How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to External Hard Drive

Photos can always bring you back to unforgettable moments of happiness. And for those 

who love to record their daily lives, pictures and videos will take up most of their iPhones’ storage. When it comes to this situation, especially when there is a shortage of available space, it is better to back up iPhone to an external hard drive and remove the files from responding apps. Here in this complete guide, you can find various methods to transfer photos from iPhone to external hard drive: with Windows, with Mac, or without a computer.

All-in-one Solution to Import iPhone Photos to External Hard Drive

Regardless of the computer you are using, be it Windows or Macbook, you can apply professional data transfer software, EaseUS MobiMover, to help you move your pictures to Seagate/LaCie/SanDisk external drive without losing quality.

MobiMover is versatile while specialized in iPhone data transfer:

• Transfer music, camera roll, contacts, messages, and other files.
• It supports iPhone/iPad/iPad and is compatible with Windows and macOS.
• In the latest version of MobiMover, it has added a backup package custom feature for WhatsApp.
• It can always back up everything on your devices within a few clicks without causing damage to your data.

Let’s see how to use this data transfer app:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone and external hard drive to your Windows/Mac and ensure it recognizes your devices. Run EaseUS MobiMover on your computer, choose Phone to PC mode, and click Next.

Step 2. Select the Pictures category. As the desktop is the default destination to store the transferred photos, you need to change the location to a folder on your external hard drive.

Step 3. Click Transfer to start the transfer process. When it finishes, you can check the items by going to the selected folder.

PART 1. Back Up Photos from iPhone to External Hard Drive on Windows

There are two ways for you to move photos from your iPhone to an external hard drive on Windows. One is Windows native app images, “Photos,” while the other is the manual method via File Explorer. Explained below are each of the two methods in step-by-step detail.

Method 1. Windows Photos

Windows Photos is a native application on Windows systems. It provides a user-friendly platform for importing and managing photos and videos from devices like iPhones. Although it may not have advanced features, it serves well for basic photo transfers. To learn how to transfer iPhone photos to an external hard drive using Windows Photos, you can use these steps:

Step 1. The first thing you need to do is connect your iPhone to the PC. Make sure to connect the external hard drive to the computer via a USB port as well. Once your iPhone is connected, Windows will automatically detect it and present a pop-up window

with various options.

Step 2. Now, you’ll find a list of options to handle the connected iPhone. Locate the “Import photos and videos” from the provided options and click on it. It would lead to a new window showing all the photos and videos available on your iPhone.

Step 3. Here, you need to choose the desired photos you want to transfer. After selecting the images, click the “Import” button to begin the transfer process. A new window will show up, prompting you to choose the destination for your photos. Now choose the external hard drive as the destination.

Method 2. File Explorer

Using File Explorer presents a hands-on transfer method for moving photos from an iPhone to an external hard drive. This approach grants users enhanced control over file organization, catering to those who prefer a manual approach. To acquire the knowledge of transferring photos from an iPhone to an external hard drive through File Explorer, adhere to the sequential instructions below:

Step 1. Have your iPhone connected to your computer with a USB cable. Now, unlock your iPhone and grant the necessary permissions for data access. Next, open File Explorer by pressing “Win + E” and find your iPhone under “This PC.”

Step 2. Access the phone’s content by double-clicking on your iPhone. Locate the “DCIM” folder within your iPhone’s storage. In general, this is the folder where all of your iPhone photos are located. Now is the time to choose the images you want to transfer.

Step 3. You can either drag and drop the image files directly to the external hard drive’s folder or use the “Copy” and “Paste” options. Paste the copied photos from your iPhone into the selected folder on the external hard drive.

PART 2. Import iPhone Photos from iPhone to External Hard Drive on Mac

For Mac users aiming to move their photos from iPhone to an external hard drive, there are several available options to choose from. In this segment, we will explore two distinct methods: utilizing the Photos App and Image Capture. The Photos App provides a user-friendly built-in application that facilitates simple transfers, whereas Image Capture offers more manual control, making it ideal for bulk photo transfers.

Method 1. Photos App

Photos is a built-in app on Mac computers that is designed to facilitate the transfer of videos and images from iPhone to Mac. Its simple and intuitive interface makes it stand out from other such apps. To further help you out, we have outlined the steps to back up your iPhone photos to an external hard drive below:

Step 1. Launch the Photos app through “Launchpad” on your Mac and connect your iPhone to it. Moreover, you also need to connect your external hard drive to the Mac.

Step 2. In the Photos App, click on your iPhone under the “Devices” section in the sidebar. Afterward, choose the images you want to transfer to the external drive. If you’re going to move all photos, click the “Import All New Items” option.

Step 3. After selecting the photos, select the external hard drive location from the “Import To” option. Then, click the “Import” button in the upper right corner of the Photos App window to initiate the process of transferring the images from the iPhone to the external hard drive.

Method 2. Image Capture

Image Capture is another built-in utility on macOS that provides more manual control over the photo transfer process. This method is ideal for users who want to perform bulk transfers and organize their photos manually. The detailed steps for using Image Capture are given below:

Step 1. Connect both your iPhone and the external hard drive to your Mac via USB cables. Now, open Image Capture from the Applications folder or Launchpad. The connected iPhone should appear in the left sidebar.

Step 2. Select your iPhone in Image Capture and choose the folder where you want to save photos to your external hard drive using the “Import To” option. Now is the time to select the images you want to transfer.

Step 3. Click the “Download” or “Download All” button at the bottom right corner of Image Capture to start the transfer process. Ensure your iPhone and external hard drive are not disturbed during the process.

PART 3. Move Photos to Hard Drive from iPhone Without A Computer

Lacking access to a computer or favoring a more straightforward approach? No worries! You can save photos from your iPhone to an external hard drive directly without any intermediary device. In the following steps, we’ll guide you through the process of connecting your iPhone directly to an external hard drive and seamlessly performing the transfer, offering you a convenient solution.

This method lets you connect your iPhone directly to an external hard drive, bypassing the need for a computer. To achieve this, you’ll need a compatible external hard drive that supports direct connections with your iPhone, such as those equipped with Lightning or USB-C ports. Follow this simplified guide:

Step 1. Connect the external hard drive to your iPhone using a compatible cable. Once connected, your iPhone should recognize the external storage device. The built-in Files app on your iPhone will be your primary tool for managing the transfer.

Step 2. Now is the time to launch the Files app. Here, you should see the external hard drive listed under the “Locations” section. Tap on the external hard drive’s name to access its contents. Navigate to the folder on your iPhone where your photos are stored.

Step 3. Select the photos you want to transfer to the external hard drive. After selecting the images, tap on the “Share” button. From the sharing options, choose “Save to Files.” After that, select the external hard disk by tapping “ThumbDrive.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to transfer photos from iPhone to an external hard drive is a crucial step in ensuring your cherished memories are safely stored. Throughout this guide, we explored various methods tailored to different preferences and technological resources. 

• An iPhone data transfer tool is compatible with Windows and macOS and supports iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It is suitable for most users who want to transfer photos from iDevices selectively or in bulk. Moreover, with its versatile functions, you can manage your iPhone data efficiently and easily.
• The Windows Photos application offers a user-friendly and straightforward approach for Windows users. At the same time, File Explorer provides more control over file organization for those who prefer a hands-on method.
• On the other hand, Mac users can rely on the native Photos App for an easy transfer process, although with limited control. Alternatively, Image Capture offers greater manual control, making it suitable for bulk photo transfers and meticulous organization. 
• Connecting your iPhone directly to an external hard drive is a viable option for individuals seeking a direct, computer-free method.

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to External Hard Drive FAQs

After we’ve covered various methods for photo transfer from iPhone to external hard drives, let’s address some frequently asked issues.

1. How can I transfer photos from my iPhone?

Many ways are available to transfer photos from iPhone. For optimal results, you might want to consider utilizing EaseUS MobiMover. It facilitates seamless photo and data transfers from your iPhone to your PC, Mac, or iPad. With its user-friendly interface and support for various file types, EaseUS MobiMover proves to be a versatile and efficient solution for all your data transfer needs.

2. How do I connect my external SSD to my iPhone?

The process of connecting an external SSD (Solid State Drive) to your iPhone relies on the compatibility between the SSD and your

iPhone’s port. If your SSD is equipped with a USB-C port, and your iPhone, such as iPhone 11 or earlier models, features a

Lightning connector, you will require an adapter to convert USB-C to Lightning.

3. Where can I store old iPhone photos?

Depending on your preference and needs, you can store old iPhone photos in various locations. The common options include external hard drives, cloud storage services, computers, smartphones, and other devices. For a more traditional approach, consider printing your favorite old photos and creating physical photo albums to cherish those memories in a tangible form.