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To back up iPhone photos to a separate drive, connect a compatible drive, select items in Photos, tap Share, choose Export Unmodified Original, then save them to the drive in Files. Check that the files are there before deleting anything from Photos. This creates a copy of the selected photo and video files; it is not a complete iPhone backup, and iCloud Photos alone is a syncing service rather than an archive.
Copy selected photos and videos directly from iPhone
- Connect an external drive or other storage device to your iPhone. Use the appropriate port or a compatible adapter; some hard drives also need external power.
- Open Photos and select the photos and videos you want to copy.
- Tap Share, then tap Export Unmodified Original.
- Under Locations, choose the external storage device and tap Save.
- Open Files, browse to the drive, and confirm that the expected files appear and open. Do this before removing items from Photos.
Apple documents this export as a way to save unmodified photo and video versions directly to external storage. Because it exports the unmodified original, edits made in Photos are not baked into the exported file. Locked items in the Hidden album are not transferred. See Apple’s instructions for importing and exporting photos and videos on iPhone.
Check whether iCloud has downloaded the originals
If iCloud Photos is on and Optimize iPhone Storage is enabled, some full-resolution originals may be in iCloud rather than stored locally on the iPhone. Apple’s guidance is to download and keep the originals before copying them from the phone: open Settings, tap your account name, then iCloud and Photos, and choose Download and Keep Originals. The download can take time, depending on how much content needs to be retrieved and the connection.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesOnce the originals are available, select items in Photos and use Export Unmodified Originals to save them to the connected drive. Apple’s current directions for downloading iCloud photos and making archive copies are at Download iCloud photos and videos and Archive or make copies of the information you store in iCloud.
#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 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
Choose a method for copying a larger library
Use a Mac as an intermediate step
For a whole-library copy, Apple documents downloading originals to a Mac through Photos settings by selecting Download Originals to this Mac. From there, the Mac can serve as an intermediate step for exporting the library to another drive. Apple’s archive guidance also describes storing exported photos as a separate library on the computer or a different drive. This is a more practical route when selecting everything on an iPhone would be cumbersome.
Download from iCloud.com
Apple allows a selection of up to 1,000 photos or videos per download on iCloud.com; this is a per-selection limit, not a stated limit on the account’s total library. Download options include Unmodified Originals, Highest Resolution, and Most Compatible (JPEG or MP4/H.264). On an iPhone or iPad, Apple says iCloud.com downloads arrive as a ZIP file in iCloud Drive, which you can then copy or move to the external device. See Apple’s iCloud photo download instructions.
Rank #2
- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
Check the drive, connector, and power before connecting
Apple says an external storage device connected to iPhone must use one data partition and one of these formats: APFS, APFS (encrypted), macOS Extended (HFS+), exFAT (FAT64), FAT32, or FAT. The connector must also match your iPhone: a USB-C drive may connect directly to a USB-C iPhone, while a Lightning iPhone may require a compatible adapter. Apple’s external storage compatibility guidance lists supported formats and connection options.
- Connector: Check whether the iPhone has USB-C or Lightning and whether the drive needs an adapter or card reader.
- Capacity: Choose enough space for the photos and videos you intend to copy, with room for future additions.
- Format and partitions: Confirm the drive uses a supported format and a single data partition. Also consider whether the computer you may use later can read that format.
- Power: If a hard drive does not draw enough power from the iPhone, Apple identifies a powered USB hub as an option for USB-C iPhones. For Lightning iPhones, Apple identifies a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connected to a USB power adapter.
On iPhone models with USB-C, Files can format external storage as APFS, ExFAT, or MS-DOS (FAT). Formatting erases the drive, so copy any files you need elsewhere before changing its format. See Apple’s instructions for transferring files from iPhone to a storage device, server, or cloud.
Rank #3
- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
Understand what this copy does—and does not—protect
An exported folder on a separate drive is a copy of the photo and video files you selected. It is not presented by Apple as a complete, restorable backup of the iPhone. Apple separately describes iCloud and computer backups as methods for restoring an iPhone or iPad if the device is lost or damaged; see Apple’s explanation of iCloud and computer backups.
iCloud Photos synchronizes changes across devices rather than preserving a separate archive automatically. Apple says that when you delete content from a device, it is also removed from iCloud and devices with iCloud Photos turned on. Keep a verified external copy before deleting library items if you want them retained independently of that synced library.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
Rank #4
- 【High Capacity & Effortless Backup】This Compatibility iPhone USB storage flash drive easily handles today’s larger 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and contacts. Easy backup frees up space instantly, so you’ll never miss capturing important moments. Perfect for iPhone, iPad, Android and PC users. (Note: For iPhone/iPad No App Required; For Android only Needs OTG Enabled, No Extra App.)
- 【Universal Compatibility with Dual Interfaces】Featuring USB, USB-L, Micro USB and USB-C independent ports, this iPhone photo storage stick connects seamlessly with iPhone/iPad, Android OTG phones, laptops and tablets. No iCloud fees, no internet required—just plug in and transfer files freely between your phone, computer and other devices.
- 【Blazing Fast Transfers Anywhere】Featuring upgraded high-speed chips, this portable phone external storage drive enables instant mass file transfers—up to 30 MB/s read speed and 15 MB/s write speed—no WiFi or data cables required. Save time sharing photos, moving large video projects, whether you’re traveling, working, or creating content on the go.
- 【Easy Backup, Enjoy Anytime Anyplace】Plug-and-play & simple to operate—quickly back up videos, photos, contacts and documents without tedious copying or pasting. No third-party apps required; just plug the drive into your iPhone, iPad or Android device and operate via the "Files" app. You can also share files directly from the iPhone photo stick to social media, instantly sharing wonderful moments with friends and family.
- 【How to Transfer in iPhone iPad】Requires iOS 13 and Higher: Simply insert the flash drive into your iPhone iPad, then go to the "Files" app, Click back to “Browse” and find the flash drive named “Untitled”, Move photos videos and files to your iPad or iPhone as needed.
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.
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