Android phones end up with HEIC files in two ways: someone with an iPhone sends you photos, or your own Samsung camera saves them in high efficiency mode. Either way, here’s how to get JPGs without installing a sketchy app.
Method 1: Convert in your browser (works on every Android)
- Open convertheicto.com/jpg in Chrome or Samsung Internet.
- Tap Choose photos and pick the HEIC files (from Downloads, Files or your gallery).
- Wait a moment while they convert — on your phone, without uploading.
- Tap Download next to each, Download all as ZIP, or Save / Share to send them to another app.
Quality stays high: you choose the JPG quality, full resolution is kept, and the date taken is preserved. For a more app-like feel, use your browser’s Add to Home screen option.
Method 2: Samsung Galaxy phones
Samsung’s options have changed across One UI versions, so try these in order:
- Share as JPG: some versions of the Samsung Gallery app have a setting that converts HEIF photos to JPEG when you share them. Look in Gallery → ☰ menu → Settings (sometimes under Advanced) for an option about converting HEIF when sharing.
- Stop creating HEIF files: open Camera → settings gear and turn off High efficiency pictures (under Advanced picture options or Picture formats). New photos will be JPG.
- Convert existing files: if neither applies, use the browser converter.
Method 3: Google Photos
Google Photos can display HEIC on Android, and it’s useful for viewing. It doesn’t have a reliable “save as JPG” option, though: downloads from Google Photos may keep the original format. Use it to find and share photos, and a converter when you need actual JPG files.
Method 4: A dedicated app
There are many converter apps on Google Play, with very different quality and privacy standards. If you go this route, check whether the app processes photos on the device or uploads them, which permissions it asks for, and how aggressive its ads are. We cover what to look for in Best HEIC to JPG apps for Android.
Why can my phone show the photo but the website won’t accept it?
Your gallery app can decode HEIC, but the website you’re uploading to may only accept JPG or PNG. Converting creates a file that’s universally accepted. If you’re curious why HEIC is so poorly supported, see What is a HEIC file?
Opening HEIC files on older Android phones
Phones on Android 8 or earlier usually can’t open HEIC at all. A browser converter still works on them as long as the browser is reasonably up to date. More options for every platform are in How to open HEIC files on any device.
Converting on a computer instead
Got a lot of photos? Copy them to a computer and convert in bulk — see How to batch convert HEIC to JPG. For all devices, start with How to convert HEIC to JPG on any device.