How to Open iPhone Photos on Android (Convert HEIC to JPG)
Updated: January 2026
It is a common frustration: Your friend with an iPhone texts or emails you a photo. You tap to open it on your Samsung or Pixel, and… nothing. Just a black screen or a “File Format Not Supported” error.
The culprit is the .HEIC file format. While Apple devices read these natively, many Android apps still struggle with them.
In this guide, we will show you how to view these files on your Android phone, convert them for free, and even how to stop your friends from sending them to you in the first place.
Why Can’t Android Open iPhone Photos?
Android and iOS speak different languages. Apple uses HEIC to save storage space (about 50% less than JPG), but this compression technology is patented and proprietary.
While newer versions of Android (Android 10+) are getting better at opening them, many email clients and older messaging apps still break.
Learn More: Curious about the technical differences? Read our deep dive on HEIC vs. JPG: Which is Better?
Method 1: Use a Browser Converter (No App Needed)
You don’t need to download a sketchy “Converter App” from the Play Store that is full of ads. The fastest way to view the photo is to convert it right in your mobile browser (Chrome).
- Go to our Home Page.
- Tap “Select Photo” and pick the stubborn file.
- Wait 1 second for the conversion.
- Tap “Download” to save the JPG to your Gallery.
(This works 100% privately on your phone—no uploads!)
Method 2: Ask Your Friend to Change Settings
If you are tired of receiving unreadable photos from your spouse or friend, the problem isn’t your phone—it’s theirs.
You can ask them to switch a single setting on their iPhone that forces their camera to take standard JPGs. This fixes the compatibility issue forever.
Send them this guide: How to Stop iPhone from Saving Photos as HEIC.
Method 3: Fixing a Whole Batch
Did someone email you a ZIP file with 50 wedding photos in HEIC format? Converting them one by one on a phone is tedious.
We recommend hopping onto a computer (PC or Mac) and using our Batch Tool. It allows you to drag and drop hundreds of images at once.
Read the Guide: How to Batch Convert HEIC to JPG (Unlimited).
Is this happening on your PC too?
If you are struggling with this on Android, you are likely having the exact same issue on your Windows laptop. Windows 10 and 11 often require a paid plugin just to see these pictures.
Don’t pay the $0.99 fee. We have a specific workaround for desktop users.
Windows Users: Check out How to Open HEIC Files on Windows 10 & 11 for Free.
Android FAQ
Can Google Photos open HEIC?
Yes, usually. If you back up the photo to Google Photos, the app can display it. However, if you try to download that photo to use in another app (like a government form or Instagram), it often stays as an HEIC file and fails. You still need to convert it to JPG for full compatibility.
Why was my file rejected by a website?
Even if you can view the photo on your Android screen, “viewing” and “uploading” are different. Most official websites (like the DMV or Job Boards) strictly reject HEIC. See our full list of Websites That Reject HEIC Files.