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How to open .HEIC files on iOS

To open .HEIC files on iOS, open directly in the Photos or Files app.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. Open directly in the Photos or Files app.

Common issues

Incompatibility with older software

Older software may not support HEIC files, leading to errors or inability to open.

  1. Update the software to the latest version if possible.
  2. Convert HEIC files to JPEG using a reliable converter.

Conversion quality loss

Converting HEIC to JPEG might result in quality degradation.

  1. Use high-quality converters to minimize loss.
  2. Keep the original HEIC file for archival purposes.

Windows says "We can't open this file" or shows no thumbnails for HEIC photos

Windows needs the HEIF image codec, and for some HEIC files also the HEVC codec, to read photos from recent iPhones.

  1. Install "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store; if the photo still does not open, add "HEVC Video Extensions".
  2. Restart the Photos app or File Explorer afterwards.
  3. Or convert the photos to JPG with our in-browser converter.

You want to stop your iPhone from creating HEIC files

HEIC saves space, but JPG opens everywhere. You can change this on the iPhone.

  1. Go to Settings → Camera → Formats and choose "Most Compatible" to shoot JPG.
  2. To convert automatically when transferring, choose Settings → Photos → Transfer to Mac or PC → "Automatic".

Still can’t open your .HEIC file?

Recover a deleted or lost .HEIC file

If the file was deleted by mistake or the drive was formatted, data recovery software may be able to get it back. Stop writing to that drive right away, because new data can overwrite what you want to recover.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

Windows software that recovers deleted or lost files from PCs and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and memory cards, after deletion, formatting or a crash.

Wondershare Recoverit

Windows and Mac software that recovers deleted or lost files from computers and external drives such as HDDs, SSDs, USB drives and SD cards.

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Security note

Only download codecs and converters from reputable sources.

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