Using your iPhone or iPad as a USB drive can be a convenient way to transfer and store files between your iOS device and a Mac or PC. This method allows you to leverage your iOS device's storage capacity without needing additional hardware.
Connecting Your iPhone or iPad to Your Computer
To start, connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac or PC using an appropriate cable. If you see any alert on your computer asking for permission to connect, click Allow. On your iPhone or iPad, you may see a prompt to trust the computer; tap Trust and enter your passcode if required.
Accessing Your iPhone or iPad on Mac
On a Mac, open Finder. Your iPhone or iPad should appear in the left sidebar. Click on its name to access its files. If you're using an older Mac or prefer iTunes, open iTunes and click the tiny iPhone or iPad icon from the top menu bar.
Accessing Your iPhone or iPad on PC
On a Windows PC, open iTunes. Your iPhone or iPad will appear as an icon at the top of the iTunes window. Click on this icon to access your device's files.
Transferring Files
Once you've accessed your iPhone or iPad, navigate to the Files section. Here, you can transfer files between your computer and your iOS device. To do this:
- Drag and Drop Files: Open the folder on your computer where the files you want to transfer are located. Drag these files to the app visible inside the Files section of Finder or iTunes. The transfer process will begin, and the time it takes will depend on the file size.
- Using Third-Party Apps: If you prefer a more robust solution, you can use third-party apps like MobiKin Assistant for iOS or Dr.Fone – Phone Manager. These apps allow you to manage and transfer various types of data, including contacts, messages, photos, and videos, between your iOS device and computer.
Enabling Wireless Access
For added convenience, you can enable wireless access to your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to do it on a Mac:
- Connect and Trust: Connect your iPhone or iPad to your Mac and complete the trust process as described earlier.
- Show on Wi-Fi: In Finder, select your iPhone or iPad, scroll down to the General section, and check the box that says ‘Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi.’ Click Apply or Sync.
- Transfer Files Wirelessly: With both your iPhone and Mac on the same Wi-Fi network and your iOS device unlocked, you can now transfer files wirelessly. Note that the transfer will fail if your iPhone locks during the process.
Using Third-Party Apps for Advanced File Management
MobiKin Assistant for iOS
MobiKin Assistant for iOS is a powerful tool that allows you to transfer and manage various types of data on your iPhone or iPad. Here’s how to use it:
- Connect Your Device: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable and open MobiKin Assistant for iOS.
- Transfer Data: Choose the type of data you want to transfer (e.g., photos, music, contacts) from the left panel. Review the files on the right side and click the "Export" icon to transfer data to your computer. To transfer files from your computer to your iPhone, select the type of file, choose "Import," and select the files you want to import.
Dr.Fone – Phone Manager
Dr.Fone – Phone Manager is another versatile tool that lets you use your iPad as an external hard drive. Here’s how:
- Connect Your Device: Connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable and open Dr.Fone – Phone Manager.
- Transfer Files: Choose the Explorer category in the main interface, and you can drag and drop files into your iPad. You can also transfer files from your iPad to your computer by selecting the file category and clicking the Export button.
Commander One
Commander One is a file manager for Mac that can convert your iPhone into a USB drive. Here’s how to use it:
- Connect Your Device: Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a data transfer cable.
- Transfer Files: Open Commander One, and your iPhone will appear as a connected device. You can then drag and drop files directly into your iPhone from the Commander One interface.
Ejecting Your iPhone or iPad
After transferring files, make sure to eject your iPhone or iPad safely to avoid any data corruption. In Finder, click the small eject icon next to your device's name.