How to Open HEIC Files on Any Device

What Are HEIC Files?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads. Apple adopted it because HEIC files are roughly 40-50% smaller than JPGs while maintaining the same image quality. That's great for saving storage space on your phone, but it creates headaches when you try to open those photos on other devices.

If you've received a .heic file by email, downloaded one from iCloud, or transferred photos from an iPhone, here's how to open it on every major platform.

Opening HEIC Files on Mac

Good news for Mac users: macOS supports HEIC natively. Any Mac running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later can open HEIC files without any extra software.

You can view HEIC files using:

• Preview – Double-click the file and it opens directly.
• Photos – Import HEIC images just like any other photo.
• Quick Look – Press the spacebar in Finder to preview the file instantly.
• Any macOS app that handles images, including Safari, Keynote, and Pages.

If you need to convert the file to JPG for sharing, you can open it in Preview, click File > Export, and choose JPEG as the output format.

Opening HEIC Files on Windows

Windows 10 and 11 do not support HEIC out of the box. When you try to open a .heic file, you'll see an error or a prompt directing you to the Microsoft Store. You have two options:

Option 1: Install the Microsoft codecs. Download the free "HEIF Image Extensions" and the paid "HEVC Video Extensions" (around $0.99) from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, the Windows Photos app and File Explorer will display HEIC thumbnails and open the files.

Option 2: Convert to JPG. If you'd rather not install codecs or pay for anything, simply convert your HEIC files to JPG using our free online converter. This gives you universally compatible files that work in every Windows application.

For most users, converting is the more practical choice because it solves compatibility issues not just with Windows, but with every program, website, and service you might use.

Opening HEIC Files on Android

Android's HEIC support varies by device and operating system version:

• Google Photos can open HEIC files on most Android devices. If you already use Google Photos, try opening the file there first.
• Android 10 and later includes partial HEIC support, but not all apps can handle the format.
• Older Android versions generally cannot open HEIC files at all.

If your Android device struggles with HEIC, the simplest fix is to convert the file to JPG. You can do this directly on your phone using a browser-based tool. Open your mobile browser, visit our HEIC2PIC, and convert the file in seconds.

Opening HEIC Files Online (Any Device)

The most universal method for opening HEIC files works on any device with a web browser: simply convert them to JPG online. This approach works on Windows PCs, Chromebooks, Linux machines, tablets, and smartphones alike.

Our free HEIC to JPG converter runs entirely in your browser. Here's how to use it:

1. Open the converter tool in any browser.
2. Drag and drop your HEIC file (or tap to select it on mobile).
3. The file converts instantly to your chosen format.
4. Download the converted image and open it anywhere.

Because the conversion happens locally in your browser, your photos are never uploaded to a server. This makes it safe for personal and sensitive images.

Which Method Should You Choose?

Here's a quick summary to help you decide:

If you want a single solution that works everywhere, converting HEIC to JPG is the most reliable approach. It takes just a few seconds and produces files that every device and application can handle. Try our free converter and never worry about HEIC compatibility again.