iPhone & iPad How to Change file format for videos and photos

When you import photos and videos from your iPhone or iPad to a device that doesn't support HEIF or HEVC, you can't open these files, let alone view them.

Fortunately, there is an option that lets you change the format in which your iPhone records photos and videos:

To change the file format for videos and photos

1. Open Settings.

2. Navigate to "Camera".

3. Go to "Formats".

4. You now have the following options:

  • High Efficiency
  • Maximum compatibility iPhone file formats

5. Tap the one you want to use.

Note: 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps require High Efficiency to be enabled.

High Efficiency uses the special Apple file format HEIF and HEVC for your photos and videos. Although they use less storage space for the same performance, they may not be compatible with older devices or Windows Pc´s.

Now you know how to change the file format for photos and videos taken with your iPhone or iPad from HEIF and HEVC to Maximum Compatibility, JPEG.

About the Author

Manuel Solvemix Team small

Manuel has been involved with technology for more than 15 years, especially with mobile phones, smartphones and PC systems and shares his passion here in this blog. If he can help someone with a technical problem, he is especially happy about it.