Running out of storage infinite is often an government issue for iPhone and iPad owners . But there ’s more you may do to fix it beyondfreeing up some spaceby deleting seldom used apps , propel files to the swarm and generally optimize the fashion storage is handled .
If you bought a gadget with a humiliated capacity the problem is probable to recur , because you ca n’t promote an iPhone or iPad to have more storage : a 32 GB iPhone will be a 32 GB iPhone perpetually .
But wait a second before you hasten off to buy a new phone . You might not be able to kick upstairs an iDevice ’s intragroup storehouse specs , but you’re able to add more storage with external accessories . And there ’s peck of them out there .
Read on for our guide to the dear outside reposition devices for iPad and iPhone . Also read our tips onhow to increase iPhone storage . For similar product compatible with Macs , seeBest external Mac grueling drive . Finally , here’show to back up an iPhone to an external hard drive .
Best external storage for iPhone & iPad 2019
Leef iBridge 3 mobile
The original Leef iBridge was one of the first three-fold - interface equipment that included both USB and Lightning interfaces so that you could easily transpose files between Macs , PCs and iOS devices .
It ’s been updated since then , with the Leef iBridge 3 the latest addition to the category . It features USB 3.1 and Touch ID protection too , providing quick , secure transfers .
It also boasts a 256 GB option – which is as much as many of the MacBook laptops these day , and more than most of its memory joystick rivals .
Using the iBridge 3 app , you could access all your photos , movies and euphony ( apart from DRM - protect files ) without take up any storage on your iOS gimmick .
With the iBridge Camera , a feature built into the iBridge app , you could take photos and directly economize them to the depot gimmick .
If you need to clear place by transferring photos from your iOS twist , that ’s also available via the app – you could then copy / move these by plugging the iBridge into your Mac or PC .
The iBridge 3 weighs just 12 gibibyte , so it ’s easy to expect around in your pouch , and the silicon and atomic number 13 fount can cope with being banged about in a backpack when you ’re travelling .
It ’s compatible with the iPhone 5 or afterwards , the iPod Touch ( fifth propagation ) and the iPad 3 or afterward
Connectivity : USB 3.1 , Apple Lightning
Leef iAccess 3
As well as the dual - interface iBridge , Leef tender another storage option for your iOS devices . The iAccess looks very similar to the iBridge , but instead of having its own work up - in Flash remembering it allows you to insert an Coyote State memory placard for storing your files .
Note : This good example is not available in the UK , but the Leef iAccess 3 can be set up for£34.99 in the UK .
It was mainly designed so that you could change photo and videos from an action - cam or drone on to your iPhone or iPad , but the transfer appendage wreak both ways so you’re able to just as easy copy file from your Io devices onto a memory card for safe - safekeeping .
The other advantage of the iAccess is that you could just keep lend memory card to give you all the redundant depot you need .
Connectivity:1x Lightning , 1x microSD card reader
PKparis K’ablekey
K’ablekey is the ware of Paris - based company PKparis , and offers a slenderly dissimilar design to others mentioned in this roundup .
The K’ablekey features a brush aluminium look with built - in magnets that keep the two semi - circle halves stupefy together for easy transportation . When you want to use the cable system , just deplume off the orange safe ends and root for the two section apart .
When you want to use the cable , just pull off the orange rubber ends and rend the two sections apart .
The K’ablekey offers three function : the ability to store and access medium on your iOS gadget , easy transfer of files from PC / Mac to Io and charging capableness when plug away in to a charger / computer / powerbank .
It ’s ideal for those with low storage as the iOS app offers the power to not only copy but move all your photos and videos to K’ablekey , relieve up much - necessitate store and making your entire program library accessible via USB storehouse .
It also provides a simpler direction to find out motion-picture show on your iPhone or iPad : it ’s light to transfer a movie to the USB and watch it in the Pk Memory app , rather than convert and upload it via iTunes .
Our only outcome is with the Pk Memory app itself : it ’s badly designed and fairly confusing to apply as it relies to a great extent on icons that are n’t always self - explanatory .
It ’s wanton enough to transplant your entire media subroutine library to / from the storage gadget , but other aspect are a slight more confusing . Oh , and there ’s no way to tell how much store is used / leave in the app – an crucial lineament if you prefer for the low-spirited storage option .
Connectivity : USB , Apple Lightning
LaCie Fuel 1TB Wireless
TheFuelhas a USB 3.0 port that allows it to be used as a established hard drive with a Mac or PC . However , it also has built - in Wi - Fi , which will let you to transfer files to or from an iPhone or iPad when you need to .
The 1 TB reading is difficult to find in the UK , but UK shopper can find a2 TB version from eBuyerfor around £ 170 . US shoppers can line up the1 TB LaCie Fuel on Amazon for $ 269.99 .
LaCie state the battery is good for up to 10 hours .
Connectivity:1x USB 3.0 , 802.11n wifi
Verbatim iStore ‘n’ Go
In unwashed with the other USB trice drive - eccentric accessory in this round of golf - up , the Verbatim Store ‘ n ’ Go is a blink of an eye memory stick with a full - sizing USB port at one end and a Lightning embrasure at the other , but this is a fast USB 3.0 port that ’s backward - compatible with USB 2.0 .
This make it easy to share , copy or move data file between Macs , microcomputer , laptops and iDevices , or use the stick itself to back up subject matter on your iDevice or play back medium stored on the Verbatim on your iPhone or iPad . The Verbatim ’s connection is a fast USB 3.0 port , which is backward - compatible with USB 2.0 .
We like the small , compact plan of this USB / Lightning stick , but only one of the two clean plastic terminal caps are tethered so the other could easy become disoriented . A lanyard admit you to connect the Verbatim to a keychain .
You ’ll be prompted to download a free companion app from the App Store the first time you connect the Verbatim to your iPhone or iPad , and can then apply this to play medium stored on the stick , back up content or save camera photos forthwith to it .
The Verbatim Store ‘ n ’ Go is compatible with iPhones and iPads running iOS 7.0 or subsequently , Mac OS X 10.4 or later , and Windows XP or subsequently . It ’s available in 16 GB , 32 GB and 64 GB content .
Connectivity:1x USB 3.0 , Lightning
Buffalo MiniStation Air 2
The MiniStation Air 2 improves on its precursor in a number of way . The Air 2 not well-fixed to obtain the US , but the original Ministation Air can be foundon Newegg for $ 239.99 .
The Air 2 is slimmer and lightheaded than the original model , and now offers up to 1 TB of hard saucer storehouse .
The battery spirit on this model is a lot best too , lasting for 10 - 12 hour when using wireless local area web , and it ’s even powerful enough to top up the battery on your iPhone as well .
There ’s also a high - hurrying USB 3.0 larboard so that you may utilize it like an average hard disk with your Mac or PC if you postulate to . It ’s a pity , though , that there ’s no South Dakota card slot as well .
Connectivity:1x USB 3.0 , 802.11n WiFi
Kingston MobileLite G3
The MobileLite does n’t have any built - in computer storage of its own , but it acts as a versatile wireless adapter that will allow you to tie in other storage devices that you already own .
There are both USB and Coyote State bill slots so that you’re able to promptly plug in a USB joystick or remembering circuit card and then transport photos and other files via the MobileLite ’s build up - in WiFi .
It even has an Ethernet larboard as well , which means that you may use it as a handy portable router for devices that do n’t have their own WiFi .
The rechargeable shelling in the G3 will last for more than 10 hours , and can even be used to top up the battery of your iPhone or iPad as well .
Connectivity:1x USB 2.0 , 1x SD circuit card expansion slot , 1x Ethernet , 802.11n WiFi
Mophie Spacestation
Mophie ’s Spacestation is a handy all - in - one gadget that provides a battery charger and ostentation storage all wrapped up in a stalwart protective case for your iPhone .
But , of course , you’re able to only utilize the Space Pack with just a exclusive iPhone , so if you want a bit more tractability then you could attend at the Spacestation instead .
The Spacestation is first and first off a charger , with a 6,000mAh barrage fire that ’s powerful enough for multiple charges of an iPhone 7 . But it also includes either 32 GB or 64 GB of storage so that you may back up your file while you ’re topping up the battery .
It is a bit pricey , but might be worth it for the sheer contraption of having a undivided machine that provides both storage and battery power when you ’re journey .
In the US , the Spacestation is n’t usable directly through Mophie , but you’re able to get your hands on a certified refurbished version for the fraction of the price onAmazon , at $ 14.99(compared to the original cost of $ 149.99 ) . Though if you opt to buy novel , you could also get it onAmazon for $ 54.94 – which is still a steal !
Connectivity : Lightning
SanDisk Connect Wireless USB 2.0 Flash Drive 32GB
SanDisk ’s Connect is a pouch - favorable petty memory stick that provides up to 200 GB of depot . It uses Wi - Fi to get in touch to your iOS devices , and the SanDisk app has a ready to hand back - up selection that will mechanically simulate any new photos and TV from your Camera Roll flat on to the Connect .
you’re able to also punch the Connect into a USB port on a Mac or PC too , although it ’s unpaired that SanDisk did n’t advance to a USB 3.0 interface , as USB 2.0 is a bit slow for transferring large video files .
Connectivity : USB 2.0 , 802.11n Wi - Fi
SanDisk iXpand
The iXpand ditch the Wi - Fi of the Connect and choose for a Lightning connecter for secure direct into your iOS devices instead ( but not , of course , older framework with the original 30 - oarlock connector ) .
The iXpand only goes up to 64 GB of warehousing , but the Lightning connector provides faster transfer of training speeds than wireless local area web for 4 K video and other large files . It ’s also got a speedy USB 3.0 interface so that you’re able to habituate it with a Mac or microcomputer as well .
Connectivity : 1x USB 3.0 , 1x Lightning
Cloud storage
There are plenty of options for uploading data file from your iPhone or iPad to cloud - free-base online reposition services , including Apple ’s own iCloud , of course , as well as challenger such asDropbox , Google DriveandMicrosoft ’s OneDrive .
These all render free option with vary amounts of online storage – iCloud give you 5 GB for destitute , while Google permit you have a full 15 GB .
Just remember , though , that you ’ll chiefly bank on Wi - Fi to upload files to these services , which will be moderately slow for videos and other large files .
These services also lean to focus on file - synchronicity rather than backup – which mean that if you blue-pencil a file from your iPhone then that file cabinet will also be delete from your cloud storage too .
So , for both swiftness and safety , it ’s well deserving using one of the extraneous depot devices reviewed here if you ask extra entrepot or backup for your iPhone or iPad .
