Resolving HEIC Image Display Issues in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

Introduction

If you've recently connected your iPhone or Android smartphone to a computer running Ubuntu 26.04 LTS and attempted to view HEIC photos, you may have encountered a frustrating "Could not load image" error in the default Image Viewer. This is not a random glitch—it's an intentional change in Ubuntu's package dependencies that removed the necessary decoder for High Efficiency Image Container (HEIC) files. While this may seem like a setback, the fix is straightforward and can be completed in a few minutes.

HEIC is a modern image format that uses the H.265/HEVC compression standard, allowing for high-quality photos at half the file size of older formats like JPEG. It has become the default format for photos taken on iPhones and many newer Android devices. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS, however, no longer includes the required libheif library out of the box—a deliberate shift that affects users who rely on this format. This article explains why this happens and provides clear steps to restore HEIC support.

Why the Error Occurs

HEIC and Linux Compatibility

The HEIC format is a container based on the High Efficiency Image File Format (HEIF), which leverages the advanced H.265 video codec for compression. While HEIC offers superior compression, it has historically been less supported on Linux desktops due to patent licensing concerns around H.265/HEVC. Ubuntu 26.04 LTS previously included a decoder for HEIC via the libheif package, but the latest update has modified dependency chains to prevent this library from being automatically installed when needed by applications like the GNOME Image Viewer (EOG).

The Intentional Breakage

The change was not accidental. Ubuntu developers opted to remove the default HEIC support to reduce legal risks and streamline the default package set. As a result, when you try to open a HEIC file, the image viewer cannot find a suitable decoder and displays an error. The good news is that users can manually install the decoder without compromising system stability.

How to Fix HEIC Loading in Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

There are two primary methods to enable HEIC support: using the APT package manager or installing a Snap package. Both are effective, but the APT method integrates more seamlessly with system libraries.

Method 1: Install via APT

1. Open a terminal by pressing Ctrl+Alt+T.
2. Update the package list with the command: sudo apt update.
3. Install the libheif-dev library, which provides the HEIC decoder: sudo apt install libheif-dev libheif-plugin-avif.
4. For additional compatibility, you may also install the libheif-examples package: sudo apt install libheif-examples.
5. Restart the Image Viewer or log out and back in for changes to take effect.

This method installs the library system-wide and enables all supported applications to decode HEIC files. After installation, your photos should load without errors.

Method 2: Use a Snap Package

If you prefer to avoid adding system packages or need a containerized solution, consider installing a Snap version of an image viewer that includes HEIC support. For example:

1. Install the gthumb Snap: sudo snap install gthumb.
2. Alternatively, install shotwell: sudo snap install shotwell.
3. Launch the newly installed application and open your HEIC files.

The Snap version comes with its own bundled decoders, bypassing the system library dependency. This approach is ideal for users who want a quick fix without modifying system packages.

Additional Tips

Checking Installation

After installing the decoder, you can verify that HEIC files are now supported by running the following command in the terminal on any HEIC file: heif-info file.heic. If the information displays correctly, the decoder is working.

Converting HEIC to JPEG

If you still encounter issues or need wider compatibility, consider converting your HEIC files to JPEG using a tool like heif-convert (included in libheif-examples). The command heif-convert input.heic output.jpg will create a JPEG copy.

Conclusion

Ubuntu 26.04 LTS has intentionally removed default HEIC support, but the fix is simple and well-documented. By installing the libheif library via APT or using a Snap-based application, you can regain the ability to view photos from modern smartphones. As HEIC becomes more prevalent, understanding these workarounds ensures you stay productive without sacrificing image quality. For further reading, check our guide on fixing common image format issues in Ubuntu.