HEIC Format Compatibility Guide
Everything you need to know about HEIC — Apple's image format. Browser support, conversion options, and practical workarounds.
Quick Answer
HEIC is Apple-only. It works in Safari on macOS and iOS but NOT in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge. To share HEIC photos on Windows, Android, or the web, convert to JPG. To change your iPhone settings: Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible.
🍎
Apple: HEIC
Native
🌐
Web: Not supported
Convert first
💡
Best format
JPG or WebP
Platform Support
| Platform | HEIC Support | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| macOS (Safari) | ✅ Native | Full support, auto-converts when sharing |
| iOS (Safari) | ✅ Native | Default format for iPhone photos |
| Chrome (Desktop) | ❌ No | Cannot open HEIC files |
| Firefox | ❌ No | Cannot open HEIC files |
| Windows | ⚠️ Plugin | Requires HEIC Image Extensions from Microsoft Store |
| Android | ❌ No | Some Samsung devices support HEIC natively |
| Social Media | ❌ No | Most platforms reject HEIC — convert before uploading |
Conversion Options
HEIC → JPG (Recommended for sharing)
Best for: Windows, Android, email, social media, universal compatibility. JPG works everywhere.
Convert HEIC to JPG →HEIC → WebP (Best for web)
Best for: Websites, modern browsers. WebP is 25-35% smaller than JPG with similar quality.
Convert HEIC to JPG (then to WebP) →Stop shooting HEIC on iPhone
Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible. This makes your iPhone shoot JPG instead of HEIC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HEIC format?
HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is an image format used by Apple devices. It uses HEVC compression to produce smaller files than JPG with similar quality. HEIC is the default format for iPhone and iPad photos.
Can I open HEIC files on Windows?
Windows does not natively support HEIC. You need to install the HEIC Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store, or convert HEIC to JPG using an online converter.
Why doesn't Chrome support HEIC?
HEIC uses Apple's HEVC codec which requires licensing fees. Browser vendors chose to support royalty-free alternatives like WebP and AVIF instead. This is why HEIC is not supported in Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
How do I stop my iPhone from shooting HEIC?
Go to Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible. This switches your iPhone to JPG format. You can also transfer photos to a Mac where they are automatically converted to JPG.
Is HEIC better than JPG?
HEIC produces smaller files than JPG with similar quality. However, JPG has universal compatibility while HEIC only works on Apple devices and Safari. For sharing across platforms, JPG or WebP are better choices.
Written by Image Tools Team
Published: 2026-08-15 · Updated: 2026-08-28