How to Open and Convert HEIC Photos on Android

Published July 6, 2026

Someone with an iPhone sent you photos — by email, WhatsApp document, or a file transfer — and your Android phone either shows a broken thumbnail or opens nothing at all. The files end in .heic, and depending on your phone's brand, Android's support for them ranges from partial to none. Here's what's going on and the quickest fix.

Why Android struggles with HEIC

HEIC is Apple's default photo format. Android technically added HEIC reading support in Android 10, but real-world support depends on the phone manufacturer and the app: many gallery apps display HEIC fine, while messaging apps, upload forms, and older or budget devices don't. And almost no Android phone can share a HEIC in a way that guarantees the recipient sees it. The practical solution is converting to JPG, which every Android app understands.

The fastest fix: convert in your browser (no app needed)

You don't need to install a converter app — Chrome (or any mobile browser) can do the job through a browser-based converter:

1. Open the converter in your browser.
2. Tap Choose files and select the HEIC files from your Downloads or Files app.
3. Adjust quality if you like (90% is ideal for most uses), then download your JPGs.

The conversion runs on your phone itself — the photos are never uploaded anywhere, which matters when they're personal. It works on any Android version, any brand.

Why not a converter app from the Play Store?

You can — but the free ones are typically loaded with aggressive ads, ask for broad photo permissions, and some quietly upload your images to their servers for processing. For an occasional conversion, a browser tool that keeps the files on your device is simpler and safer. If you convert hundreds of files weekly, a well-reviewed offline app might earn its place.

Stopping the problem at the source

If the HEIC files keep coming from the same person, the kindest fix is on their iPhone: ask them to set Settings → Camera → Formats → Most Compatible, after which their new photos are JPG. Details in our guide on stopping an iPhone from taking HEIC photos. Also worth knowing: when iPhone users share via WhatsApp or most social apps as photos (not documents), the app converts to JPG automatically — HEIC usually sneaks through only in email attachments, document sharing, and direct file transfers.