Why are my photos saving as HEIC on Android?

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Myra· Answered on Jun 25, 2024

HEIC, which stands for High-Efficiency Image Container, is a photo format designed to allow users to store their pictures in a smaller size without compromising on quality. Due to its space-saving feature, it is the default format for many modern smartphones, and Android introduced native support for HEIC in Android 9.0. Therefore, if your phone runs Android 9.0 and later, your pictures will be in HEIC format by default.

However, you may experience compatibility issues when trying to view or share HEIC photos on devices or platforms. In such cases, you can change the camera settings on your Android device to save photos in a different file format if desired. Here's how you can stop Android from saving your photos in HEIC:

• On your Android, go to the Camera app.
• Access Camera Settings by tapping the settings gear icon.
• Locate the option for image quality or image format, depending on your device.
• Choose the option that captures photos in JPEG format.

(On Samsung phones, access Camera Settings and go for Advance picture options > Toggle off High Efficiency Pictures.)

Bonus: HEIC vs. JPEG

HEIC (High Efficiency Image Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) are different file formats used for storing images. Here are some critical differences between HEIC and JPEG:

• Compression: HEIC images can take up less storage space on your device than JPEG images.
• Quality: HEIC files can support advanced features like transparency, multiple images in a single file, and more detailed color information, leading to potentially better image quality compared to JPEG.
• Compatibility: JPEG is a widely supported file format that can be viewed and edited on virtually any device or platform. HEIC, on the other hand, is a newer format and may not be supported by all devices or software.
• File size: HEIC files are typically smaller than JPEG files, thanks to the more efficient compression algorithm used in the HEIC format. This can save storage space on your device or when transferring images over the internet.
• Editing: JPEG files are more commonly used for editing and manipulating images due to their wide compatibility with various editing software. While some editing software may support HEIC, it may not be as widely supported as JPEG.

In conclusion, HEIC offers better compression, higher image quality, and smaller file sizes than JPEG. However, JPEG is more widely supported and compatible with various devices and software. The choice between HEIC and JPEG will depend on your preferences for image quality, file size, and compatibility with different devices and platforms.