How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to SD Card With/Without Computer

Myra updated on Aug 25, 2025 to iPhone Data Transfer

Whether you want to transfer photos from iPhone to SD card with or without computer, you will know how to do it from this guide. Read on to learn how to transfer pictures from iPhone to SD card with ease.

Download for PCDownload for Mac

Direct Transfer Photos from iPhone to SD Card:

Step 1. Connect the adapter and SD card reader to iPhone.

Step 2. Insert your SD card into the reader.

Step 3. Go to the Photos app on your iPhone.

Step 4. Choose the images and videos you want to export from iPhone to SD card.

Step 5. Tap the Share icon > Export Unmodified Original, which transfers the original and unedited version of your photos and videos to your SD card.

Step 6. Select the SD card as the location to save all the transferred files.

Transferring photos from your iPhone to an SD card is a useful way to free up space on your device and create a convenient backup of your memories. If you're wondering how to transfer photos from iPhone to SD card, the process is straightforward and can be done either with or without a computer:

  • Transfer iPhone Photos to SD Card with PC >> Learn More
  • Move Photos from iPhone to SD Card with PC >> Learn More
  • Direct Transfer to SD Card Without Computer >> Learn More

Do you really need to transfer your photos? Here are the reasons why you should transfer pictures and videos from your iPhone to an SD card:

  • Free up iPhone storage: SD cards can hold 2-4 times as many photos as your iPhone's internal storage, helping to free up space and keep your iPhone running smoothly.
  • Better long-term storage: Storing photos on an SD card allows you to keep your memories safe for years without needing to upgrade your iPhone frequently.
  • Create backups: Keeping images on SD cards provides a secure backup in case your iPhone data is lost or accidentally deleted.
  • Preserve photo quality: Using SD cards helps store large files like photos and videos without compression or quality loss

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to SD Card on PC/Mac

What You Need Before Transferring:

  • A computer (Windows/Mac): EaseUS MobiMover is a desktop application that runs on your PC or Mac.
  • EaseUS MobiMover software: Download and install it from the official EaseUS website.
  • USB cable: To connect your iPhone to the computer.
  • SD card and SD card reader: Insert the SD card into the reader, then connect the reader to your computer.
  • Trusted connection: When connecting your iPhone, you need to unlock it and tap Trust on the prompt to allow the computer to access your device data.

With the help of the iPhone transfer software - EaseUS MobiMover, you can not only transfer photos but also move videos, music, ringtones, voice memos, and other types of content from your mobile device to the SD card, which will save much of your iPhone space. EaseUS MobiMover supports the data transfer between two iOS devices or between an iPhone/iPad/iPod and a computer. Thus, whether you want to transfer photos from SD card to iPhone or from iPhone to SD card, it will help.

Download for PCDownload for Mac

Follow the steps below on how to transfer photos from iPhone to SD card with computer:

Step 1. Insert the SD card into your computer at first. After that, connect your iPhone to your computer, run EaseUS MobiMover, choose "Phone to PC" and click the "Next" button to continue.

Step 2. Choose "Pictures" to transfer photos from iPhone to the SD card. You can also select other data types to export together. 

Step 3. Now, click the "Transfer" button to begin to transfer photos from iPhone to the SD card. When it has completed, you can go to the SD card to check the items.

Pros Cons
  • Besides photos, you can transfer videos, music, ringtones, voice memos, etc.
  • Ability to transfer files not only to the SD card but also to USB drives and external hard drives.
  • Transfer data locally, avoiding network speed issues or data loss risks during syncing.
  • You must have an SD card reader and a computer to use this method.
  • The free version has restrictions on the amount of data transferred or features available.

Export Photos from iPhone to SD Card via File Explorer

What You Need Before Transferring:

  • SD card and SD card reader: Insert your SD card into a card reader.
  • Windows PC: You need to connect the SD card reader to a Windows PC running with File Explorer.
  • USB cable: To connect your iPhone to the computer.
  • Trusted connection: When connecting your iPhone, you need to unlock it and tap Trust on the prompt to allow the computer to access your device data.

You can transfer your iPhone photos to an SD card without iTunes or third-party software. Using Windows File Explorer, you can access your iPhone's internal storage and manually copy the photos and videos from your iPhone's camera roll to the SD card. Undoubtedly, you can transfer photos from iPhone to flash drive using the same way.

To transfer pictures from iPhone to SD card with computer:

Step 1. Insert your SD card into an SD card reader and connect the SD card reader to your computer.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer and make sure your computer recognizes your device.

Step 3. Go to "This PC" > [your iPhone's name] > "Internal Storage" > "DCIM" > "100APPLE".

Step 4. Copy the iPhone photos and videos and paste the items to your SD card.

If you encounter the issue "iPhone photos not showing up on PC," you can solve the problem by following the troubleshooting guide.

Pros Cons
  • No third-party software is needed.
  • Free and straightforward.
  • Direct access to original photo files.
  • No internet connection is required.
  • Photos synced from iTunes or stored in other apps may not appear.
  • You cannot easily sort photos by type or date within File Explorer.
  • You need to manually locate folders and select photos.
  • No support for other iPhone data types, only photos and videos can be transferred this way.

How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to SD Card Without Computer

What You Need Before Transferring:

  • Compatible adapter:
    • For iPhones with a Lightning port, use a Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader or Lightning to USB Camera Adapter.
    • For newer iPhones with USB-C, such as iPhone 15 Pro and later, use an Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader.
  • SD card: A supported SD card such as SDSC, SDHC, SDXC, miniSD, or microSD formatted properly (usually FAT32 or exFAT).
  • iPhone with updated iOS: Ensure your iPhone runs the latest iOS version to avoid compatibility issues.
  • Unlocked iPhone: Unlock your device and trust the connected adapter when prompted.
  • Sufficient battery or power source: Especially when using USB 3 adapters, powering your iPhone or adapter may be necessary for stable transfer.

If you don't have a USB cable or computer available, you may prefer to transfer iPhone photos without a computer. Luckily, with the help of an SD card reader for iPhone (digital camera reader adapter compatible with iPhone/iPad), you will be able to transfer photos from your iPhone to SD card without a computer.

Let me take the FA-STAR SD card reader as an example and show you how to use it on an iPhone running iOS 13.

To transfer photos from iPhone to SD card without a computer:

Step 1. Insert the SD card into the SD card reader and connect the SD card reader to your iPhone.

Step 2. Go to the "Photos" app on your iPhone and select the photos you want to move.

Step 3. Click the "Share" button and choose "Save to Files".

Step 4. Select to save the items to the USB device (generally called "NO NAME") and choose a folder to store the photos.

Pros Cons
  • Direct transfer without a computer or any other software.
  • You can export full-quality photos and videos without compression or alteration.
  • It is ideal for on-the-go backups or freeing up iPhone storage without extra devices.
  • It works with various SD card types and digital cameras, supporting Picture Transfer Protocol and Mass Storage Device protocols.
  • Non-Apple or generic adapters may not work properly or at all.
  • It is limited to photos and videos captured by cameras. Files copied or edited on the SD card may not import/export correctly.
  • Older iPhones and adapters support only USB 2 speeds, leading to slower transfers.
  • No support for flash drives or USB thumb drives.

FAQ About Transferring Photos from iPhone to SD Card

When you transfer photos, you may have questions below:

1. How do I export Photos from my iPhone?

Since you can visit the iPhone DCIM folder on your computer directly, you can export photos from your iPhone to a computer or an external storage device connected to the computer. For example, if you want to transfer photos from iPhone to SD card, you can:

  • Connect the iPhone to the computer and insert the SD card into the computer (you may need a card reader).
  • Visit the iPhone's internal storage and find the DCIM folder.
  • Copy photos from the folder to your SD card.

2. How do I connect my SD card to my iPhone?

If you want to connect an SD card to your iPhone directly. You need to insert the SD card into a connector or adapter compatible with your iPhone. Then you can connect the connector or adaptor to your iPhone via the charging port. By doing so, you can connect your SD card to your iPhone.

The Bottom Line

Whether you have a computer or not, you know how to transfer photos from iPhone to SD card easily. Carry out the way best suited to your needs to get photos from your iPhone photos onto an SD card within minutes.

Related Articles

Copyright © 2004 - 2021 EaseUS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.