Format PNG remains one of the most popular for saving images - it supports transparency, does not lose quality when editing and is ideal for logos, screenshots and graphics with text. However, on smartphones Android by default, photos are often saved in .jpg or .webp, which compress the image lossily. How to quickly convert photos to PNG right on your phone, without resorting to a computer?

In this article you will find 5 proven methodsincluding built-in Android tools, editing applications and even hidden functions of some cameras. We will compare them in terms of speed, quality and convenience - from the simplest saving of a screenshot to professional conversion with adjustable color depth. We’ll also look at why PNG sometimes takes up 3-5 times more space than JPG, and when this is justified.

Why PNG is better than JPG for some tasks

The main difference PNG from JPG is compression algorithm. While JPG uses lossy compression (which results in artifacts during editing), PNG keeps all pixels intact. This is critical for:

  • 🖼️ Images with text —labels are not “blurred” when scaling.
  • 🎨 Logos and icons —supported alpha channel (transparency).
  • 📊 Screenshots and diagrams — clear lines without distortion.
  • 🔄 Multiple editing —no accumulation of artifacts.

However, PNG also has disadvantages: files weigh much more. For example, a photo from a camera Samsung Galaxy S23 in JPG takes up ~3–5 MB, and in PNG it takes up to 15–20 MB. Therefore, for storing ordinary photos (landscapes, portraits), JPG is often more profitable.

⚠️ Attention: Not all instant messengers (for example, WhatsApp or Telegram) preserve PNG transparency when sending. Before sending, check whether the platform supports this format.

Method 1: Saving the screenshot as PNG (built-in method)

The easiest way to get a PNG image on Android is to make screenshot. By default, almost all smartphones save screenshots in this format. How it works:

  1. Open the desired screen (photo in gallery, web page, message).
  2. Press the button combination:
    • 📱 On most phones: Power + Volume Down (hold for 1-2 seconds).
    • 🤖 On Samsung s One UI: Food + Home or swipe the edge of your palm across the screen (if gesture navigation is enabled).
    • 🔳 On Xiaomi/Redmi: Food + Menu (or through the notification shade).
  • The screenshot will be automatically saved in the folder Pictures/Screenshots in format .png.

    • Advantages of the method:

    ✅ Does not require additional applications.

    ✅ Saves transparencyif it was on the original screen (for example, in games or some applications).

    ✅ Maximum quality without compression.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, Huawei or Oppo) screenshots can be saved in .jpg. Check the screenshot settings in the menu Additional features or Accessibility.
    💡

    If you need to take a screenshot of a long page (for example, a chat or website), use application LongShot or the built-in function "Scrolling screenshot" on Samsung (hold your finger on the screen thumbnail after creating it).

    Method 2: Convert via Google Photos

    Google Photos can export images in different formats, including PNG. This is convenient if you already have photos in .jpg or .webpand you want to convert them without losing quality. Instructions: Google Photos data-i="109">Export

    1. Open Google Photos and select the desired image.
    2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Export.
    3. Select Save to Files (not "Share", otherwise the format may remain the same!).
    4. In the window that opens, select PNG (if option available) or Original quality.
    5. Click Save —the file will appear in the folder Download.

    Method limitations:

    ❌ Not all versions Google Photos support format selection when exporting (depending on the phone firmware).

    ❌ When exporting via "Share", the format may remain .jpg.

    Application PNG support Maintains transparency Max. resolution
    Google Photos ✅ (when exporting to Files) ❌ Original
    Samsung Gallery ✅ (via "Save As") ✅ Original
    Xiaomi Gallery ❌ — —
    Files by Google ❌ — —

    Method 3: Applications for conversion (TOP-3)

    If the built-in tools are not suitable, use specialized applications. We tested dozens of apps and chose the three most reliable:

    1. Image Converter (from IceColdApps)

    A simple application with support for batch conversion. Allows you to select the compression quality (if you need to reduce the weight of PNG) and saves metadata.

    • 🔹 Formats: JPG → PNG, WEBP → PNG, HEIC → PNG.
    • 🔹 Features: transparency support, DPI settings.
    • 🔹 Cons: advertising in the free version.

    2. PNG Image Converter

    Specializes only in PNG. There is a function for cropping and resizing before conversion.

    • 🔹 Formats: any → PNG.
    • 🔹 Features: preview of the result, support Android 13+.
    • 🔹 Cons: limit on file size (up to 20 MB in the free version).

    3. Photo & Picture Resizer

    Suitable for those who want not only to convert, but also to optimize images for the web.

    • 🔹 Formats: JPG, WEBP, BMP → PNG.
    • 🔹 Features: batch processing, color depth adjustment (24/32 bit).
    • 🔹 Cons: the interface is overloaded with functions.

    Selected the correct source file|Specified the folder to save|Checked the quality settings (if any)|Made sure that transparency was saved (if needed)-->

    Which one to choose? If necessary maximum simplicity — Image Converter. For professional work (with color and transparency settings) - PNG Image Converter.

    Method 4: Saving from the browser to PNG

    If you need to save a picture from the Internet in PNG format, it is not always enough to click “Save Image”. Many sites automatically convert PNG to .webp or .jpg to save traffic. We get around it like this:

    1. Open the image in the browser (Chrome, Firefox or Edge).
    2. Hold the picture with your finger → select Open in new tab (not "Save image!").
    3. In a new tab, click on the three dots in the upper right corner → Save as...
    4. Manually change the file extension from .jpg/.webp to .png (if the browser allows).

    If the browser does not allow you to change the format, use a workaround:

    1. Take a screenshot of the image (see Method 1).

    2. Trim the excess edges in any editor (for example, Google Photos or Snapseed).

    ⚠️ Attention: Some sites (for example, Pinterest or Unsplash) block saving PNGs through the context menu. In this case, use the browser extension Image Downloader (available). c Chrome Web Store).

    Method 5: Setting up the camera for shooting in PNG

    Most smartphones save photos to .jpgby default, but some models (for example, Google Pixel or Sony Xperia) allow you to select the saving format. How to check:

    1. Open the application Camera.
    2. Go to Settings (gear or three lines in the corner of the screen).
    3. Find section Save format, Image quality or Advanced.
    4. If there is an option PNG or No loss —turn it on.

    Please note that shooting in PNG has limitations:

    ❌ Takes up 3–5 times more space on the map memory.

    ❌ May slow down continuous shooting (due to large file sizes).

    ❌ Not all cameras support this format (for example, on Xiaomi i Realme there is no such option).

    Which smartphones support shooting in PNG?

    At the moment (2026), only flagship models have the ability to save photos in PNG directly from the camera. Google Pixel (starting with Pixel 6), some Sony Xperia (Series 1 IV and newer) and some pure Android devices. Most brands (Samsung, Xiaomi, Oppo) do not provide this option due to the large file size.

    Comparison of methods: what to choose?

    Which method is right for you depends on the task:

    Task Best method Time Quality
    Save screenshot Method 1 (built-in) 5 seconds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Convert 1–2 photo Method 2 (Google Photos) 10 seconds ⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Batch conversion Method 3 (Image Converter) 1–2 minutes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
    Download PNG from the website Method 4 (browser) 15 seconds ⭐⭐⭐
    Shoot in PNG directly from the camera Method 5 (only for supported models) — ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    For most users, the best option is a combination of Method 1 (screenshots) and Method 3 (conversion application). If you need transparency, check whether the selected application supports it (this is noted in the table above).

    📊 Which method do you do you use most often?
    Screenshots (Method 1)
    Google Photos (Method 2)
    Special applications (Method 3)
    Download from sites (Method 4)
    Another option

    Common errors and how to avoid them

    When working with PNG on Android, users often encounter difficult problems. Here's how to solve them:

    • 🔴 "PNG does not open" → Check the file extension (sometimes it changes to .png.jpgRename the file). manually or use Files by Google to fix.
    • 🔴 "Transparency disappeared after conversion" → Use applications that explicitly indicate alpha channel support (for example, PNG Image Converter).
    • 🔴 "PNG weighs too much" → In the converter settings, reduce depth colors (from 32 to 24 bits) or use lossless compression (option Optimize PNG in some applications).
    • 🔴 "When sent to messenger, PNG becomes JPG" → First zip the file in .zip (use RAR for Android), then send the archive.

    If you often work with PNG, install file manager with preview support (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer). It will show a PNG thumbnail with transparency even before opening.

    💡

    For professional work with PNG on Android, use combination: Snapseed (for editing) + PNG Image Converter (for conversion) + Solid Explorer (for file management).

    Is it possible to make a PNG from a photo taken on camera without loss quality?

    Yes, but only if you convert original file (not compressed by instant messengers or social networks). Use Image Converter or Google Photos with the "Original quality" option. However, keep in mind that even the original JPG already has lossy compression - PNG will retain it. current quality, but will not restore lost data.

    Why does PNG take up so much space?

    PNG uses lossless compression, that is, it saves every pixel in its original form. comparisons:

    • JPG compresses the image, discarding details that are "imperceptible" to the eye (therefore weighs less).
    • PNG stores full information about color and transparency (if any).

    For example, photo 12 MP in JPG weighs ~3 MB, and in PNG - ~15 MB.

    How to make a transparent background on a photo in PNG?

    For this you need an editor with support alpha channelDo it. the following:

    1. Open the photo in PicsArt or Background Eraser.

    2. Use the Eraser tool or the Magic Wand to remove the background.

    3. (select the "Transparent background" option).


    Important: JPG does not support transparency, so save only in PNG!

    Is it possible to automatically save all photos in PNG?

    On most Android smartphones - no. Exception: Google Pixel (in the camera settings there is an option "Save as original". quality"), but this is not pure PNG, but .jpeg + metadata. For automatic conversion, install the application Auto Image Converter (configured for batch processing of new photos).

    Which application is better for converting PNG on a weak phone?

    If you have little RAM, avoid "heavy" editors like Photoshop Express. The best lightweight options:

    • Image Converter (weighs ~5 MB).
    • PNG Image Converter Lite (optimized for weak devices).
    • Fast Image Converter (without unnecessary water, works offline).

    These applications do not load the system and handle the conversion in a few seconds.