iPhone HEIC conversion guide

How to Convert HEIC to PNG on iPhone

You can convert HEIC to PNG on an iPhone with the current Preview app, a browser-based converter, or an iPhone Shortcut. If you only need one photo converted quickly, FileOnTap can do the conversion directly in Safari without uploading the image to a conversion server.

Option 1: Convert HEIC to PNG with Preview on iPhone

On current iPhone software that includes the Preview app, Preview can export an image in another format. This is the most direct built-in method when the HEIC file is already available in Files or can be opened in Preview.

1. Open the HEIC image in the Preview app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the actions menu next to the filename.
3. Choose Export.
4. Select PNG as the output format.
5. Choose where to save the new PNG file.

If the photo is currently only in Photos, you may need to save a copy to Files first so it is easy to open and manage as a file. If your iPhone does not have the newer Preview workflow, use the Safari method below.

Option 2: Convert HEIC to PNG in Safari with FileOnTap

This method is useful when you do not want to set up a Shortcut or move the image through several apps. FileOnTap's HEIC converter runs in the browser, so the selected photo stays on your device during conversion.

1. Open HEIC to PNG in Safari.
2. Tap Choose File.
3. Select a .heic or .heif image from your iPhone.
4. Wait for the browser to create the PNG.
5. Tap Download PNG and save the result.

The current FileOnTap converter processes one file at a time. It is intended for standard HEIC and HEIF still images; converting a Live Photo still does not recreate the video portion of the Live Photo.

Option 3: Use Shortcuts when you convert HEIC files repeatedly

The Shortcuts app includes image transformation and conversion actions. If you regularly need HEIC-to-PNG output, you can build a shortcut that receives an image, converts it to PNG, and then saves or shares the converted file.

This takes longer to set up than using Safari, but it can be useful when you repeat the same conversion workflow often. Keep the original HEIC if you may need its original metadata or Apple-specific photo features later.

Why does an iPhone sometimes send a JPEG instead of a PNG?

Apple devices can automatically choose a more compatible format when media is shared to another device or app. That is convenient when compatibility is the goal, but it does not guarantee PNG output. If you specifically need a PNG file, explicitly export or convert the image to PNG rather than relying on a normal share action.

Should you convert HEIC to PNG or JPG on iPhone?

PNG is useful when you want a lossless copy of the decoded image for editing, graphics work, or an app that specifically requires PNG. For normal photographs, PNG files can be much larger than HEIC or JPG.

If your main goal is simply to upload or share an iPhone photo with broad compatibility, HEIC to JPG is often more practical. If the destination specifically requires PNG, use HEIC to PNG.

Can you change .heic to .png by renaming the file?

No. Renaming the filename extension does not convert the image data. The file still contains HEIC or HEIF data even if the name ends in .png. Use an actual export or conversion step so the file is encoded as PNG.

Keep the original HEIC after conversion

A converted PNG is best treated as a compatibility or editing copy. Conversion may not preserve every EXIF field or Apple-specific feature from the original. Keep the source HEIC until you are sure you no longer need the original photo data.