What is HEIC File, How to Convert HEIC to JPG, PNG or JPEG, How to Recover Deleted HEIC File

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With smartphones becoming our primary cameras, new image formats continue to emerge to enhance photo quality while saving storage space. One such format is HEIC - a highly efficient image format introduced by Apple. However, while HEIC offers advantages in terms of file size and image quality, it also presents compatibility challenges for many users, especially when sharing images or editing them on non-Apple platforms.

This article will help you understand:

• What is a HEIC file?
• How to convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or JPEG easily.
• How to recover deleted HEIC files from iPhone, Mac, or other devices.

What is a HEIC File?

HEIC stands for High-Efficiency Image Container, and it's the file extension used for images saved in the HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) standard. HEIF was developed by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and uses advanced compression technology based on HEVC (H.265) video coding.

HEIC became widely known when Apple adopted it as the default photo format for iPhones and iPads starting with iOS 11 in 2017, alongside macOS High Sierra.

1. Technical Details of HEIC

• HEIC files use HEVC (H.265) compression, providing higher image quality at nearly half the file size compared to JPEG.
• Supports not just static images but sequences of images, ideal for Live Photos or image bursts.
• Can store metadata, image editing history, transparency, and depth information.

2. Advantages of HEIC Files

• Smaller File Size: HEIC images take up less space without compromising visual quality, ideal for mobile storage.
• High-Quality Images: Supports 16-bit color depth, offering better gradients and color reproduction than JPEG's 8-bit.
• Multiple Images & Metadata: Ideal for animations, Live Photos, or storing multiple edits in one file.

3. Drawbacks of HEIC Files

• Compatibility Issues:
  • Limited support on Windows, older Android devices, and older versions of macOS.
  • Some websites, apps, or printers may not recognize HEIC files.
• Requires conversion for broader use, especially for sharing with people using incompatible platforms.

How to Open HEIC Files?

Depending on your device and operating system, opening HEIC files can be simple or may require additional steps:

1. Apple Devices (iPhone, iPad, Mac)

• iOS 11 and later: Native support for HEIC in the Photos app.
• macOS High Sierra (10.13) and newer: Preview, Photos, and Finder can open HEIC files directly.

2. Windows

• Windows 10 & 11: Supports HEIC with the HEIF Image Extensions, available from the Microsoft Store. You may also need HEVC Video Extensions for full compatibility.
• Without extensions, HEIC files won’t open natively.

3. Android Devices

• Some newer Android devices support HEIC natively, especially high-end models.
• On unsupported devices, third-party apps or converters are required.

4. Online HEIC Viewers and Tools

• Websites like cloudconvert.com, heictojpg.com, or convertio.co let you view or convert HEIC files online.
• Great for quick, one-off conversions without installing software.

How to Convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or JPEG?

1. Why Convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or JPEG?

• To ensure compatibility with apps, websites, and devices that don't support HEIC.
• To share images with people using older systems or different platforms.
• For editing with photo editors that only support traditional formats like JPG or PNG.

2. Methods to Convert HEIC to JPG, PNG, or JPEG

#1 On iPhone or iPad (Automatic Conversion)

Apple provides built-in options to convert HEIC to JPG automatically:

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Camera > Formats
• Select Most Compatible - new photos will be saved as JPEG.

Alternatively, when transferring photos to a computer via USB:

• Settings > Photos > Transfer to Mac or PC
• Choose Automatic - HEIC files convert to JPG during transfer.

#2 Using Preview App on Mac

Steps:

1. Open the HEIC image with Preview.
2. Click File > Export

3. Choose JPG, PNG, or other desired format.

4. Save the file.

This method works well for individual or batch conversions.

#3 Online HEIC to JPG Converters

Quick and free, but beware of privacy risks for sensitive images:

Popular Options:

• heictojpg.com
• cloudconvert.com
• convertio.co

#4 Desktop HEIC Converters for Windows & Mac

For frequent conversions, dedicated apps offer more control:

Popular Tools:

• iMazing HEIC Converter (Free for Windows & Mac)
• CopyTrans HEIC for Windows
• Apowersoft HEIC Converter

Features:

• Batch conversion
• Preserve original quality
• Support for multiple output formats

3. Batch Conversion Options

• Mac users can select multiple files in Preview and export them together.
• Windows users can use CopyTrans HEIC or command-line tools like ImageMagick for bulk conversion.

How to Recover Deleted HEIC Files?

Accidental deletion or data loss can be stressful, but recovering HEIC files is possible with the right approach.

1. Common Causes of HEIC File Loss

• Mistakenly deleting photos
• Formatting SD cards or storage devices
• iPhone factory reset or iOS update failures
• File transfer interruptions
• Corrupted storage media

2. Methods to Recover Deleted HEIC Files

Losing precious photos stored in the HEIC format can happen for many reasons -accidental deletion, failed transfers, software glitches, or even hardware malfunctions. Fortunately, recovery is often possible, but the method depends on where your HEIC files were stored and how they were lost.

Below are the most effective ways to recover deleted HEIC files from different devices and storage mediums:

A. From Recently Deleted Album (iPhone/iPad)

Deleted photos stay in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days:

Steps:

1. Open the Photos app
2. Go to Albums > Recently Deleted
3. Select the photos and tap Recover

If more than 30 days have passed, you'll need backup or recovery tools.

B. Using iCloud or iTunes Backup

Restoring a backup can recover lost HEIC files, but beware - this replaces current data:

iCloud:

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
• Restore from an iCloud backup during setup

iTunes/Finder Backup:

• Connect iPhone to PC/Mac
• Open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
• Select your device and click Restore Backup

C. Data Recovery Software for PC or Mac

If you transferred HEIC files to a computer or external storage, recovery software can help.

Donemax Data Recovery is one of the best data recovery software. It can easily and securely recover deleted HEIC images from PC, Mac, SSD, HDD, USB flash drive, SD card, etc.

Steps:

Step 1. Download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer.

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the drive where you delete or lost the HEIC images.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the selected drive and find all recoverable files.

Step 4. After scanning, you can preview all recoverable files. Then select the wanted HEIC images, click on Recover button to save them.

💡 Note: Success depends on how soon you attempt recovery and whether data was overwritten.

D. Recover HEIC from iPhone without Backup (Using iMobie PhoneRescue)

Magoshare iPhone Data Recovery allows iPhone users to recover photos, including HEIC files, without restoring a full backup.

Steps:

• Install Magoshare iPhone Data Recovery on your computer.
• Connect your iPhone and select Recover from iOS Device.
• Choose to scan only photos to speed up the process.
• Preview deleted HEIC files and selectively restore them to your computer or iPhone.

Advantages:

• No full device reset required.
• Preserves existing data during recovery.

E. HEIC Recovery from External Devices (SD Cards, USB Drives)

If HEIC files were transferred to external storage and then deleted or lost:

Steps:

• Use recovery software like Donemax Data Recovery.
• Insert the storage device into your computer.
• Launch the software and scan the specific device.
• Filter results by .HEIC extension.
• Recover and back up the retrieved images to a safe location.

Situations Covered:

• Accidental deletion from SD cards used in digital cameras or phones.
• USB drive corruption or formatting.
• External hard drive file loss.

Additional Recovery Tips

• Stop Using Affected Devices: Continued use increases the risk of overwriting lost HEIC files.
• Enable iCloud Photo Backup: Keeps your HEIC images safe and accessible across devices.
• Use Reliable Storage: SD cards and USB drives should be high-quality to avoid corruption.
• Regular Backups: Set automatic iPhone backups via iCloud or your computer to prevent future loss.

When Recovery May Not Be Possible?

Unfortunately, in cases where:

• The storage has been heavily used after file loss.
• Physical damage prevents device recognition.
• No backups exist and deep scans yield no results.

Recovery might fail. In such situations, consider consulting professional data recovery services, especially for valuable or irreplaceable HEIC files.

3. Tips for Successful HEIC Recovery

• Act Quickly: The sooner you attempt recovery, the better the chances.
• Avoid Overwriting: Don’t add new files to the affected storage.
• Back Up Regularly: Use iCloud, Google Photos, or computer backups to avoid future loss.

4. Limitations of Recovery

• If the data is overwritten, recovery may fail.
• Physical damage to storage devices can complicate recovery.
• Some free tools may have limited success or file size restrictions.

Conclusion

HEIC files are a modern, efficient image format offering high-quality photos with smaller file sizes, making them ideal for mobile photography and storage. However, due to compatibility issues, converting HEIC to widely supported formats like JPG, PNG, or JPEG is often necessary, especially for sharing or editing.

Should you accidentally delete HEIC images, there are reliable methods to recover them - from the Recently Deleted folder, through backups, or with data recovery tools. Acting promptly increases your chances of successful recovery.