How to Open HEIC Files on Any Device

HEIC is Apple's photo format — great for iPhones, frustrating in less compatible workflows. Here's how to test HEIC support on major desktop and mobile platforms.

A Browser Fallback for Current Devices

If you just need to view or use the image right now, the start with this browser workflow:

Visit ConvertHEIC.org in your browser
Upload your HEIC file
Download the JPG and test it in the destination

The normal conversion path processes selected photo data locally. Speed and capacity depend on the file, browser, and device.

Create a JPG That Opens Anywhere

Platform-Specific Instructions

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Opening HEIC on Windows 10 / 11

Install HEIF and, when required, HEVC support

Install Microsoft's free HEIF Image Extensions first. If Photos still requests a codec, Microsoft lists HEVC Video Extensions separately and it may cost $0.99.

Open with Photos App

After installing the extension, double-click any HEIC file. Windows Photos app will open it automatically. Right-click → Open with → Photos if it doesn't open automatically.

Alternative: Use IrfanView

Download the free IrfanView image viewer and its HEIF/HEIC plugin pack. IrfanView can open, edit, and batch-convert HEIC files — a popular choice for power users.

Windows 10 version 1903+ and Windows 11 include a built-in HEVC codec. If HEIC files still won't open, check for Windows Updates or reinstall the HEVC extension from Microsoft Store.

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Opening HEIC on Mac

Good news: Mac has supported HEIC natively since macOS High Sierra (2017). If your Mac is updated, HEIC just works.

Preview — double-click a supported HEIC file to open it directly
Photos app — import HEIC files like any other photo
Quick Look — press Space on a HEIC file in Finder for a preview
Safari — HEIC images display in web pages without any plugins

If HEIC files show a blank icon on your Mac, your macOS version may be older than High Sierra. Update to macOS 10.13 or later via System Preferences → Software Update.

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Opening HEIC on iPhone / iPad

iPhone and iPad created the HEIC format — all iOS apps support it natively. HEIC files open in Photos, Files, Safari, and any photo-editing app. No action required.

If you received a HEIC file that won't open on an older iPhone (pre-iOS 11), update your iOS via Settings → General → Software Update.

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Opening HEIC on Android

Android apps with HEIF support

Android has offered platform HEIF decoding since Android 8, but the gallery, file manager, browser, and device maker determine what you can actually open. Test the exact file rather than relying only on the Android version number.

Android 11 and older

Most apps cannot open HEIC on older Android. Best option: open ConvertHEIC.org in Chrome, upload the HEIC file, and download the JPG. It takes about 10 seconds.

Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung Gallery on recent Galaxy phones (One UI 3.0+) can open HEIC files. Older Samsung devices need an app or browser-based conversion.

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Opening HEIC on Linux

Linux requires installing the libheif library for HEIC support. Here are the common methods:

# Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt install libheif-examples

# Convert to JPEG

heif-convert photo.heic photo.jpg

Alternatively, GNOME Files (Nautilus) with the heif-gdk-pixbuf plugin can display HEIC thumbnails and previews. The gThumb image viewer also supports HEIC with libheif installed.

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Opening HEIC on Chromebook

ChromeOS preview behavior varies by release and by the HEIC file. Try Gallery first. If the preview fails or the destination requests JPG, open ConvertHEIC.org in Chrome, select the HEIC file, create a JPG copy, and test that copy in the destination.

Why HEIC Files Won't Open

Missing HEVC codec

On Windows, install HEIF Image Extensions first. If Photos requests another codec, install HEVC Video Extensions as directed by Microsoft.

Outdated software

Photo editing apps older than 2019 often lack HEIC support. Update your software or use Preview/Photos for viewing.

Android app limitation

Android has exposed HEIF decoding since Android 8, but the device maker and app still determine whether a file opens. Test another current viewer or create a JPG copy.

App doesn't support HEIC

Some email clients, upload forms, and older editors reject HEIC. Create a JPG copy and test it in the actual destination before sending or deleting anything.

Decide Whether You Need to Open or Convert the HEIC

If you only need to inspect the photo, start with the current Photos, Preview, Gallery, or file application on your device. Native viewing keeps the source intact and avoids an unnecessary lossy conversion. If the image opens there but fails in an email composer, application, print service, or upload form, the problem is destination compatibility, not necessarily a damaged HEIC file.

Convert when the destination explicitly requests JPG or rejects the original. Keep the HEIC, create a separately named JPG, and check the JPG in that destination. Compare orientation, crop, color, text, and important metadata before sharing. A successful preview in one app does not guarantee another app accepts the same format, while a failed preview does not prove the source photo is corrupt.

Last checked September 2026 against Android supported media formats and Microsoft HEIF and HEVC guidance.

Create a More Compatible JPG Copy

Convert the selected HEIC locally in your browser, then test the JPG in the app, form, or device where you plan to use it.

Create and Check a JPG Copy

Start with the simplest fix

Open HEIC files by using native support or a JPG copy

This guide is for anyone who received an HEIC image that appears unsupported, blank, or unavailable in the app they are using.

Try the device's current photo viewer first. If that viewer or the destination app cannot open HEIC files, convert the image to JPG in the browser and use the new copy instead.

When converting is faster than troubleshooting

You only need to view or upload one HEIC photo and do not want to install a codec.
The image opens on an iPhone or Mac but fails on Windows, Android, Chromebook, or an older app.
A website recognizes the file but refuses the HEIC format during upload.
A recipient needs a photo that can move between devices with fewer compatibility problems.

Rule out a simple file problem

Confirm the file ends in .heic or .heif and was downloaded completely.
Do not rename the extension to .jpg; the image data must actually be converted.
Try another current viewer if the file should be supported on the device.
If compatibility is the only goal, make a JPG copy and keep the original HEIC file separately.

A JPG copy does not repair a damaged source

The browser converter can decode supported HEIC or HEIF files and create JPG results, but it cannot recover a truncated, corrupt, encrypted, or incomplete file. If conversion fails for one image while others work, obtain a fresh copy of that source before changing more settings.

Why can I not open an HEIC file?

The current device or app may not include HEIC decoding support, or the file may be incomplete. Try another viewer, then create a JPG copy if compatibility is the issue.