How to Change the Format and Rename Pictures on Your iPhone Step-by-Step Guide

Managing your photos on an iPhone can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when dealing with the intricacies of changing their format or renaming them. In the past, these tasks were straightforward, but as technology progresses, so do the complexities of the operating systems. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the format and rename pictures on your iPhone, ensuring you have the information you need.

Renaming Pictures on Your iPhone (iOS 15 and Later)

Renaming images on your iPhone is a straightforward process, but it's often overlooked in favor of other features. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Photos app on your iPhone. Select the photo you wish to rename. Tap the “Edit” button at the top right corner of the screen. Select the existing name to rename it. Type in your new name and tap “Done” to save the changes.

However, as of the latest iOS updates, renaming photos directly within the Photos app has become somewhat challenging. Users often resort to more complex methods, such as saving the photo to the Files app and then renaming it there.

Changing the Photo Format on iPhone

For changing the format of your photos, you have to follow a slightly different process. Unfortunately, there’s no direct option to do this within the Photos app, but here’s a workaround:

Step 1: Accessing iOS Settings

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on Camera in the list of settings (it's in the 6th block, under “Music” if you have many settings).

Step 2: Modifying the Default Photo Format

Tap on Photo Format in the Camera settings. Select Most Compatible to set the default photo format to JPEG.

Note: This change applies to the default format of new photos taken through your camera, but it doesn’t affect existing photos. You would need to export or share these photos to change their format externally.

Directly Renaming Photos: A New Method

Due to the limitations of the iOS Photos app, directly renaming photos is no longer as straightforward. To do so, you can:

Connect your iPhone to your computer (Mac or PC). Use a file explorer application to access the photos on your iPhone through the Files app. Locate the photo you want to rename and double-tap to rename it. Transfer the newly renamed photo back to your iPhone.

This method, though slightly less convenient, ensures that you can rename your photos without having to rely on third-party apps or complicated workarounds.

Conclusion

While renaming and changing photo formats on your iPhone can be a bit tricky due to the operating system's design, using the File app and connecting your iPhone to a computer can provide a robust workaround. As technology evolves, developers and users alike continuously seek ways to make these tasks simpler and more intuitive.