Modern smartphones strive to save memory space, so manufacturers are increasingly introducing advanced image compression algorithms. The HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) format is becoming a standard, allowing you to save high-quality photos in a significantly smaller file size compared to traditional JPEG. However, despite the obvious advantages, many users encounter compatibility problems when transferring such photos to old PCs, social networks or devices of other operating systems.
When you notice that your photos no longer open on the computer or instant messengers require them to be converted, the question arises of changing camera settings. In this article, we will look at how to force your smartphone to shoot in a universal format, as well as what to do if the files were already created in HEIC. Android provides flexible tools for managing media files, but they are often hidden deep in the system menus.
It is worth understanding that completely abandoning HEIC can lead to a faster filling of the device’s internal memory. However, for maximum compatibility with any software, it is better to use a time-tested one JPG. Below we will look at step-by-step methods for changing parameters for various shells and phone models.
Why Android is switching to HEIC and whether it is worth disabling it
The introduction of the new format is dictated by the need for optimization. Photos in HEIC weigh approximately half as much as their JPEG counterparts while maintaining the same detail and color rendition. This is critical for flagship models with high-resolution cameras, where one RAW or TIFF image can take up tens of megabytes. However, the other side of the coin is problems with file recognition on devices that do not support the codec HEVC.
If you actively use cloud storage with a limited tariff or often transfer photos via Bluetooth to older devices, the HEIC format may become an obstacle. Some image editors and specialized software may also incorrectly display the metadata or colors of such images. In such situations, it is more rational to return to the classic standard.
⚠️ Attention: Disabling HEIC will increase the amount of space occupied. Make sure that your device has enough free memory to store photos in high-quality JPG format.
In addition, there are nuances when uploading content to certain social networks or instant messengers, which can automatically and poorly convert HEIC on the fly, worsening the final image. Forced shooting in JPG eliminates double conversion and loss of quality.
Setting the photo format in the standard Camera application
In most cases, you can change the format of saved images directly in the Camera application interface. Smartphone manufacturers often hide this option in additional settings so as not to overload the main interface. To begin, open the application and find the gear icon or three-bar menu, usually located in the corner of the screen.
In the menu that opens, you need to find the section related to file formats. It may be called "Image Format", "Save as HEIF" or "Efficient Compression". If the switch is active, photos will be saved in HEIC. You need to deactivate this feature for the system to switch to JPEG. The interface may differ depending on the version Android.
Sometimes the option is hidden inside the “Pro” mode or additional resolution settings. Check to see if you have High Efficiency mode enabled, which automatically selects the format depending on the scene. Disabling this feature ensures that all pictures will be universal.
☑️ Checking the camera settings
After making changes, it is recommended to take several test pictures and check their properties in the gallery. Make sure the file extension is changed to .jpg. If the settings are reset after a reboot, the system may have a space-saving priority that needs to be disabled in the general settings.
Instructions for Samsung Galaxy owners
Samsung devices use the One UI shell, which has its own specific layout for multimedia settings. To disable HEIC on your smartphone Samsungopen the camera and click on the settings icon in the upper left corner. In the list of options, look for the “Formats and Advanced” item or immediately “Image Format”.
Here you will see the “High Performance Images” switch. If enabled, the phone shoots in HEIF/HEIC. Set the slider to inactive. The system will warn you that the files will take up more space, but will be compatible with most devices. Confirm the action.
| Samsung model | Setting location | Option name | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21-S24 | Settings -> Formats and advanced | High efficiency images | Disable |
| Galaxy A series | Settings -> Image format | HEIF pictures | Disable |
| Galaxy Z Fold/Flip | Settings -> Camera | Photo format | Select JPEG |
| Old models | Pro mode -> Settings | Save as RAW+JPEG | Leave only JPEG |
It is important to note that on some models of the Galaxy S i Note series, shooting in RAW format is available, which also takes up a lot of space, but provides maximum quality. Make sure you don't mix up HEIC and RAW settings. Disabling HEIC will not affect the ability to shoot in RAW if this feature is separately enabled.
Why is there no explicit JPG selection on Samsung?
On Samsung devices, JPG selection is the default state. If the HEIF switch is turned off, the camera automatically writes to JPG. There is no separate “Enable JPG” button, since this is the basic standard of the system.
Solution for Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco (MIUI/HyperOS)
Smartphones from Xiaomi use the proprietary MIUI shell or the new HyperOS, where the logic of the settings may differ. Go to the camera, click on the three bars in the upper right corner and select “Settings”. Scroll down to the Camera or General section.
Look for the Image Format or HEIF option. On some firmware versions it may be called "High Efficiency". Disabling this item will return standard encoding. If you are using Pro mode, check the settings within that mode separately as they may take precedence over the general ones.
Poco users sometimes encounter a situation where the HEIC option is blocked or missing. This may be due to the firmware region (Chinese version often has more codecs). In this case, you can try installing a third-party camera application from Google Play, which will allow you to strictly set the output format. Redmi And Poco sometimes encounters a situation where the HEIC option is blocked or missing. This may be due to the firmware region (Chinese version often has more codecs). In this case, you can try installing a third-party camera application from Google Play, which will allow you to strictly set the output format.
⚠️ Attention: The MIUI and HyperOS interface is updated frequently. If you don't find this option, search your phone settings by typing "HEIF" or "Format".
It's also worth checking your Google Photos settings if they are used as your main viewing app. Sometimes conversion occurs precisely at the moment of saving to the cloud or during synchronization, and not at the moment of shooting. Make sure that in the settings of the Google Photos application itself there is no checkbox for optimizing storage with conversion to HEIC.
Settings on Google Pixel and pure Android
Owners Google Pixel and smartphones based on pure Android (Motorola, Nokia, Sony) have the simplest access to format management. In the Camera app, tap the settings cog. You are interested in the “Advanced” or “Advanced” section.
There should be an option “HDR Format” or “Photo Format”. Make sure "JPG" or "Compatible" is selected. On stock Android 14 and newer, there is an "Ultra HDR" feature that can also use advanced containers. For maximum compatibility with older PCs, it is better to disable this function, leaving the classic one SDR JPEG.
If you use third-party photo processing applications, they may require certain color settings. Switching to standard JPG will eliminate most color problems when exporting. Don't forget to check if the "Save Original" mode is enabled in cloud services, which may override local camera settings.
Use the "Data Saver" mode in the camera settings, if available - it often forces the format to switch to JPG to speed up the transfer of photos to the network.
How to convert already taken HEIC photos to JPG
If the problem is relevant right now and you already have a gallery of images in HEIC format, you need to convert them. The easiest way to do this is through the built-in tools of the system or Google Photos. Open the image you want, click Share or Edit, and choose Save as Copy or Convert.
In Google Photos, when you try to send a HEIC file to an application that does not support this format (for example, via email or some instant messengers), the system often offers automatic conversion. Agree to this action. You can also use online converters by uploading files there, but this requires the Internet and consumes traffic.
For batch conversion of a large number of files, it is better to use a computer. Connect your phone via USB, copy the photo and use the standard Windows viewer (“Resize” or “Convert” function) or free utilities like iMazing HEIC Converter. This will allow you to quickly convert the archive into a readable form.
- 📸 Open the photo in the gallery and select “Share” -> “Save to files” (on iOS) or use the converter on your PC.
- 💻 Use online services heictojpg.com to quickly convert a couple of pictures without installing apps.
- 📲 Install the “HEIC to JPG” application from the Play Market for bulk processing directly on your phone.
Remember that conversion is a process of lossy compression (if the source was in RAW inside HEIC) or transcoding. Quality may vary slightly. After conversion, the original HEIC files can be deleted to free up space as they are no longer needed.
Common problems and solutions
Even after disabling HEIC, users may encounter artifacts. For example, photos may still not open if the problem lies not in the format, but in damage to the file system or the Camera application cache. In this case, clearing the cache will help: Settings → Applications → Camera → Storage → Clear cache.
Another common problem is that messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) can themselves compress and re-encode photos when sending, if you do not send them as a “File”. This does not depend on the source format, but on HEIC the compression artifacts are more noticeable. Always check your preview before sending.
If the camera stops taking pictures after changing the format, it may be out of memory or a codec conflict. Try rebooting your device. In rare cases, resetting the Camera application to factory settings helps, but this will delete your custom presets.
If after changing the format the camera is unstable, completely reboot your smartphone so that the system codecs are updated.
Why are HEIC photos not visible on the computer?
Computers Windows 10 and older do not have native support for the HEIF/HEVC codec by default. You will need to install the "HEIF Image Extensions" extension from the Microsoft Store or convert the photo to JPG before copying.
Does HEIC format affect photo quality?
Technically, HEIC provides better quality in a smaller file size compared to JPG. However, with repeated editing and saving, HEIC can degrade faster than JPG due to the peculiarities of compression algorithms.
Is it possible to open HEIC on an iPhone if it was shot on Android?
Yes, modern versions of iOS (11 and later) natively support the HEIC format. Problems only arise when transferring to older Apple devices or when trying to upload photos to web services that do not support this standard.
Does HEIC take up less space than JPG?
Yes, HEIC files usually weigh 1.5–2 times less than JPG images of similar quality. This is achieved through more modern compression algorithms used in the H.265 standard.