Quick answer
WordPress does not accept HEIC file uploads. Convert HEIC to JPG using HEIC to JPG Converter, then upload the JPG to your WordPress media library.
You try to upload an iPhone photo (HEIC) to your WordPress blog post. WordPress media uploader rejects the file type. HEIC is not in the approved formats list for WordPress installations.
WordPress supported image formats
Accepted: JPG (industry standard), PNG, GIF, WebP (WordPress 5.8+). Not accepted: HEIC, TIFF, BMP, AVIF.
Why WordPress rejects HEIC
Three reasons: MIME type not registered by default, codec licensing cost, HEIC adoption under 20%. Easy fix: convert to JPG before uploading.
30-second fix: convert HEIC to JPG
- Use HEIC to JPG Converter or Cloudconvert.
- Drag HEIC image, click Convert, download JPG.
- In WordPress, click Add Media.
- Upload JPG file.
- Attach to post. Done.
WordPress image optimization tips
- Quality: Convert to JPG at 80-85% (WordPress may re-compress).
- Size: 1200x800 pixels ideal for featured images.
- Thumbnails: WordPress auto-generates from full image.
- SEO: Add alt text and descriptive filename.
At-a-glance comparison
| Format | WordPress default | JPG | PNG | HEIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accepted | Yes (many) | Yes | Yes | No (unless custom) |
| Recommended | N/A | Photos | Transparency | Not supported |
| File size | 150-500 KB | 150-300 KB | 300-500 KB | N/A |