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How to Convert HEIC to JPG on Samsung (Android)

By Picovert Team2026-04-114 min read

If someone sends you photos from an iPhone, you might find that some files arrive with a .heicextension that your Samsung phone struggles to open or display properly. HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format since iOS 11. Samsung Galaxy devices run Android, and while newer versions of Android have improved HEIC support, compatibility is still inconsistent across Samsung models and apps. This guide covers the fastest ways to convert HEIC to JPG on a Samsung device.

Why Your Samsung Can't Open HEIC Files

HEIC support on Android depends on the Android version, the Samsung UI version (One UI), and the specific app you are using to view the image. Samsung Galaxy devices with One UI 4.0 and above (Android 12+) can often preview HEIC files in the Gallery app and some file managers. However:

  • Many older Samsung models cannot open HEIC at all
  • Third-party apps (social media, messaging, email clients) frequently reject HEIC
  • Editing apps typically cannot work with HEIC natively on Android
  • HEIC files cannot be directly uploaded to most Android-based cloud services without conversion

Converting HEIC to JPG eliminates all of these compatibility issues permanently.

Method 1: Convert Online Using Picovert (Fastest, Any Device)

The fastest method that works on any Samsung phone regardless of Android version:

  • Open your Samsung's browser (Chrome, Samsung Internet, or Firefox)
  • Go to Picovert's image converter
  • Tap the upload button and select your HEIC file from your downloads or files app
  • Select JPG as the output format
  • Tap Convert — the file is converted entirely in your browser, no uploads to servers
  • Tap Download to save the JPG to your Samsung's storage

This method works for single files and batch conversion (multiple HEIC files at once). The converted JPGs are saved directly to your Samsung's Downloads folder.

Method 2: Ask the iPhone Sender to Share as JPG

If you frequently receive HEIC files from a specific iPhone contact, the simplest long-term solution is to ask them to change their iPhone camera settings:

  • On iPhone: Settings > Camera > Formats
  • Select Most Compatible instead of "High Efficiency"
  • This makes the iPhone save photos as JPG instead of HEIC going forward

Alternatively, when an iPhone user shares via AirDrop to a non-Apple device, or exports via WhatsApp and many other messaging apps, iOS automatically converts HEIC to JPG before sending. The conversion happens automatically — the receiver gets JPG without needing to do anything.

Method 3: Use a HEIC Converter App from the Play Store

Several apps on the Google Play Store can convert HEIC to JPG directly on your Samsung:

  • HEIC to JPEG Converter: A simple, free app specifically for this conversion. Select HEIC files from your storage and batch convert to JPG.
  • Snapseed: Google's free photo editor can open HEIC files and save them as JPG. It is not primarily a converter but works well for single images you want to edit and export.

The downside of dedicated apps is they require installation and storage. For occasional conversions, an online tool is more convenient.

Converting HEIC Files on Windows Before Transferring to Samsung

If you received HEIC files on a Windows PC and want to transfer them as JPG to your Samsung phone:

  • On Windows 10/11, open the HEIC file in Photos app. You may need to install the "HEIF Image Extensions" from the Microsoft Store (free) to enable HEIC support.
  • Use Picovert's converter in your Windows browser to batch convert HEIC files to JPG, then transfer the JPGs to your Samsung via USB or cloud storage.

Quality Comparison: HEIC vs JPG on Samsung

HEIC files from an iPhone are typically 2–4 MB per photo at full camera resolution. Converting to JPG at quality 90 produces files of similar size with excellent visual quality — nearly indistinguishable from the HEIC original. At quality 85, the JPG files are about 30% smaller with no perceptible quality difference at normal viewing sizes.

If you need to further reduce the file size for sharing or storage on your Samsung, run the converted JPG through image compression to get it under 1 MB while maintaining great quality.

Summary: Best Method for Each Situation

  • One-time or occasional HEIC files: Use Picovert's browser converter — no app needed.
  • Ongoing HEIC photos from an iPhone contact: Ask them to switch to "Most Compatible" format in iPhone camera settings.
  • Batch converting many HEIC files regularly: Install a dedicated HEIC converter app from the Play Store, or use Picovert's batch conversion in browser.