How to Convert HEIC to PNG on iPhone

Option 1: Convert HEIC to PNG with Preview on iPhone

On an iOS version 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 Files. Use the Files picker for an original .heic or .heif file; the Photos picker may provide a different format depending on iOS and how the photo is shared.
3. Choose up to 10 HEIC or HEIF files. Conversion starts automatically; keep the tab open while files are processed.
4. Tap Download beside a completed PNG, or Download All (.zip) when processing finishes.
5. Open Safari Downloads and locate the file in Files. If Safari previews a PNG instead, use Share > Save to Files. In Files, tap a ZIP to extract it, then open the PNG and use Share to send it or Save Image when that option is available.

Each batch supports up to 10 files; conversion is sequential to limit memory use on mobile devices. The tool is intended for standard HEIC and HEIF still images; converting a Live Photo still does not recreate its video portion.

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.

1. Create a shortcut in Shortcuts that receives or selects an image.
2. Add Convert Image and select PNG as the output.
3. Add Save File or Share after conversion; run the shortcut with the source image and choose where to save it.

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.

Browser batch limits and privacy

FileOnTap accepts up to 10 files per batch, 50 MiB per input. The HEIF header safety check rejects images above 45 megapixels when dimensions are available. ZIP includes successful results only, up to 100 MiB combined output. Larger results can be downloaded individually; phone memory may impose lower practical limits.

The selected photo contents stay in your browser. The website still loads assets and sends usage analytics; this is not a guarantee of offline operation or zero tracking. See the privacy policy.

iPhone camera settings do not create PNG photos

On supported devices, Settings > Camera > Formats > Most Compatible changes future captures to JPEG rather than HEIF. It does not convert existing HEIC photos and does not select PNG. High Efficiency uses HEIF/HEVC; keep that option if efficient storage is your priority.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the picker supply JPG instead of HEIC? iOS may provide a compatible copy during selection or sharing. If FileOnTap reports the wrong type, use an original HEIC file saved in Files; do not rename a JPEG to HEIC.

What if Safari runs out of memory? Try one smaller file, keep Safari in the foreground and close memory-heavy tabs. PNG results may be larger than HEIC, and a ZIP requires additional memory. Unsupported or damaged files may still fail.

Do I need Preview on every iPhone? No. Preview export is available only on versions that include it. Safari and Shortcuts are alternatives; menus and share destinations can differ by iOS version.

Sources

Apple: export images from Preview on iPhone; Apple: HEIF and camera format settings.