How to Upload iPhone Photos to WordPress (Fix HTTP Errors & Broken Images)
Updated: January 2026
If you run a website, you know this panic: You just finished writing a great blog post. You AirDrop a photo from your iPhone to your laptop, drag it into the WordPress Media Library, and…
Or sometimes, you get the vague “HTTP Error.”
The issue usually isn’t your server; it is the file format. While WordPress is modern, many web servers still do not know how to process Apple’s .HEIC files. In this guide, we will show you how to fix this instanty and why converting to JPG is actually better for your SEO.
Why Can’t I Upload HEIC to My Website?
WordPress runs on PHP, a server-side language. For WordPress to create “thumbnails” of your image (the small versions used on your homepage), the server needs an extension called ImageMagick.
Many hosting providers have old versions of this software that cannot read HEIC. So when you upload the file, WordPress tries to resize it, fails, and gives you an error.
It’s not just WordPress: This happens on Wix, Squarespace, and Shopify too. It is the same compatibility issue that affects eBay and Etsy sellers.
Why You Should Use JPG Anyway (For SEO)
Even if you could upload an HEIC file, you shouldn’t.
Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) do not natively display HEIC images. If you manage to force an HEIC file onto your page, your visitors on Windows laptops or Android phones will just see a broken image icon.
To ensure your website loads fast and looks good for Google’s “Core Web Vitals,” you must use JPG or WebP formats.
The Workflow: Convert Before You Upload
Don’t install heavy “HEIC Support” plugins that slow down your site. The cleaner solution is to upload a proper file in the first place.
- Go to our Home Page Tool.
- Drag your blog photos into the box.
- Download the optimized JPGs.
- Upload to your Media Library.
Result: No HTTP errors, and images that work on every device.
Creating a Photo Gallery?
If you are a photographer or travel blogger uploading a gallery of 50 images, do not convert them one by one.
Use our Batch Tool. You can process your entire photoshoot in seconds, ensuring that every single image is ready for the web.
Read the Guide: How to Batch Convert Unlimited Photos for Free.
Drafting your post in Word first?
Many bloggers write their drafts in Microsoft Word or Google Docs before moving them to WordPress. If your images are breaking in your draft document, you have the same format problem.
Fix that too: See our guide on How to Fix Images in Word & PowerPoint.
Webmaster FAQ
Should I use a WordPress plugin to convert HEIC?
You can, but it puts a huge load on your server’s CPU to convert images on the fly. This can slow down your website for visitors. It is much better practice to convert them locally on your computer using our client-side tool before uploading.
My photos look “dull” after uploading. Why?
HEIC uses a different “Color Profile” (Display P3) than standard web images (sRGB). Sometimes, WordPress strips this profile incorrectly. Our converter handles the color transition smoothly so your JPGs look vibrant on the web.
I have a Windows computer. How do I even view the files to select the good ones?
If you can’t even see which photo is which because your folder shows generic icons, you need to fix your Windows view settings. Read How to Open HEIC on Windows 10/11.