When your iPhone's memory is full, flash drives are a reliable way to store and transfer data from your iPhone without the need for monthly fees or an internet connection. Flash drives with lightning connectors allow you to directly connect and transfer data from your phone to the flash drive to clear up precious storage space or transfer data from your iPhone to another device.
To find the best flash drives for your iPhone out there, we researched what's out there and picked seven of our favorites. We especially liked the Sunany flash drive for its versatility and its ease of use according to rave reviews. We have six other flash drives that made it onto our list, so read on to find the best one for you! And if you want some more advice on how to find a good flash drive for your iPhone, check out our buying guide at the end.
Most flash drives nowadays use USB 3.0 technology, which offers faster transfer speeds. All of the flash drives we reviewed have a lightning connector and require the download of a related transfer app.
128GB
$19.99
Capacity options | 128GB, 256GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Not specified |
Data encryption | Password and Touch ID |
Adapter types | USB, micro-USB, type C |
Warranty | - |
128GB
$79.99
Capacity options | 64GB, 128GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Not specified |
Data encryption | Password |
Adapter types | USB |
Warranty | One year |
128GB
$33.99
Capacity options | 128GB, 256GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Yes |
Data encryption | Password and Touch ID |
Adapter types | USB |
Warranty | - |
256GB
$23.99
Capacity options | 256GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Not specified |
Data encryption | Password and Touch ID |
Adapter types | USB, micro-USB, type C |
Warranty | - |
128GB
$39.00
Capacity options | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Yes |
Data encryption | Password and Touch ID |
Adapter types | USB, micro-USB, type C |
Warranty | 18 months |
128GB
$45.99
Capacity options | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Yes |
Data encryption | Password |
Adapter types | USB |
Warranty | - |
128GB
$39.99
Capacity options | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
---|---|
MFi certified | Yes |
Data encryption | Password and touch ID |
Adapter types | USB |
Warranty | 24 months |
Image | 1 ![]() Sunany | 2 ![]() PNY | 3 ![]() HooToo | 4 ![]() TRYVAT | 5 ![]() iDiskk | 6 ![]() SanDisk | 7 ![]() iDiskk |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | External Storage Thumb Drive | Duo-Link On-the-Go Lightning Flash Drive | iPhone Flash Drive | Flash Drive for iPhone | Apple Flash Drive | iXpand Flash Drive | Photo Stick for iPhone |
Features | A Handy Flash Drive With Different Color Options | Charge Your Phone While You Transfer Data | Durable and Easy to Carry With You | A Retractable Flash Drive for Portability | A Portable, Reliable Flash Drive Compatible With All Your Devices | Conveniently Use Your Phone While Plugged In | A Small, Straightforward Flash Drive |
Price | $19.99 | $79.99 | $33.99 | $23.99 | $39.00 | $45.99 | $39.99 |
Capacity options | 128GB, 256GB | 64GB, 128GB | 128GB, 256GB | 256GB | 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB | 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB | 128GB, 256GB, 512GB |
MFi certified | Not specified | Not specified | Yes | Not specified | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Data encryption | Password and Touch ID | Password | Password and Touch ID | Password and Touch ID | Password and Touch ID | Password | Password and touch ID |
Adapter types | USB, micro-USB, type C | USB | USB | USB, micro-USB, type C | USB, micro-USB, type C | USB | USB |
Warranty | - | One year | - | - | 18 months | - | 24 months |
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Your flash drive will be storing important data from your iPhone, so you want to make sure you're getting the most out of it. Here are some points to keep in mind to help you find your best flash drive.
When looking for a flash drive for your iPhone, make sure to check for the “Made for iPhone” (MFi) certification that indicates that Apple has confirmed that the flash drive is compatible with iPhones.
This is important to do because flash drives that are not certified run the risk of not working properly or damaging your phone entirely. Connecting a normal USB flash drive using a Lightning-to-USB cord is not likely to work because most flash drives are not MFi certified.
Flash drives come with their own unique app to transfer content from your phone, so you want to make sure that the app is easy to use or understand. Some apps have an in-app camera that will automatically save photos as you take them or stream movies while the flash drive is plugged in.
Different devices connect to different adapters, so checking what adapters the flash drive has is integral to getting the most out of it. Most flash drives have a USB adapter, which is compatible with most computers.
Many flash drives come with multiple adapters, like micro-USB or type C adapters that can connect to Android phones, cameras, and newer Macbooks.
More often than not, flash drives are compatible with the basic file formats, software, and iPhone models. However, you want to double-check that the flash drive you choose will support your iPhone model, data, and other devices.
Most, if not all flash drives for iPhone support the basic file formats like jpg, mp4, PDF, and mp3. Confirming that the data formats you want to transfer are supported is important for successfully using your flash drive. Most flash drives list out the supported formats, so you can always take a look.
One thing to note is that licensed materials aren't transferable due to the Digital Rights Management (DRM) system. Most media files downloaded by third-party applications are DRM protected. Some examples of licensed materials include iTunes data and library materials.
Most flash drives are compatible with recent Apple products and software. Sometimes, old iOS systems will not work with the flash drive's software. Conversely, there can be cases where newly released iPhone models or software clash with the flash drive, so peek at the software or device requirements as well as reviews for confirmation.
If you’re transferring private or sensitive data, you will want something that has protection. Consider the level of security you want, such as if both a password or Touch ID protection is required.
There is a range of storage space options available, from 32GB up to 1TB. If you catch yourself deciding between two storage options, sizing up is likely to be a better long-term investment.
According to iClick, 64GB can store approximately
Of course, it is important to keep in mind that these are averages that are to be used as a rough guideline. Factors such as the iPhone model and data type may affect the storage.
Depending on how you use your iPhone, your photos and videos may not be what's taking up the most space on your iPhone - it might be the mysterious "Other" memory on your device.
The video above teaches you what's in that "Other" category (like cache files) and, more importantly, how to free up that valuable space.
Now that you're on your way to finding a flash drive to safely store the important data on your phone, take a look at our other recommendations for phone accessories and tools!
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