HEIC Files Explained: Why Your iPhone Photos Won't Open (And How to Fix It)

You took a perfect photo on your iPhone, but when you try to share it or open it on your Windows PC, it won't work. The file ends with ".heic" and many platforms and devices still don't recognize it. You're not alone—this is one of the most common frustrations for iPhone users. The good news is that there is a simple solution.

This guide explains what HEIC files are, why Apple uses this high-efficiency format, and how you can easily convert your photos to a universal format like JPG so they work everywhere, for everyone.

What is HEIC and Why Does Apple Use It?

HEIC stands for High Efficiency Image Container. It's a modern container format that Apple adopted as the default for photos starting with iOS 11. Apple made this switch for several compelling reasons:

• Half the file size: HEIC photos are roughly 50% smaller than equivalent JPEG files, meaning you can store twice as many photos on your phone
• Better quality: Despite being smaller, HEIC photos actually look better than JPEGs at the same quality level
• Advanced features: HEIC is a flexible container that can store not just a single image, but also image sequences (for Live Photos and bursts), depth maps (for Portrait mode), and more, all in one file.

The Problem: HEIC Doesn't Work Everywhere

While HEIC is technically superior to JPG, it has one major flaw: compatibility. Here's where you'll run into problems:

• Windows computers: Older versions can't open HEIC files without special software
• Android devices: Most can't display HEIC images
• Web browsers: Many websites and social media platforms don't support HEIC uploads
• Older devices: Any device from before 2017 likely can't handle HEIC

How to Open HEIC Files on Windows

One of the most common issues is opening HEIC files on a Windows computer. By default, Windows doesn't support it, but you can add support for free. You will need to install two extensions from the Microsoft Store:

1. HEIF Image Extensions: This provides the basic ability to view HEIC files.
2. HEVC Video Extensions: HEIC uses HEVC compression, and this extension is often required to decode the images. While it may have a small cost, many graphics card manufacturers (like NVIDIA) provide a free version on their websites.

However, the simplest and most reliable solution, especially if you need to share the photos, is to convert them.

The Easiest Solution: Convert HEIC to JPG

The fastest way to make your iPhone photos work everywhere is to convert them to JPG. This gives you universal compatibility while maintaining excellent quality.

When to Convert HEIC Files:

• Sharing photos with Android users or PC users
• Uploading to websites or social media
• Sending via email to ensure everyone can view them
• Using photos in presentations or documents
• Printing photos at any photo service

Quick Conversion Options

Convert your HEIC files to formats that work everywhere:

• Convert HEIC to JPG - Best for photos, universal compatibility
• Convert HEIC to PNG - If you need transparency or perfect quality
• Convert HEIC to WebP - Modern format for web use

Pro Tip: Change Your iPhone's Camera Settings

Want to avoid this problem in the future? You can set your iPhone to capture photos in JPEG instead of HEIC:

1. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats
2. Select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"
3. Your iPhone will now save photos as JPG files

Trade-off: Your photos will be larger and take up more storage space, but they'll work on every device and platform without any extra steps.

The Bottom Line

HEIC is a powerful, efficient format, but its lack of universal support creates real-world problems. Until the rest of the digital world fully embraces it, converting HEIC files to JPG remains the most practical solution for sharing and using your iPhone photos without hassle. With a reliable converter, you get the best of both worlds: high-quality photos from your iPhone and the universal compatibility of JPG.

About the Author

This guide was written by Don Cecil, the creator of FastConverter.app and a web developer with over 25 years of experience. This background helps to ensure that our guides are accurate, practical, and up-to-date. You can connect with him on LinkedIn.