How to Open HEIC Files on Any Device

HEIC is Apple's photo format — great for iPhones, frustrating everywhere else. Here's how to open HEIC files on every major platform.

Universal Solution (Any Device)

If you just need to view or use the image right now, the fastest solution on any device:

Visit ConvertHEIC.org in your browser
Upload your HEIC file
Download the JPG — it opens everywhere

Conversion is instant, free, and your photo never leaves your device.

Platform-Specific Instructions

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Opening HEIC on Windows 10 / 11

Install HEVC Video Extensions (Free)

Open the Microsoft Store and search for "HEVC Video Extensions". Install the free version from Microsoft. This codec enables Windows to decode HEIC files.

Open with Photos App

After installing the extension, double-click any HEIC file. Windows Photos app will open it automatically. Right-click → Open with → Photos if it doesn't open automatically.

Alternative: Use IrfanView

Download the free IrfanView image viewer and its HEIF/HEIC plugin pack. IrfanView can open, edit, and batch-convert HEIC files — a popular choice for power users.

Windows 10 version 1903+ and Windows 11 include a built-in HEVC codec. If HEIC files still won't open, check for Windows Updates or reinstall the HEVC extension from Microsoft Store.

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Opening HEIC on Mac

Good news: Mac has supported HEIC natively since macOS High Sierra (2017). If your Mac is updated, HEIC just works.

Preview — double-click any HEIC file; it opens instantly
Photos app — import HEIC files like any other photo
Quick Look — press Space on a HEIC file in Finder for a preview
Safari — HEIC images display in web pages without any plugins

If HEIC files show a blank icon on your Mac, your macOS version may be older than High Sierra. Update to macOS 10.13 or later via System Preferences → Software Update.

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Opening HEIC on iPhone / iPad

iPhone and iPad created the HEIC format — all iOS apps support it natively. HEIC files open in Photos, Files, Safari, and any photo-editing app. No action required.

If you received a HEIC file that won't open on an older iPhone (pre-iOS 11), update your iOS via Settings → General → Software Update.

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Opening HEIC on Android

Android 12 and later

Google Photos and the built-in Gallery app can open HEIC files on Android 12+. Simply tap the HEIC file and select Google Photos to view it.

Android 11 and older

Most apps cannot open HEIC on older Android. Best option: open ConvertHEIC.org in Chrome, upload the HEIC file, and download the JPG. It takes about 10 seconds.

Samsung Galaxy devices

Samsung Gallery on recent Galaxy phones (One UI 3.0+) can open HEIC files. Older Samsung devices need an app or browser-based conversion.

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Opening HEIC on Linux

Linux requires installing the libheif library for HEIC support. Here are the common methods:

# Ubuntu/Debian

sudo apt install libheif-examples

# Convert to JPEG

heif-convert photo.heic photo.jpg

Alternatively, GNOME Files (Nautilus) with the heif-gdk-pixbuf plugin can display HEIC thumbnails and previews. The gThumb image viewer also supports HEIC with libheif installed.

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Opening HEIC on Chromebook

ChromeOS's built-in Gallery app cannot open HEIC files. Use the browser-based solution: open ConvertHEIC.org in Chrome, upload the HEIC file, and download as JPG. It works perfectly on any Chromebook.