What is a HEIC file and why can't I open it?

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Container) is Apple's default photo format for iPhones since iOS 11. It uses advanced compression to create smaller files with better quality than JPEG. Windows, Linux, and web browsers can't open HEIC directly because they lack the HEVC decoder required to read Apple's format. DocsYogi converts HEIC to viewable JPEG right in your browser.

Are my iPhone photos private and secure?

Absolutely. Your HEIC photos never leave your device. All conversion and viewing happens locally in your browser using JavaScript - no server uploads, no cloud processing, no data collection. This is the most private way to view iPhone photos on Windows or any non-Apple device.

Why is my HEIC file taking a moment to load?

HEIC decoding happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript, which takes a few seconds for large high-resolution iPhone photos (especially 48MP shots from iPhone 14 Pro/15 Pro). This is the tradeoff for complete privacy - server-based conversion would be faster but would require uploading your personal photos. The wait ensures your images stay on your device.

Can I view Live Photos or burst photos?

Currently, DocsYogi displays the primary still image from HEIC containers. For Live Photos, you'll see the main photo without the video component. For burst sequences, the viewer shows the key photo. Full Live Photo playback and burst gallery view are planned for future updates.

What's the maximum HEIC file size supported?

You can view HEIC files up to 100MB. This accommodates even the largest iPhone photos including 48MP ProRAW files. Processing time increases with file size - a typical 3MB iPhone photo converts in 1-2 seconds, while a 50MB ProRAW may take 5-10 seconds depending on your device's processing power.

Will converting to JPEG lose quality?

Our converter uses 92% JPEG quality, which preserves excellent detail while creating universally-compatible files. For most viewing purposes, the quality difference is imperceptible. If you need the absolute original quality, download the original HEIC file instead - you can use Apple devices or install the HEVC codec on Windows to view it natively.

Can I view HEIC files on my phone?

Yes! DocsYogi's HEIC viewer is fully mobile-responsive. On iPhones, you can already view HEIC natively. On Android phones, DocsYogi lets you view HEIC files received from iPhone users directly in your mobile browser without installing any apps.

How do I stop my iPhone from saving photos as HEIC?

On your iPhone, go to Settings → Camera → Formats and select 'Most Compatible' instead of 'High Efficiency'. This saves photos as JPEG. However, you'll lose the space savings and quality benefits of HEIC. A better option is to use DocsYogi when you need to view or share HEIC files with non-Apple users.

Free HEIC Viewer Online | Open iPhone Photos Instantly

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Free HEIC Viewer Online | Open iPhone Photos Instantly | DocsYogi