You can store your library on an external storage device, such as a USB or Thunderbolt drive formatted as APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). However, you can't move your library to a disk that's used for Time Machine backups. Find out how to check the format of your external storage device.
Shop for apple flash drive at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up. USB 3.0: This is the third version of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) port. The main reason you'd want it for your iPhone flash drive is because it transfers data ten times faster than USB 2.0. The main reason you'd want it for your iPhone flash drive is because it transfers data ten times faster than USB 2.0.
To prevent data loss, Apple doesn't recommend storing photo libraries on external storage devices like SD cards and USB flash drives, or drives that are shared on a network.
Move your Photos library to an external storage device
Quit Photos.
In the Finder, go to the external drive where you want to store your library.
In another Finder window, find your library. The default location is Users > [username] > Pictures, and it's named Photos Library.
Drag your library to its new location on the external drive. If you see an error, select your external drive's icon in the Finder, then choose File > Get Info. If the information under Sharing & Permissions isn't visible, click the triangle button , then make sure the 'Ignore ownership on this volume' checkbox is selected. If it's not selected, click the lock button to unlock it, enter an administrator name and password, then select the checkbox.*
After the move is finished, double-click Photos Library in its new location to open it.
If you use iCloud Photo Library, designate this library as the System Photo Library.
Delete original library to save space
After you open your library from its new location and make sure that it works as expected, you can delete the library from its original location.
In a Finder window, go back to your Pictures folder (or whichever folder you copied your library from) and move Photos Library to the trash. Then choose Finder > Empty Trash to delete the library and reclaim disk space.
Open another Photos library
If you have multiple libraries, here's how to open a different one:
Apple Flash Drive Storage
Quit Photos.
Press and hold the Option key while you open Photos.
Select the library that you want to open, then click Choose Library.
Photos uses this library until you open a different one.
Learn more
If you have a permissions issue with your library, you might be able to resolve the issue by using the Photos library repair tool.
* If the volume isn't formatted APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), or has been used for Time Machine backups but hasn't been erased, this checkbox will either not be present, or won't be selectable after unlocking. Erase and reformat the drive for this option to be available.
As our devices have advanced, so has our storage devices. They are no more just a tool to store and transfer files. You can backup your iPhone to a flash drive, access files directly, encrypt them for security, and even shoot photos or videos straight on the drive. Keeping in mind how valuable your data is to you, we have curated an impressive list with the best flash drives for iPhone. Check them out now!
1. SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive for iPhone – Editor’s Choice
SanDisk is a renowned name in the storage world even before the iPhone came into existence. It still maintains the utmost spot with reliable, durable, secure, & intelligent products.
The lightning memory stick sports a flexible connector compatible with most iPhone cases. Furthermore, a handy iOS app enables automatic backup, direct shoot & save for videos and photos, and direct music or video playback.
Pros
High-Speed transfer with USB 3.0
Direct Shoot feature
Available in Loop & Swivel Style
Cons
The iOS app isn’t that great
Price: $33.49
2. iDiskk iPhone Memory Stick
The MFI certified flash drive is a media hub with an extensive and versatile list of file-format support. From .doc, .jpeg, .m4a, .avi, .mp3, to .wav; every format is welcomed open-heartedly.
And whether attached to iPhone or laptop, you can play uninterrupted music or movies directly from the drive. Besides, you can also add a biometric password to prevent your data from being misused or stolen.
Pros
Password protected
Fast read/write speed
Wide compatibility
Cons
Old-school design
Price: $39.18
3. HooToo MFi Certified Flash Drive
Boasting a sturdy yet lightweight aluminum body, HooToo flash drive for iPhone is relatively compact & easy to carry. Most importantly, it offers 80 MB/s reading and 30 MB/s writing speed, enabling fast & safe transmission.
Thanks to secure data encryption technology, your private files will have to be decrypted before being visible on PC. As for your iOS device, you can lock them with Touch ID & Password.
Pros
The iPlugmate app support multiple formats
Secure and fast data transfer
Cons
Auto-backup does not run smoothly
Price: $39.99
4. iKlips C USB-C and iPhone Lightning Flash Drive
Specially designed to make data storage and transmission easier, the ADAM elements iKlips C [World’s first Apple MFi certified] sports lightning and USB C connectors. Apart from being fast & secure, it is the iOS app that impressed me most.
It manifolds the flash drive’s functionality, to media viewing, Apple Music, and iTunes integration, password protection, Apple AirPlay, and more. It can even instantly backup your Instagram, Facebook, and Evernote accounts.
If you are interested, check out the in-depth review of the flash drive.
Pros
Great iOS app
Lightning to USB C
“lost-proof” silicone cover
Cons
Pretty Expensive
Price: $179.00
5. Kimiandy 3 in 1 USB Flash Drive
Whether iPhone, iPad, Mac, or an Android device, with Kimiandy, you won’t need an additional dongle for file transfer. As it sports a Lightning, USB, & micro USB port, and along with that comes a Type C adapter.
But doesn’t that increase the risk of a data breach? Well, to counter that, Kimiandy incorporates a fingerprints & password lock. So you can lock the full drive or lock specific files as per your convenience.
Pros
Support multiple devices
Plug & play
Cons
Data transfer is a bit slow
The app doesn’t have a friendly interface
Price: $21.99
6. HooToo iPhone Lightning Memory Stick
All the goodness of HooToo is now enhanced with one additional port. The 3-in-1 flash drive for iPhone is equipped with an MFi-Certified Lightning Port, USB-A Port, and USB-C Port. Notably, all ports are laden with the utmost technology to offer high-speed transfers.
The ante is also upped in terms of material employed; the zinc casing offers rugged and durable protection and better heat management. The U-Hub app supports auto-backup and direct shoot & save.
Pros
3-in-1 drive
Zinc casing
Supports multiple formats
Cons
The connector isn’t rugged-case friendly
Apple Thumb Drive For Iphone
Price: $39.99
7. Sunany USB Flash Drive
This USB flash drive for iPhone has a 4-in-1 linker design convenient for data transfer between different platforms. It boasts 128 GB storage capacity, and you can experience up to 80 MB/s reading and 40 MB/s writing speed.
It’s ideal for quickly free up space on your phone and to carry your photos, videos, and other media with you. Further, it’s super lightweight and portable, which only adds to the convenience. You can choose from 4 color options and take advantage of dedicated customer support in case of any quality issues.
Pros
Multi-port support
One-Click Backup
Directly share to social media
Cons
Feels cheap & flimsy
Instructions are not proper
Price: $22.99
8. EATOP USB Memory Stick Flash Drive
Apple Iphone Flash Drive
A handy plug & Play feature enables one-click backup of photos & videos from the camera roll. Further, the free Y-disk app supports all major video and music formats to stream directly without any hindrance.
Apart from videos and photos, you can backup and manage files efficiently and encrypt single files in the memory stick flash drive. With a 3-in-1 port design, it comfortably & efficiently supports multiple devices.
Pros
Premium aluminum alloy body
2 Year Warranty
Cons
Software support is a bit buggy
Price: $19.99
That’s all for now, folks!
Thanks to iOS’s strict privacy stand, not all flash drives work on iPhones. This is why it is essential to check compatibility and MFi certification before you buy a flash drive to back up your iPhone.
We have found the drives mentioned above a perfect match. If you have any more feedback or suggestions, do let us know in the comment section below. Meanwhile, here are some articles to aid you: Vuescan 9 6 26 – scanner software with advanced features.
A self-professed Geek who loves to explore all things Apple. I thoroughly enjoy discovering new hacks, troubleshooting issues, and finding and reviewing the best products and apps currently available. My expertise also includes curating opinionated and honest editorials. If not this, you might find me surfing the web or listening to audiobooks.
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