Best Way to Open HEIC File on Android Without Compromising Quality

As HEIC emerges on the market, Apple uses this opportunity to use the format because it has a lot of advantages over the JPEG, which they are using by default. Due to the benefits it brings to the table; Android also tried to adapt the format on every Google's Android Pie or Android version 9 natively. Without downloading an additional codec to open the image. Yet, not all of us still use Google's Android Pie because there are newer versions arrived on every Android device.

Essentially, we will need a viewer and converter to open the HEIC file on our Android devices by default. We will give you the best apps to view and convert HEIC files on Android in less than a minute by reading this write-up to make it less troublesome.

Part 1. Review of the Google's Android Pie that Supports HEIC Format Images

Earlier, we explained that Android supports HEIC if you still use version 9 or Google's Android Pie. Its first preview was on March 7, 2018, and its first release was on August 6, 2018. Most popular Android devices, mainly the Google Pixels, also used this version because of the updated features and functions. This version is widely known as Android Pie or Android P; it is the ninth major release and the 16th version on Android. With its rise, Android users became impressed because of the update. It receives a redesigned on-screen navigation, the existing app menu, gesture bar, horizontal overview, and, more importantly, the HEIC file's support.

Despite the rise of version 9, there are some significant fallbacks regarding this version, such as the smart selection, command split-screen, gesture navigation, screen capture, privacy, and more. And because of these reasons, Android updated the version to 10, and later it became 12; sooner, we will receive an update for a newer version. The HEIC file became unsupported on the updated version even after the day with the updated version. So, if you are asking if Android supports HEIC on the newer version, the answer is no. Even though version 9 doesn't get an update, it is still pretty old. You can still manage to use it even if the version isn't the latest.

Part 2. 2 Best Solutions to Open HEIC File on Android without Google's Android Pie

Suppose the version of your Android isn't 9, then what should you do to view the HEIC file? Because you can't open the HEIC file on your Android newer version natively. Then the succeeding details will give you the best remedy to this problem by downloading and using a viewer and converter for Android. To know more about it, you must continue reading this part.

1st Solution. Use a HEIC Viewer on Android

If you are looking for the best HEIC viewer on Android, you must use the Google Photos pre-installed on your Android devices. But if the app isn't already on your device, you can download and install the application on the Play Store for free. You wouldn't need to worry about viewing the HEIC file with a photo viewer like this. You can easily open them on your Android without downloading an additional extension to view the HEIC file. If you want to use this app to view the HEIC file on your Android, follow the steps below.

Step 1. If the application isn't pre-installed on your Android OS, you must download the app on the Play Store by typing its name on the search bar, then downloading it. But if the app is already on your device, then open it.

Step 2. Allow the app to access your library to show you the images stored in your Gallery.

Step 3. Tap the HEIC image you want to view, and you can now view the image in a full display.

2nd Solution. Use a HEIC Converter on Android to Convert HEIC to Other Formats

Although Google Photos can view the HEIC file on Android, you aren't allowed to edit the photo in this app because editing features aren't supported on the HEIC file. But you can convert the HEIC file into JPEG to make it compatible to edit in Google Photo or the photo editor of your choice. Luckily, you can use the FVC Free HEIC to JPG Converter to change the HEIC file you have into a JPEG to be able to edit it. Instead of downloading an app, you can use your browser to utilize the converter for free on the web. By following the steps below, you can easily change the HEIC format and then edit them on the editor you want to use.

Step 1. Tap this link to open the online converter on your Android device.

Step 2. After it loads up, click the + Add HEIC/HEIF File(s), locate the HEIC file on the folder that will show on your display, and tap OK to upload it.

Step 3. Wait for the converting process; if you see that the conversion is finished, click the Download to save it on your drive. There is no need to worry because it won't charge your account after you convert. After all, the web tool is free to use on any Android version. Now you can upload the image to the editor to edit it according to your wants.

Part 3. FAQs about the HEIC File on Android

Conclusion

This article provides you with the best ways to convert and view the HEIC file on Android. But if you still use Android Pie, you wouldn't need to convert the HEIC file or download a viewer on your Android because version 9 supports HEIC files natively. And if not, you must read the details we include in part two as we give you the best solution for viewing and converting the format on your Android at ease. It is now solved, and we now can open the HEIC file that we received and downloaded on our Android phones for free.