG directly in your web browser—no software installation required. This works on any device (Windows, Mac, Linux, even mobile devices) with a modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge).

Advantages of browser-based conversion:

  • Works on any operating system
  • No storage space used on your device
  • Always up-to-date (no updates to install)
  • No compatibility issues or codec requirements

Why are my iPhone photos in HEIC format?

Apple switched to HEIC as the default photo format in iOS 11 (2017) to save storage space. HEIC files are 50% smaller than equivalent JPG files while maintaining the same quality, allowing you to store more photos on your iPhone.

To prevent iPhone from saving HEIC photos:

  1. Go to Settings > Camera
  2. Tap "Formats"
  3. Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"
  4. New photos will be saved as JPG instead of HEIC

Note: Changing this setting only affects new photos. Existing HEIC photos will need to be converted.

Can I convert HEIC to JPG on my phone?

Yes! ConvertFast works on mobile devices through your mobile browser. Simply visit convertfast.io/heic-to-jpg on your iPhone or Android device, upload HEIC files from your photo library, and download the converted JPG images.

Mobile conversion tips:

  • Use Safari on iPhone or Chrome on Android for best performance
  • Smaller batches (10-20 images) work better on mobile devices
  • Ensure stable internet connection (though conversion happens offline)
  • Download files immediately to your device's download folder

Conclusion

Converting HEIC to JPG ensures your iPhone photos work everywhere—on Windows PCs, in photo editing software, on websites, and across all devices and platforms.

The Best Method: Use ConvertFast's free HEIC to JPG converter for instant, private, unlimited conversions. With 100% client-side processing, your photos never leave your device, and you can batch convert up to 100 images at once.

Key Takeaways:

  • HEIC is Apple's efficient photo format, but it lacks universal support
  • Converting to JPG ensures compatibility with all devices and software
  • Online converters like ConvertFast offer the best balance of speed, privacy, and convenience
  • Batch conversion saves time when dealing with multiple photos
  • No quality loss is visible with proper quality settings (85%+)

Ready to convert your iPhone photos?

Convert HEIC to JPG Now →


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