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Yes. Once the copy has finished and you have checked that photos open from the stick, you can delete the phone copies. The key is choosing the right delete command: Google Photos’ regular delete action can also remove cloud and synced copies, while Delete from device removes the local copy.
Before deleting, confirm what you copied
First check whether the pictures are stored only on the phone, backed up to Google Photos, or both. In Google Photos, open a photo’s details to see its backup status. A copy on a USB stick is a separate file; deleting the phone file does not itself remove that stick copy.
- Wait for the transfer to finish. Do not unplug the stick while the app or file manager is still copying. SanDisk’s documented flow shows a “Copy complete” message before offering “Delete from phone”; that is an example of a safe sequence, not a guarantee about every app or drive. See SanDisk’s copy instructions.
- Check the destination. Browse the stick and open several copied photos and videos. If practical, check files from different dates and folders. The sources do not describe a universal integrity check, so opening a selection is a useful manual check rather than proof that every file copied correctly.
- Delete only after verification. Choose the deletion method that matches whether you want to remove just the phone copy or the Google Photos copy too.
Choose the right delete action in Google Photos
Google warns that deleting a photo or video from the Google Photos app deletes the same item from the device. If the item is backed up, deleting it can also affect other devices where backup is enabled. Google Photos Help explains the deletion behavior.
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To remove the phone copy and keep the Google Photos backup
Select the photo in Google Photos, tap More, then choose Delete from device. This is the documented device-only action. Confirm that the item is backed up before using it if you intend to retain a cloud copy.
#1 Best Overall
- 【MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive】This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 128GB capacity, easily free up space on your device.
- 【128GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick】The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces, compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry.
- 【One Click Backup, One Click Sharing】You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- 【Automatic Storage, On-the-Go Playback】All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Data Encryption】This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience.
To delete the Google Photos item as well
Use the ordinary delete or bin action only if you intend to remove the Google Photos copy too. For a backed-up item, that deletion may sync to other devices with backup enabled. Check the app’s confirmation before proceeding.
To remove cloud backups but retain files on the phone
That is a different goal from freeing phone storage after copying to a stick. Google documents a separate process involving backup settings and deletion through photos.google.com; it advises leaving backup off to prevent deleted items from being backed up again or a device copy being removed when backup is re-enabled. Follow Google’s current instructions for that workflow rather than using the ordinary app delete command.
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- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
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Connecting a photo stick to an Android phone
There is no universal phone-to-stick setup: connector type, USB OTG support, Android version, and whether the drive requires a companion app all matter. Android’s USB instructions cover file transfers between a phone and a computer, not every direct-to-stick workflow; Android also notes that some USB cables do not transfer files. See Android’s USB file-transfer guidance.
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ThePhotoStick says its Android product requires Android 6.0 or later and an OTG-compatible phone. Its guide varies by Android version and manufacturer. For Android 11 and later, it directs users to grant the app media access, select the USB folder—which may appear under a generic device name—and authorize access to the drive before starting backup. These are the vendor’s instructions for its own product, not a compatibility guarantee for all Android phones or USB sticks. Read ThePhotoStick’s Android guide.
Rank #3
- High-speed USB 3.0 performance of up to 150MB/s(1) [(1) Write to drive up to 15x faster than standard USB 2.0 drives (4MB/s); varies by drive capacity. Up to 150MB/s read speed. USB 3.0 port required. Based on internal testing; performance may be lower depending on host device, usage conditions, and other factors; 1MB=1,000,000 bytes]
- Transfer a full-length movie in less than 30 seconds(2) [(2) Based on 1.2GB MPEG-4 video transfer with USB 3.0 host device. Results may vary based on host device, file attributes and other factors]
- Transfer to drive up to 15 times faster than standard USB 2.0 drives(1)
- Sleek, durable metal casing
- Easy-to-use password protection for your private files(3) [(3)Password protection uses 128-bit AES encryption and is supported by Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Mac OS X v10.9 plus; Software download required for Mac, visit the SanDisk SecureAccess support page]
If the phone does not recognize the stick
ThePhotoStick’s FAQ suggests checking that the connector is fully seated, removing a phone case that might obstruct the connection, reconnecting the drive, reopening the app, or restarting the phone if the operating system has put the drive to sleep. These are manufacturer troubleshooting suggestions. See ThePhotoStick’s FAQ.
How much can a photo stick hold?
A drive’s photo count depends on the size and type of your files. ThePhotoStick’s undated FAQ estimates capacity using an average 2 MB 8 MP JPEG; it says larger images, RAW files, and videos reduce the number that fit. These are vendor estimates, not guarantees.
Rank #4
- MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive: This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 256GB capacity, easily free up space on your device
- 256GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick: The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces for USB/Usb C pcie port card compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry
- One Click Backup and One Click Sharing: You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- Automatic Storage and On-the-Go Playback: All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip
- High Speed Transfer and Data Encryption: This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience
| Advertised capacity | Estimated photos |
|---|---|
| 32 GB | About 12,800 |
| 64 GB | About 25,600 |
| 128 GB | About 51,200 |
| 256 GB | About 102,400 |
| 1 TB | About 400,000 |
Source for all estimates: ThePhotoStick FAQ. Actual capacity available for photos may differ, and video files can use substantially more space than the assumed JPEG size.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →What to check when choosing a stick
- Connector and OTG support: make sure the plug matches your phone and the phone supports the required USB connection.
- Recognition and app requirements: check whether Android can browse the drive directly or whether the manufacturer requires an app and permissions.
- Usable capacity: consider the size of your videos and full-resolution or RAW photos, not just a vendor’s estimated photo count.
- File access: confirm you can browse the destination and open copied files on the phone or another compatible device.
- Delete-after-copy behavior: understand whether the app offers a separate delete step and verify the copy before accepting it.
Compatibility and behavior vary among manufacturers and phone models; the cited product instructions are not a cross-brand test or an independent reliability ranking.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Important】: Default format of the usb flash drive 128gb is exFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These 128gb thumb drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the usb flash drive dual type c usb 3.0 OTG keep a check on the drive format
- 【Easy to Use】: Directly plug the 2-in-1 USB flash drive and play, no need to install any software. The jump drive is easy to be recognized by computer, laptop, notebook, PC, car audio, speaker, smart TV, vidoe projector etc
- 【Fast Speed】: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0 easy to complete the storage and transport functions. USB 3.0 and Class A chip help you transfer a 4G movie from the thumb drive to your smartphone in about 40 seconds, and reverse transfer in 2 mins to save memory for your smartphone with Type C port.Save your time
- 【Good Compatibility】: Dual connectors USB type C + USB 3.0. Support windows 7 / 8 / 10 / XP / 2000 / ME / NT Linux and Mac OS, compatible withUSB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backwards USB1.1. Support videos formats: AVI, M4V, MKV, MOV, M P4, MPG, RM, RMVB, TS, WMV, FLV, 3GP; AUDIOS: FLAC, APE, AAC, AIF, M4A, MP3, WAV
- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
