To back up iPhone photos to a separate drive, connect a compatible drive, select items in Photos, tap Share → Export Unmodified Original, then save them to the drive in Locations. Open Files and confirm the copied files are there before deleting anything from your photo library. This creates a separate copy of the selected files; it is not a complete, restorable iPhone backup.
Copy selected photos and videos directly from iPhone
- Connect the external drive to your iPhone’s USB-C or Lightning port. Use a compatible adapter if the connectors do not match. If the drive needs more power than the iPhone supplies, connect it through a powered USB hub or, for Lightning iPhones, a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connected to a USB power adapter. See Apple’s external storage connection guidance.
- Open Photos and select the photos and videos you want to copy.
- Tap Share, then choose Export Unmodified Original.
- Under Locations, choose the external drive and tap Save.
- Open Files, browse to the drive, and check that the expected items appear and can be opened. Verify the copy before deleting photos from Photos.
Apple’s Photos export instructions say this option exports unmodified versions directly to connected storage. That means an edited photo or video is exported as its original, without the edits applied. Locked items in the Hidden album are not transferred.
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Check drive and iPhone compatibility
Apple says a drive connected to iPhone must have a single data partition and use one of these formats: APFS, APFS (encrypted), macOS Extended (HFS+), exFAT (FAT64), FAT32, or FAT. The drive must also be readable through the iPhone’s port, either directly or with an appropriate adapter.
- Connector: Identify whether your iPhone has USB-C or Lightning, then match the drive or select a compatible adapter.
- Capacity: Choose enough space for the photos and videos you intend to copy, allowing for large video files and future additions.
- Format and partition: Confirm the drive has a supported format and one data partition. If you plan to use it with a computer, check that the computer can read that format too.
- Power: A portable SSD or USB drive may work directly, but some external hard drives need their own power source. Apple identifies a powered USB hub for USB-C iPhones and a powered Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter setup for Lightning iPhones.
On iPhone models with USB-C, Files can format an external drive as APFS, ExFAT, or MS-DOS (FAT). Formatting erases the drive. Copy any files you need elsewhere before changing its format. Apple’s Files transfer guidance covers storage-device transfers and formatting.
#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
If iCloud Photos stores the full-resolution originals
When iCloud Photos is enabled with Optimize iPhone Storage, the iPhone may not keep every full-resolution original locally. Apple recommends downloading and keeping originals before copying from the phone: go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Photos, then select Download and Keep Originals. Allow time for the originals to download, then export the items to the connected drive. See Apple’s iCloud photo download and archive instructions.
For a large or whole-library copy
For a whole library, Apple documents using Photos on a Mac and selecting Download Originals to this Mac in Photos settings. The Mac can act as an intermediate step before exporting or storing the library on another drive. Apple also describes storing exported photos as a separate library on the computer or another drive in its archive guidance.
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.
Download through iCloud.com
Apple’s current iCloud download instructions allow up to 1,000 photos or videos in one selection. That is a per-selection limit, not a total account limit. The available download choices are Unmodified Originals (the format as captured or imported), Highest Resolution, and Most Compatible (JPEG or MP4/H.264). On an iPhone or iPad, iCloud.com downloads arrive as a ZIP file in iCloud Drive; move or copy that ZIP file to the external drive, then confirm the files are accessible.
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1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsKnow what this copy does—and does not—protect
Exporting creates a separate copy of the selected photo and video files. iCloud Photos is a syncing service, not a separate archive: Apple says deleting content from a device also removes it from iCloud and other devices with iCloud Photos enabled. Therefore, do not rely on iCloud Photos alone to preserve items you delete.
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.
A folder of exported photos is also not a complete iPhone backup. Apple describes iCloud and computer backups as separate ways to restore an iPhone or iPad after loss or damage. Keep a device backup if you want a recovery copy of device data and settings as well as an independent export of your photos. See Apple’s backup and restore guidance.
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.
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