How to Stop Your iPhone From Taking HEIC Photos
Two taps in Settings fixes it going forward. For existing photos, convert them here.
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Switch the camera format setting
iOS lets you choose between "High Efficiency" (HEIC/HEVC, the default) and "Most Compatible" (JPG/H.264) for new photos and videos. This changes format only for photos taken after you switch — it does not touch anything already in your library.
- Open Settings → Camera → Formats
- Under "Camera Capture", select "Most Compatible" instead of "High Efficiency"
- New photos and videos will now save as JPG and H.264 instead of HEIC and HEVC
What you trade for compatibility
JPG files are noticeably larger than HEIC for the same visual quality — expect your camera roll to fill up faster and use more iCloud storage. If storage matters more than compatibility, keep "High Efficiency" and convert individual photos only when you need to share or upload them somewhere that rejects HEIC.
Fixing photos you already have
Switching the camera setting only affects new photos. For your existing HEIC library — whether it is one photo or a whole folder — use the converter below to turn them into JPG, PNG, or WebP locally in your browser, in a batch, with no upload.
Ready to convert?
Use our free HEIC to JPG converter — no upload, no signup, no daily limit.
Open HEIC to JPG converterFrequently asked questions
Where is the setting to stop HEIC photos on iPhone?
Settings → Camera → Formats → Camera Capture → select "Most Compatible".
Will this convert my existing HEIC photos to JPG?
No, the setting only affects new photos taken after you change it. Use this site’s converter to convert your existing HEIC photos.
Does "Most Compatible" mode use more storage?
Yes, JPG files are typically about twice the size of HEIC at equivalent visual quality, so your device and iCloud storage will fill up faster.
Can I switch back to HEIC later?
Yes, the setting can be changed back and forth at any time in Settings → Camera → Formats.