Save Photos as JPG Instead of HEIC on iPhone, iPad

Apple devices switched to using HEIC formatted photos from JPG back when iOS 11 was released.

Overall, the HEIC format is better than the JPG because it takes up less space but yet provides better quality. But it is only convenient so long as you stay within the Apple ecosystem.

If you also use Windows or Android devices, you’ll want to switch back to JPG format as the default for new photos.

This article will show you how to convert HEIC photos to JPG as well as how to permanently save your photos as JPG on your iPhone.

 

Convert HEIC Photos to JPG

You can do this right from within the Files app, no third-party apps required.

Simply copying photos from the Photos app and pasting them in a folder within the Files app will convert the photos from HEIC to JPG.

Step 1: Open the Files app and choose the “On My iPhone” location.

Step 2: Create a new folder by pressing and holding in an empty area and choose “New Folder“. Name the new folder anything you want and tap “Done“.

Step 3: Open the Photos app and navigate to the album containing the HEIC photos. Tap on “Select” from the toolbar at the top and select your photos.

Step 4: When done selecting your photos, tap “Share” from the bottom-left corner and choose “Copy Photos“.

Step 5: The copied photos are now in your clipboard (memory) so we can now open your Files app and navigate to the folder you created in step 2.

Step 6: Simply press and hold in the empty area and choose “Paste“. You’ll see your HEIC photos show up here but in the JPG format.

NOTE: Your iPhone doesn’t display file extensions by default, so you probably won’t see JPG at the end of your image names.

 

Permanently Save Photos as JPG on iPhone

If you prefer to simply save your photos as JPG rather than HEIC, here’s how to do so.

Step 1: In Settings app, tap Camera, then tap Formats.

Step 2: Switch from “High Efficiency” to “Most Compatible” to automagically save your photos as JPG instead of HEIC photos from now on.

 

Conclusion

I hope my article on saving photos as JPG instead of HEIC on an iPhone or iPad has helped you. I welcome your thoughts, questions or suggestions regarding this article.

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