An iPhone is one of the most user-friendly phones you can buy. However, like all iOS devices, its storage space is limited, and most people do not prefer the cloud for one reason or another.
One of the best and most used backings up your files is storing them in flash drives. It’s convenient and safe and you can access your data whenever you want.
Although almost any flash drive can work with your computer, only a few are compatible with the iPhone. Moreover, it is essential to understand which industry will work best for you so you can save all your data onto a USB of your choice.
Table of Contents
The Best Flash Drives for Your iPhone
Are you interested in backing up your data? Here are the eight best iPhone (MFi certified) flash drives you can buy.
Leef iBridge 3
The Leef iBridge 3 is perfect for those who want to keep their flash drive linked to their iPhone for long periods.
Upon connecting it to your iPhone, you will be prompted to download an app, after which you are free to use the USB as you like.
What makes the USB especially great is that you can transfer your photos and videos as you take them. It also has a password protection feature that keeps your files more secure than ever.
Don’t like the look of your iPhone attached to a USB? Well, not to worry. The “J” shape of this USB keeps it at the back of your phone. So you’ll barely notice it’s there. This design also prevents your USB from accidentally getting dislodged.
The Bridge 3 also comes with a soft silicone cover that wraps around your USB, keeping it well protected.
One end of the USB is an MFi certified Lightning connector, and the other is a USB 3.1 connector. This makes it perfect for storing your data or transferring files between your phone and computer.
Pros
- Keychain hole present
- Inconspicuous design
- USB 3.1 transfers at 10 Gbps
- Comes with a cover
- Password protected
Con
- Overheats during transfers
SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive
The SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive is considered the best flash drive for iPhone X and 8, though it works just as well with other iPhone models.
The flash drive requires the iXpand app to run, but it automatically backs up all your files once that’s done. There’s also an in-app camera that lets you back up your photos and videos as you take them.
The iPhone flash drive comes in several capacities (32GB, 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB) and is black. As for the connectors, the drive has lightning and a USB type-A connector.
The USB works fast; 50MB/s writing speed and about 90MB/s for reading speed with the USB 3.0 connector.
The iXpand flash drive features a unique design; the flexible round lightning connector curves to the back of your iPhone. This not only helps it fit through most iPhone cases but also keeps the USB connector out of the way so you can use your phone with ease.
The USB also allows you to set up a password to protect your files. This can be in a PIN or a fingerprint since it is touch ID compatible.
Pros
- Built-in file manager
- Automatic backup
- Password protection feature
Cons
- The rubber around the lightning connector wears out quickly.
- Cannot hold files exceeding 4 GB
iDiskk Flash Drive
You are looking for a flash drive that will help you transfer data from your phone to multiple devices? Then the iDiskk Flash Drive is the right pick for you.
Being the most versatile USB out there, it has four different connectors; a USB Type-C, a USB 3.0 (for your MacBook Pro), a lightning connector (for iOS devices), and a micro USB connector (for android devices and cameras).
The USB is made of aluminum, making it a durable choice. It also comes in several storage capacities starting from 32 GB and going up to 512 GB.
The USB drive requires an app to work, which is free. Once downloaded, you can instantly save your pictures and videos straight to the USB. You can also set a password for your USB, including a fingerprint lock since it is touch ID compatible.
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- Password protected
- Compact
- Keychain loop
Con
- The app can be improved
iKlips C Flash Drive USB-C and iPhone Lightning Flash Drive
The iKlips C Flash Drive has been carefully tested at Apple’s independent testing facility to verify its compatibility with Apple’s standards making it the world’s first Apple MFi certified flash drive.
The USB has an aluminum body that makes it durable and gives it a luxurious feel as well. It also comes with a silicone cap that protects both ends of the USB.
The cap has been dubbed “lost-proof” due to its unique design, ensuring your connectors stay safe.
The USB is double-ended with a lightning connector on one end and a USB Type-C connector.
Like most, this iPhone flash drive also requires an app that you can download for free. The app increases the USB functionality and makes it even easier to use.
You can secure your files by enabling password protection. This feature includes both Touch and Face ID.
What’s interesting about this USB is that, in addition to your files, it also backup your Instagram, Facebook, and Evernote accounts. Moreover, you can also secure specific files by encrypting them individually with password protection. How cool is that?
This USB flash drive is incredibly fast due to its exFAT format, making transfers a piece of cake. However, if you don’t want to go through the hassle of moving your media, you can use the iKlips app to capture photos and videos directly.
Pros
- Lost-proof cap
- Durable
- Password protected
- Fast (exFAT format)
Con
- Expensive
JSL JDTDC iPhone Flash Drive
The JDTDC Flash Drive is another MFi-certified USB perfect for storing your files from your iPhone.
The double-ended USB has a lightning port and a USB 3.0 connector. In addition, it has a swivel design that protects one end of the USB at all times. This is incredibly convenient since you can cover whichever end you’re not using during transfers.
There’s also a keychain loop that will not only prevent your flash drive from getting lost but will enable you to store it somewhere close and easily accessible.
Like all the other USBs, this iPhone flash drive also prompts you to download its app. Once you have it, you can back up all your photos, videos, and even your contacts. You can also store your photos and videos as you take them by accessing the in-app camera.
The USB has decent transfer speeds; the USB 3.0 connector has a read speed of 80MB/s and a write speed of 40MB/s. The lightning port has a read speed of 15MB/s and a write speed of 10MB/s.
This USB is an excellent choice if you want to take your entertainment with you; you can stream your videos and music directly from your USB. Moreover, you can store multiple videos since this flash drive can play videos in several formats.
Pros
- Fast transfers
- Durable design
- Keychain loop
- Budget-friendly
Con
- One end of the USB remains uncovered
Qubii Flash Drive
The major problem with transferring your files is that you forget to do it regularly. Moreover, file transfers drain your mobile battery, which can be inconvenient.
However, the Qubii Flash Drive is the answer to both problems.
This iPhone flash drive backs up your data whenever you charge your phone. The flash drive is installed between your charger’s adapter and power cord; the USB connector connects with the adapter and has a port where you insert the power cord. Because of how well it fits, you can even leave it connected to your charger for as long as you want.
The cube-shaped USB automatically transfers all your data to a micro SD card whenever you charge your phone. So if you need additional storage, all you have to do is purchase a new card.
Since it is an iPhone USB flash drive, you would have to download the Qubii app to transfer files. However, the USB will back up your files after the initial set-up whenever you put your phone on charging.
If you want to view your files on your laptop, remove the USB from the adapter and plug it into your computer.
Pros
- Automatic backup every time you charge your phone
- Micro SD cards come in several capacities
- Convenient size
- Stores photos and videos in the correct order
Con
- Only compatible with iOS 10 and above
JSL JDTDC Photo Stick
The JSL JDTDC Photo Stick is a durable flash drive of zinc alloy to store your files.
Equipped with three connectors, Lightning, Type-C, and USB 3.0, you can use this flash drive to transfer files between several devices.
The memory stick is particularly great for storing photos and is known to transfer a thousand photos in three minutes via iPhone memory. Remember, like all USB flash drives, this one also requires an app to function.
It is available in several storage capacities, with the highest being 512 GB. In addition, it comes in the color silver, perfect to complement your iPhone.
Pros
- Fast
- Sleek design
- Number of storage capacities
Con
- App is complicated to use
SanDisk 128GB iXpand Flash Drive Go
With a USB 3.0 Type-A and a lightning connector, the SanDisk iXpand Flash Drive Go is a convenient storage option for you to back up your data.
The app for this memory stick is free to download, after which you can easily manage and transfer all your data. You can also take photos, shoot videos, and store them directly on the USB, removing the hassle of moving them later.
The iPhone flash drive allows you to set up a password keeping your files even safer. It is available in three storage capacities (64, 128, and 264 GB).
Pros
- Password protected
- High-speed transfers
- Keychain loop
Con
- The app can be a little unresponsive
FAQs- Phone Flash Drives
Are you thinking about purchasing an iPhone flash drive? Read on to clear up any confusion you might have.
How Is an iPhone Flash Drive Different From a Regular One?
iPhone flash drives are MFi (Made For iPhone) certified. If you connect an uncertified USB, your iPhone will either fail to detect the device or display a pop-up message about an unsupported device.
So when you are looking to buy a USB for your iPhone, look for the MFi certification before buying it.
Can I Operate My Flash Drive Without Downloading Its App?
Your iPhone flash drives rely on these companion apps to interact with your phone and your USB. Without it, the flash drive won’t be able to work.
If the developer stops updating the app, the flash drive will no longer be compatible with future iOS versions.
Can I Transfer Content Bought off iTunes?
The iTunes media is already protected by the Digital Rights Management (DRM) system. The system protects data purchased from iTunes from unauthorized use and distribution.
Because only iTunes can decode the DRM system, the files won’t work on your flash drive even if you transfer your iTunes content.
Can I Charge My Phone While the Transfer Is Taking Place?
Transferring files uses up your phone’s battery, so of course, you would want to know if you can charge your phone and transfer your files at once.
Unfortunately, most iPhone flash drives use the lightning port, which means you’ll have to wait for the transfers to be completed before charging your phone.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know all there is to know about buying an iPhone flash drive pick whichever USB appeals to you the most and start backing up those precious memories.
About Our Reviews:- Macdentro.com is a team of consumer advocates committed to bringing you accurate, non-biased reviews on all tech products. We also analyze customer satisfaction insights from verified buyers. If you click on any link on Macdentro.com & decide to buy it, we may earn a small commission.
