How to stop your iPhone taking HEIC photos
You can make the camera save JPEG instead of HEIC, and separately tell iOS to convert photos when you copy them to a computer. These are the steps and what you give up.
Updated · 2 min read
Option 1: switch the camera to JPEG
- Open Settings and tap Camera.
- Tap Formats.
- Choose Most Compatible.
Apple describes this setting as making all new photos and videos use JPEG or H.264. To go back, choose High Efficiency. The setting only appears on iPhone and iPad models that can capture HEIF or HEVC.
What you give up with Most Compatible
- More storage per photo, because JPEG is less efficient than HEIC. Expect to fit noticeably fewer photos on the same device and in iCloud.
- Some capture modes need High Efficiency. iOS lists that Cinematic video, 4K at 60 fps, 1080p at 240 fps and HDR video require it.
- Photos you already took stay HEIC. The setting affects new photos only.
Option 2: keep HEIC but convert when copying to a computer
If you like HEIC on the phone but want JPG on your PC, change how the iPhone hands photos over:
- Open Settings and tap Photos.
- Scroll to the bottom and find Transfer to Mac or PC.
- Choose Automatic to have iOS convert photos to a compatible format when they are transferred, or Keep Originals to copy the HEIC files unchanged.
Converting the photos you already have
Neither setting changes existing photos. To convert them, use the HEIC to JPG converter or, for hundreds of files, the batch converter. Both run in your browser and do not upload your pictures.
Which option is best?
| Your situation | Suggested choice |
|---|---|
| Photos stay on Apple devices | Keep High Efficiency |
| You often copy photos to a Windows PC | Keep High Efficiency, set Transfer to Automatic |
| You mainly upload photos to sites that reject HEIC | Most Compatible, or convert before uploading |
| Storage is tight | Keep High Efficiency and convert copies only when needed |
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers about HEIC files, privacy and conversion.
Will Most Compatible convert my old photos?
No. It changes only new photos and videos. Old HEIC photos stay as they are until you convert them.
Why is the Formats option missing?
It only appears on iPhones and iPads that can capture HEIF or HEVC. Very old models do not offer it because they already save JPEG.
Does Most Compatible reduce photo quality?
The photos are saved as JPEG, which is a mature, high-quality format. The main cost is larger files rather than visibly worse images.