How to Download Google Photos as JPG (Stop Getting HEIC Files)
Updated: January 2026
Here is a common scenario: You use the Google Photos app on your iPhone to back up your memories. It works perfectly, and you can see all your pictures on the web.
But the moment you sit down at your computer, select those photos, and hit “Download,” you get a nasty surprise. Instead of familiar JPG images, Google gives you a ZIP file full of .HEIC files that your computer can’t open.
In this guide, we will explain why Google does this and the fastest way to convert your downloaded backups into usable JPGs.
Why Does Google Photos Download as HEIC?
Google Photos is designed to store the “Original Quality” of your uploads. Since your iPhone shoots in HEIC to save space, that is exactly what Google stores.
When you view them in the Chrome browser, Google converts them “on the fly” so you can see them. But when you hit Download, Google hands you the raw, original file to save their own server processing power.
The Result: You end up with a hard drive full of files that Windows 10/11 cannot read without paid software. (See our guide: How to Open HEIC on Windows for Free).
How to Convert Your Google Photos Backup
Since Google does not offer a “Download as JPG” button for iPhone uploads, you need to convert the files after you download them.
- Download: Select your photos in Google Photos and click “Download.”
- Unzip: Extract the files from the ZIP folder Google gives you.
- Convert: Drag the files into our Home Page Tool.
- Save: Click to download the compatible JPG versions.
Downloaded 500 Photos? Read This.
If you just downloaded a backup of your entire wedding or vacation, you might have hundreds of files. Converting them one by one is impossible.
You need a tool that can handle Batch Processing without crashing your browser.
Our tool is specifically engineered for this. Because it runs locally on your PC (Client-Side), it can churn through hundreds of Google Photos downloads in seconds.
Full Guide: How to Batch Convert HEIC Files for Free.
Sharing Google Photos Links
If you are sharing a Google Photos link with a friend who has an Android, they can usually view the photos fine in the app.
However, if they try to save that photo to their Android phone to use in another app (like Instagram), it may save as an HEIC file, which causes compatibility errors.
The Fix for Friends: Send them our guide on How to Open iPhone Photos on Android so they can fix the file themselves.
Google Backup FAQ
Can I change settings in Google Photos to upload as JPG?
No. Google Photos uploads exactly what is on your phone. To change this, you must change your iPhone Camera settings before you take the picture. (See: How to Stop iPhone from Saving as HEIC).
Does converting affect the date/location data?
When you convert with our tool, we strip the metadata (EXIF data) for privacy reasons. This means your converted JPGs are safe to share without revealing your GPS location. If you strictly need to keep the metadata, you should check your specific needs, but for most users, this is a privacy benefit.