To convert HEIC to JPG on your iPhone, open the image in Preview, tap the Actions Menu beside its filename, choose Export > JPEG, and save the result. For several photos, use a Shortcuts workflow that selects images, converts them to JPEG, and saves them to Photos or Files. Changing your camera format affects future pictures but does not convert existing HEIC photos.
The short version
- One photo: Export the image as JPEG in Preview.
- Several photos: Build a shortcut with photo selection, JPEG conversion, and a saving action.
- Sharing: Choose the most compatible format in Photos sharing options, then check the resulting file when JPEG is required.
- Future pictures: Change your camera format to capture ordinary photos as JPEG.
| Method | Use it to | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Preview export | Save an existing photo as JPEG | Requires an iPhone with Preview |
| Shortcuts conversion | Convert one photo or a batch | Choose Photos or Files for the results |
| Shortcut in the share sheet | Convert images selected in Photos or Files | Configure the shortcut to accept image input |
| Photos sharing options | Send a compatible copy | Choose Most Compatible and check the output |
| Automatic sharing conversion | Send through AirDrop, Messages, or Mail | Conversion depends on the recipient’s capabilities |
| iCloud Photos download | Download JPEG copies in Safari | Photos must be in iCloud Photos |
| Adobe Express converter | Convert in your iPhone browser | Choose a HEIC image under 40 MB |
| Camera format setting | Take future photos as JPEG | Existing HEIC photos stay unchanged |
Export a JPEG with Preview
Preview lets you choose JPEG as the export format for an existing image. You can use Preview export on iOS 26 and iOS 27; the completion steps here use the iOS 27 controls.
If necessary, first open the photo in Photos, tap Share, and choose Save to Files. Open the image in Preview, tap the Actions Menu button beside the filename, and choose Export. Select JPEG as the export format.
Adjust Size if you want, then tap Done. Choose a destination, optionally edit Save As, and tap Save. Use the exported file when you need to send or upload the JPEG.
If your iPhone does not have Preview, use the Shortcuts workflow below. It also lets you choose JPEG explicitly and save the converted images to Photos or Files.
Convert several photos with Shortcuts
A conversion shortcut is useful when you have several HEIC photos or expect to repeat the task. You can build it manually without Apple Intelligence. If Shortcuts is missing, install it from Apple’s Shortcuts App Store page on a compatible iPhone.
Open Shortcuts and tap the add button. Choose New Shortcut > Rename and name it Convert to JPEG. Add Select Photos, followed by Convert Image, and choose JPEG as the conversion output.
Add Save to Photo Album after the conversion action to save the results to Photos. For a Files destination, use Save File as the final action instead. Keep the actions in that order so the selected photos pass through conversion before saving.
For batches, you can also use the share-sheet version below, which converts the images you select in Photos or Files. Finish editing, tap your Convert to JPEG shortcut, and choose the source photos. The shortcut converts your selection and passes the results to the saving action you chose.
Run your shortcut from Photos or Files
You can configure the conversion shortcut to accept images directly from the Photos or Files share sheet. This lets you select the images in either app before starting the conversion.
Open the shortcut’s editor, open Details, turn on Show in Share Sheet, and tap Done. For this share-sheet version, remove Select Photos, because that action takes no input and retrieves photos separately. Configure the shortcut to accept image input and make Convert Image receive Shortcut Input. Follow it with Save File or Save to Photo Album.
With that version ready, select images in Photos or Files and tap Share. Tap your Convert to JPEG shortcut to convert and save the images you selected.
Choose a compatible format when sharing
When you want to send a photo, you can choose a compatibility option in Photos. It changes the shared copy rather than replacing the original in your library. Apple says files may convert to JPEG, so check the resulting file when a recipient or upload form specifically requires that format.
Open a photo in Photos, or tap Select and choose several photos. Tap Share > Options > Most Compatible. Tap Close, then choose a destination such as Mail, Messages, or AirDrop.
You can also select a photo in Photos, tap Share, and send it through AirDrop, Messages, or Mail to allow automatic compatibility conversion. Apple may supply JPEG when the recipient cannot handle HEIF, but that conversion depends on the recipient’s capabilities. If the shared file is still HEIC, export it with Preview or run your conversion shortcut before sending it.
Download JPEG copies from iCloud Photos
For pictures already in iCloud Photos, you can download JPEG copies through Safari on your iPhone. If the pictures you need are not in iCloud Photos, use Preview or Shortcuts to convert them directly on your device.
Open iCloud Photos in Safari and sign in. Tap Select and choose your photos, then tap More > More Download Options. Choose Most Compatible and tap Download to download JPEG copies.
You can select up to 1,000 items for this download workflow. For a larger collection, download separate groups within that limit.
Convert a photo in your browser
You can use Adobe Express to convert a HEIC image in your iPhone browser without installing an app. Choose a HEIC image under 40 MB to upload.
Open the Adobe Express HEIC to JPG converter and tap Upload your photo. Select your HEIC image, let the tool convert it to JPG, and download the result. If your image does not meet the upload size requirement, use Preview or Shortcuts instead.
Save future camera photos as JPEG
To capture subsequent ordinary camera photos as JPEG, open Settings > Camera > Formats. Select Most Compatible. This setting applies to HEIF-capable iPhones, beginning with iPhone 7.
The change affects future photos and leaves existing HEIC photos unchanged. For pictures already in your library, use Preview or your conversion shortcut to create JPEG copies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Siri run my HEIC conversion shortcut?
Yes, create the conversion shortcut and name it Convert to JPEG, then activate Siri and say Convert to JPEG. Complete the photo selection on your iPhone, and unlock the phone if the workflow needs to open an app.
How can I put the conversion shortcut on my Home Screen?
Open the conversion shortcut’s editor, open Details, and tap Add to Home Screen, then Add. Tap the resulting icon whenever you want to select and convert photos.
Can I start the conversion from Control Center?
Yes, on iOS 18, 26, and 27, open Control Center and tap the add button, then Add a Control > Shortcut > Choose. Select your conversion shortcut. Tap its control whenever you want to run the conversion workflow.
Can I use Back Tap to start converting photos?
On an iPhone that supports Back Tap, open Settings > Accessibility > Touch > Back Tap. Choose Double Tap or Triple Tap and select your conversion shortcut under Shortcuts. Tap Back Tap to apply the assignment, then perform your selected gesture and choose the photos.