Quick answer: To send a large HEIC file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. An album of 500 iPhone photos is about 1.5 GB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a HEIC file?
HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones since iOS 11 and on some Android phones. It uses HEVC-based compression, so a photo is typically about half the size of the same image as a JPEG while looking the same.
Single HEIC photos are small, but people rarely send just one. A holiday album, an event gallery or a full camera roll backup quickly reaches several GB, and Live Photos add a short video to each picture.
Extensions: .heic, .heif.
How big are HEIC files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| One 12 MP iPhone photo | about 1.5 to 3 MB |
| One 24 MP or 48 MP iPhone photo (HEIF Max) | roughly 3 to 10 MB |
| A Live Photo (photo plus 3-second MOV) | about 3 to 6 MB in total |
| A holiday album of 500 photos | roughly 1.5 to 3 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send an album of 500 iPhone photos (about 1.5 GB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | No, send a link |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send HEIC files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop HEIC files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.
Tips for sending HEIC files
- If the recipient uses an older PC or website that rejects HEIC, convert a copy to JPEG and keep the original.
- Select all the photos in the Photos app, save them to Files, then upload the folder for one link.
- Live Photos are a photo plus a short MOV. Include both if you want the motion to survive.
- Remove location data before sharing publicly, if you do not want to reveal where photos were taken.
How to open a HEIC file
iPhone and Mac: Photos and Preview open HEIC natively. Windows 10 and 11: the Photos app opens HEIC once the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store are installed. Android: Google Photos opens HEIC, and Android 10 and later support it widely.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't my Windows PC open HEIC files?
Windows needs the free HEIF Image Extensions from the Microsoft Store. After installing them, the Photos app opens HEIC normally.
Should I send HEIC or JPEG?
Send HEIC to other Apple users or anyone with a recent phone; it is smaller at the same quality. Convert copies to JPEG for older software or upload forms.
How can I send hundreds of iPhone photos in full quality?
Export the originals to the Files app, upload them in one transfer and share the link. Chat apps usually shrink photos, a download link does not.
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