Question 1

Why can't Windows open my iPhone HEIC photos?

Accepted Answer

Windows requires a separate HEIF Image Extensions codec from the Microsoft Store, and many email clients and web upload forms don't support HEIC at all. Converting to JPG sidesteps the codec problem — every device, browser and app handles JPG out of the box.

Question 2

Does conversion preserve photo orientation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. iPhones write portrait / landscape orientation as EXIF metadata rather than rotating the pixels. This converter reads the EXIF tag and rotates the pixels before encoding the JPG, so the photo comes out upright wherever you open it — even apps that ignore EXIF orientation will show it correctly.

Question 3

How much quality is lost compared to the original HEIC?

Accepted Answer

HEIC uses a more efficient codec than JPG so a 1:1 size match isn't possible. At quality 90 (the default) the visual difference is invisible to the eye while the file roughly doubles in size. At quality 75 the file is much smaller — good for email and web — with mild softening visible on close inspection of fine textures.

Question 4

Can I upload the JPG to forms that require photo uploads (passport, visa, jobs)?

Accepted Answer

Yes — that's the most common reason people convert HEIC to JPG. Passport, visa, school, and job application sites almost always require JPG / JPEG specifically. Convert here, then upload the JPG directly.

Question 5

Does this strip EXIF metadata like GPS location?

Accepted Answer

Re-encoding through this converter drops embedded EXIF tags (GPS coordinates, camera serial, date taken) — only the orientation is baked into the pixels. If you need to keep EXIF, use a tool that copies metadata across. If you specifically want to strip metadata, use the EXIF Viewer & Remover tool which exposes the privacy-cleaned output explicitly.

Question 6

Is there a file size limit?

Accepted Answer

Individual files up to 50 MB. A full-resolution iPhone HEIC photo is typically 1.5–3 MB, well under the limit.

HEIC to JPG Converter — Open iPhone Photos on Any Device

About HEIC to JPG