iPhones are popular smartphones made by Apple that offer a sleek design, intuitive interface, and seamless integration with other Apple devices. However, one downside of iPhones is their limited internal storage capacity, especially on lower-end models. With the average iPhone user having over 1,000 photos and dozens of apps, running out of space is a common issue. This article will explore the different options iPhone users have for adding external storage and transferring files off their phone to free up room.
External Storage Options for iPhones
There are several ways to add external storage to an iPhone for extra space beyond the built-in capacity. The main options include using iCloud or other cloud storage services, wireless external drives, and plug-in flash drives.
iCloud provides up to 2TB of storage and automatically backs up iPhone photos, videos, documents and more. With an iCloud subscription, all files are accessible on the iPhone and across Apple devices (Apple Support).
Cloud storage apps like Dropbox or Google Drive also allow accessing files across devices. Some cloud services offer 1TB or more of storage for monthly fees (Amazon).
Wireless external hard drives and flash drives can connect to an iPhone via WiFi and do not require cables. Popular options from brands like SanDisk allow streaming media and provide encrypted backup (Apple).
Plug-in flash drives like iXpand directly connect to an iPhone’s charging port. These flash drives provide expanded storage space for photos, videos, documents and can automatically back up camera content.
Using iCloud for Extra Storage
One way to get additional storage for your iPhone is to use Apple’s iCloud service. iCloud provides online cloud storage that syncs across your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs. iCloud offers several different storage tier options:
The free 5GB storage plan comes included with every Apple device. This provides basic syncing and backup capabilities, but may not be enough for those with large photo libraries or many documents to store. There are also paid iCloud+ plans available:
– iCloud+ 50GB for $0.99/month provides additional storage for photos, documents, and device backups. According to Apple’s iCloud plans page, this provides storage for around 200,000 photos.
– iCloud+ 200GB for $2.99/month offers more substantial storage for those with extensive needs. Apple says this can store up to 600,000 photos.
The advantage of using iCloud is that it’s seamlessly integrated with Apple devices. Any photos, videos, files, notes, etc. stored in iCloud will automatically sync across iPhones, iPads, and Macs signed into the same Apple ID. No cables or external drives required. However, the maximum iCloud storage is still limited, and Apple’s pricing is higher compared to some third-party cloud storage services.
Cloud Storage Apps
One convenient option for adding external storage to an iPhone is using a cloud storage app. Popular cloud storage services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Microsoft OneDrive allow you to store files and media in the cloud that you can then access from your iPhone.
These apps let you upload files from your iPhone to cloud servers, and then access them again from any internet-connected device. Many of the apps also have companion apps for macOS and Windows for easy syncing across devices.
Cloud storage apps are convenient since they don’t require carrying around any external hardware. You get abundant online storage space, typically starting at around 5GB for free accounts. Paid subscriptions offer more storage, anywhere from 100GB to 2TB and beyond depending on the provider.
Files stored in cloud apps can be accessed through the iPhone app or through a web browser on the iPhone. Most cloud services allow sharing files and folders with others, commenting and collaborating on documents, automatic uploads of photos/videos, and offline access to recent files.
Some of the things to consider when choosing a cloud storage app include the free storage amount, pricing for upgrades, maximum file upload size, and any encryption or other security features offered.
Wireless External Drives
One option for adding external storage to an iPhone is using a wireless external hard drive. Companies like SanDisk, Seagate, and WD produce wireless hard drives that can connect to an iPhone via WiFi and provide extra storage space. The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive, for example, comes in capacities up to 256GB and allows you to view, access and back up photos, videos and more from an iPhone.
Another wireless storage option is using a wireless SD card reader like the Epson FastFoto. This device can accept SD cards up to 256GB and connect wirelessly to an iPhone. Once connected, users can access and view photos and videos stored on the SD card.
The main benefit of a wireless external drive is the ability to access extra storage completely wirelessly without any cables or physical connections. The downside is that wireless drives tend to be more expensive than wired options.
Plug-In Flash Drives
One of the most popular options for adding external storage to an iPhone is using a lightning flash drive that plugs directly into the charging port. These flash drives use the lightning connector to access files and offload storage from the iPhone.
According to Apple’s official accessories page, some good lightning flash drive options include:
- SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Luxe USB – Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB capacities.
- LaCie Mobile SSD Secure USB-C Drive – Offers up to 2TB of storage.
- SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Go – A more budget-friendly option with 64GB storage.
These flash drives conveniently plug directly into the iPhone lightning port, allowing you to easily transfer photos, videos, and other files to free up internal iPhone storage. The iXpand Flash Drive Luxe stands out with speeds up to 150MB/s for fast transfers.
Choosing the Right External Storage
When choosing external storage for your iPhone, there are a few key factors to consider: cost, convenience, and security. Here’s an overview of some of the main options to help you select the best solution for your needs.
If cost is your main concern, then using a flash drive like the SanDisk iXpand is likely the most budget-friendly option. These start around $20 for 64GB of storage. Cloud storage services often charge a monthly or yearly fee, though some offer free tiers with limited space.
For maximum convenience, cloud storage apps like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Photos allow you to access your files across devices and platforms. Hardware flash drives require you to physically connect them to your iPhone when needed. Cloud storage is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
When it comes to security, physical flash drives keep your data offline and less vulnerable to hacking. However, they can be lost or damaged. Cloud services offer strong encryption and backup features, though your data resides on remote servers. Weigh these factors when deciding what level of security you need.
Consider how much storage space you need, your budget, and how you plan to access the files. This will steer you towards the right external storage option to meet your iPhone needs.
Transferring Files to External Storage
One of the most common uses of external storage with an iPhone is to transfer photos and videos off of the device. Here’s how to move images and videos from your iPhone to external storage:
First, connect your iPhone to the external storage device, either wirelessly or via cable. For wireless transfers, use a WiFi-enabled external hard drive like SanDisk Connect or plug in a Lightning-enabled flash drive like the iXpand Flash Drive.
Open the Photos app and select the images or videos you want to transfer. Tap the Share icon in the bottom left corner and select the connected external drive as the destination. Your selected files will copy over to the external storage.[1]
You can also transfer photos and videos by plugging your iPhone into a computer and then moving those files from the computer to an external drive connected to it. When your iPhone is plugged in, open Image Capture on a Mac or the Photos app on Windows to access the files.[2]
Documents or other types of files can be transferred in a similar way using the Files app. Select the files you want to move, tap Share, and pick the external storage as the destination.
With an external storage device connected to your iPhone, transferring files is quick and easy. Just select, share, and store your photos, videos, documents, and other media.
Accessing External Storage Files
Once you have files saved to external storage, accessing them on your iPhone is straightforward. Here’s how to access and open files stored on external devices:
Open the Files app on your iPhone. You should see your external storage drive listed under Locations or On My iPhone. Tap the name of your drive.
You will then see the contents of the external storage device. Navigate to the file you want to open and tap on it.
The file will open in the compatible app. For example, PDFs open in the Books app, photos and videos open in the Photos app, and documents open in the compatible productivity app.
You can also access external storage by opening a compatible app like Photos or Files and tapping Browse, Locations, or Files to view files saved to external storage.
Some productivity apps like Pages, Numbers and Keynote allow you to open documents directly from external storage through the app’s interface.
Swipe up from the bottom edge to open Control Center, then tap on the current song playing. This will take you to the media player where you can browse all audio files saved to your iPhone, including those on external storage.
External storage files will remain accessible in the Files app and other apps until the drive is unmounted or disconnected from the iPhone.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several options for expanding the storage capacity of your iPhone. The easiest option is to upgrade to a higher capacity iPhone or pay for more iCloud storage. However, you can also use wireless external drives, plug-in flash drives, or cloud storage apps for additional storage.
When choosing an external storage method, consider your usage needs and budget. Wireless drives offer the most storage and flexibility but are more expensive. Plug-in flash drives are affordable and convenient but have more limited capacities. Cloud storage apps provide access from multiple devices but require internet connectivity.
To transfer files, use the Files app, cloud storage apps, or your device’s software. Make sure to properly eject external drives before disconnecting them. The Files app or cloud apps allow you to easily access files stored externally while using your iPhone.
Ultimately, external storage can provide a cost-effective way to store more photos, videos, documents and free up space on your iPhone. Just be sure to choose a high-quality external storage option that fits your usage needs and budget.