Free HEIC to ICO converter online
Need a ICO instead of a HEIC? This free converter turns HEIC files into ICO images right in your browser. Add as many files as you like, adjust the settings and download the results individually or together as a ZIP.
HEIC is the default photo format on iPhones and iPads since iOS 11. It stores photos at roughly half the size of JPG, but Windows, many Android phones, websites and online forms cannot open it. HEIC photos also contain detailed metadata including the GPS location, so converting with FileStripe gives you a compatible file without that hidden data.
ICO is the Windows icon format and the classic format for website favicons. A single .ico file can hold several sizes (16x16, 32x32, 48x48 up to 256x256) so the operating system or browser can pick the sharpest one.
About HEIC and ICO files
New to these formats? These pages explain what each one is for and how to open it on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android.
Why convert HEIC to ICO?
- ICO files are needed for website favicons and Windows shortcuts. FileStripe packs several sizes (16 to 256 px) into one icon.
- HEIC files are often rejected or can't be opened by Windows PCs, many Android phones, websites and most upload forms; ICO avoids that problem.
How to convert HEIC to ICO
- Click the upload box or drag and drop your HEIC files (you can select several at once).
- Conversion to ICO starts automatically. Change the icon sizes if you like.
- Download each ICO file or click 'Download all' for a ZIP.
Features
- Batch conversionConvert hundreds of HEIC files at once.
- No uploadFiles never leave your device, so it is fast and private.
- Strips metadataThe ICO files contain no EXIF or GPS data.
- Any deviceWorks on iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac and Chromebook.
HEIC vs ICO: what's the difference?
| Feature | HEIC | ICO |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | High Efficiency Image Container (HEIF) | Windows Icon |
| Released | 2015 | 1985 |
| Compression | Lossy (HEVC) | PNG or BMP inside |
| Transparency | Yes | Yes |
| Animation | Yes (sequences) | No |
| Typical file size | Very small | Small |
| Best for | storing photos on iPhone and iPad efficiently | website favicons and Windows application icons |
| Compatibility | Apple devices; poor support on Windows, Android, the web and upload forms | All browsers (favicon) and Windows |
| File extensions | .heic, .heif | .ico |
| MIME type | image/heic | image/x-icon |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert HEIC to ICO?
Open this page, add your HEIC files, and FileStripe converts them to ICO in your browser. Then download the files one by one or as a ZIP. It takes a few seconds and you don't need to install anything.
Will converting HEIC to ICO reduce quality?
No further quality is lost. ICO is lossless, so the ICO file looks exactly like the decoded HEIC (any compression artefacts already in the original stay as they are).
Can I convert multiple HEIC files to ICO at once?
Yes. Select or drop as many HEIC files as you like; there is no limit on the number or size of files.
Why can't I open HEIC files on Windows?
Windows needs the paid HEVC Video Extensions to display HEIC photos. Converting to JPG avoids that and makes the photos open everywhere.
How do I stop my iPhone taking HEIC photos?
Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and choose 'Most Compatible'. New photos will be saved as JPG.
Is the HEIC to ICO free?
Yes. The HEIC to ICO is completely free with no sign-up, no watermarks, no daily limits and no premium tier.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. FileStripe processes your files locally in your web browser using JavaScript. Nothing is uploaded, so the HEIC to ICO is safe for private photos and confidential documents and even works offline once the page has loaded.
Does it work on iPhone and Android?
Yes. The HEIC to ICO works in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge and Samsung Internet on phones, tablets and computers. On a phone you can pick files from your photo library or files app and share the result straight to another app.
Last updated · Processing happens locally in your browser.