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How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Flash Drive [2024]

author Emily Watson
date Tuesday, January 02, 2024

Picture this: You've just returned from a breathtaking vacation, and your iPhone is bursting with captivating photos capturing cherished moments. However, with limited storage space, you're faced with a dilemma - how to transfer photos from iPhone to flash drives securely and effortlessly.

In this paragraph, I'll unveil four simple yet effective ways to preserve your precious memories, ensuring you never miss a shot. From using the built-in iOS feature to exploring third-party apps and leveraging your computer as an intermediary, these methods will empower you to transfer photos from iPhone to USB flash drive hassle-free. Let's dive in!

Transfer Photos from iPhone to Flash Drive on Windows

Windows users can easily transfer photos from their iPhone to a flash drive using two simple methods. Meanwhile, Mac users can also find a powerful app in this section. Don't skip ahead. Let's explore these efficient solutions!

Photos Transfer Tool

If you are in search of the best iTunes alternative to transfer your photos from your iPhone to a flash drive on Windows PC, look no further! Introducing FonePaw DoTrans, the ultimate data management tool that simplifies file transfer between iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

With DoTrans, you can effortlessly move photos, media files, contacts, and messages in just one click. Whether you're creating backups or need to free up space on your iPhone 15/14/13/12/11, this feature-rich software ensures high-speed and reliable transfers. What's more, DoTrans is fully compatible with the latest iOS 17 and Android 12, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient experience.

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Tips:

FonePaw DoTrans is exclusively available for Windows PC users. Mac users can opt for FonePaw iOS Transfer, a similar app that allows you to transfer iPhone photos to Mac, and subsequently to flash drives.


STEP 1. Launch DoTrans on your Windows PC.

DoTrans Homepage on PC

STEP 2. Connect your iPhone and the flash drive to your computer.

Connect iPhone and USB to DoTrans

STEP 3. Choose the photos you want to export from your iPhone or import to the flash drive.

Windows Explorer

Windows File Explorer, a built-in feature of Windows PC, offers a convenient way to manage files, including your precious photos. As Windows File Explorer is integrated into your computer's operating system, it saves you time and effort to look for other tools and will definitely reduce resource consumption on your computer.

If you are interested in this tool, follow the steps below to effortlessly transfer pictures from your iPhone to a flash drive.

STEP 1. Ensure your iPhone is connected to your computer using a lightning-to-USB cable.

STEP 2. If prompted, grant access to your photos and videos by tapping "Trust" or "Allow" and make sure your iPhone is unlocked.

STEP 3. Look for your iPhone under "This PC" in File Explorer (Windows 10) or "Computer" in Windows Explorer (Windows 7). If you can't find it, unplug and reconnect your unlocked iPhone.

STEP 4. Double-click the "DCIM" folder inside your iPhone. There, you'll find your photos and videos stored in folders like 100APPLE, 101APPLE, or 100Cloud, 101Cloud if you use iCloud to store photos.

Connect iPhone and USB to DoTrans

Transfer Photos from iPhone to USB Stick on Mac

If you are a Mac user looking to transfer photos from your iPhone to a USB stick, the Photos app and your iCloud are convenient and straightforward methods to do this task.

The Photos App

The Photos, a built-in feature on your Mac computer, is tightly integrated with macOS and iOS, providing a seamless experience for transferring photos. It recognizes your iPhone as soon as you connect it to your Mac, making the process straightforward and user-friendly.

Transferring photos from iPhone to USB flash drive using Mac generally involves two parts. First, upload pictures from your phone to your Mac computer through the Photos app. Second, find and move the pics in the Finder to your USB.

STEP 1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable and ensure you have the latest iTunes version.

STEP 2. Open the Photos app on your computer, select the pictures you need to move and where to move to. Click Import Selected or Import All New Photos.

Upload iPhone Photos to Mac by Photos APP

STEP 3. Connect the USB flash drive to your Mac, find it in the Finder, and open it.

STEP 4. Copy and paste the selected photos via the Finder > Picture into the USB flash drive.

iCloud

If you don't have access to a computer but urgently need to remove photos from your iPhone, you can first transfer the photos to iCloud. Later, when you have access to a computer and a flash drive, you can download the photos directly from iCloud to the computer and transfer them to the flash drive. The iCloud transfer approach may be a little more complicated and time-consuming than the Photos method.

NOTE:

The transfer speed of iCloud depends on the network situation, which can be slow, making it more suitable for transferring a small number of pictures.

STEP 1. Sync your iPhone photos to your iCloud account

Connect your iPhone to a Wi-Fi network. Open your iPhone's Settings. Tap on your Apple ID and sign in with your Apple ID and password if you haven't already.

Then in the Settings menu, select iCloud. Tap Photos. Turn on Sync this iPhone.

Sync iPhone Photos to iCloud

STEP 2. Save photos from iCloud to your computer

Visit iCloud.com. Sign in using the same Apple ID that you use to upload photos from your iPhone. Once signed in, enter the Photos section.

Click the Photos option located at the upper left corner of the interface. Select the photos you want to save by clicking on them. After selecting the desired photos, locate and click Download.

STEP 3. Transfer photos from your computer to your flash drive

Plug your USB flash drive into your Mac and open a Finder window. Locate the USB drive icon in the left column of the Finder window and click on it to access the contents of the USB flash drive.

Navigate to the folder on your Mac where the photos you want to transfer are stored. Select the desired photos, drag and drop the selected pictures to the Finder window displaying the contents of the USB flash drive.

FAQs about Transferring Photos from iPhone to Flash Drive

Can I Transfer Photos from iPhone to Flash Drive Without Computer?

Yes, you can transfer photos from an iPhone to a flash drive without a computer. However, it can be cumbersome as your flash drive needs to be compatible with iOS devices, such as the Sandisk iXpand flash drive for iPhone and iPad. Otherwise, you would need to purchase a USB adapter separately to establish a connection.

Can I Check My Saved Pics on Flash Drive?

It may not be possible for all flash drives since many do not support the HEIC format, which is commonly used by iPhones in recent years. If the flash drive doesn't support HEIC, you may need to convert the format to view the photos directly. It is advisable to carefully read the flash drive manual before uploading photos.

Tips:

If you wish to view your pictures directly without any compatibility issues, I recommend using FonePaw DoTrans. This handy tool can effortlessly convert picture files into commonly used formats, ensuring easy accessibility and seamless viewing of your photos.

Conclusion

In this article, I have presented four effective methods to transfer photos from your iPhone to a flash drive. While all these methods involve using a computer, whether it be Windows or Mac, as an intermediary tool, two standout options are FonePaw DoTrans and FonePaw iOS Transfer. The powerful tools not only facilitate seamless photo transfer but also support the efficient exchange of multiple files between various devices. With these versatile solutions at your disposal, you can confidently manage your photo collection and ensure your memories are securely stored and accessible whenever you need them.

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