How to open HEIC files on Android

Does Android support HEIC?

Google added support for the HEIF image format in Android 9 (Pie). On phones running Android 9 or later, the built-in image decoder can read HEIC, so most gallery apps and the Google Photos app can display these photos. Support can still vary between manufacturers’ gallery apps, and phones on Android 8 or earlier generally cannot open HEIC.

What to try first

1. Open the photo in Google Photos or your phone’s default gallery.
2. If it does not open, try another photo app – some manufacturers’ galleries handle HEIC better than others.
3. Update the app and Android itself; HEIC support has improved over time.
4. If it still fails, convert the file to JPG.

Convert HEIC to JPG on Android

Open the HEIC to JPG converter in Chrome or another browser on your phone, tap Select files, choose the HEIC photos, convert and download the JPG copies. The conversion runs on your phone and the pictures are not uploaded. For many files, use the batch converter in small groups so the phone’s memory is not overloaded.

Uploading HEIC photos from Android to a website

Many web forms reject HEIC even when the phone can display it. Convert to JPG before uploading, and set a Max size of about 2048 px if the site limits file size.

Why do I have HEIC files on Android at all?

They usually come from an iPhone (shared through cloud drives, email or messaging apps that send original files), or from an Android camera app set to save in HEIF. If you would rather avoid them, look for a High Efficiency or HEIF option in your camera settings and switch it off.