Have you ever thought about how to transfer files from iPhone to USB without computer? Generally speaking, a USB drive is used with a computer for data transfer. But if your computer is not available, what would you do?

In this article, we will learn some ways to transfer files from iPhone to USB with/without computer. Now follow us to get right to it.

Part 1. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to USB Without Computer

You may want to back up iPhone before getting a new one if you are switching to a new iPhone. It is a good option to transfer files from iPhone to a USB stick for backup. You can connect your iPhone to your USB flash drive via a Lightning to USB adapter without the engagement of a computer. In this way, you are allowed to transfer files from iPhone to USB drive seamlessly.

USB adapter

To transfer data from iPhone to USB without computer via an external USB adapter for iPhone, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Connect your USB drive and your iPhone to the Lightning to USB adapter.

Step 2. Open the Files app on your iPhone.

Step 3. Then find the files (such as photos, music, and videos) you prefer to transfer. Tap and hold on to them to copy them.

Step 4. Then go back to the Files app, and select your USB drive to paste files into it.

That's quite easy to transfer files from iPhone to USB via the Files app directly. Just follow the tutorial above step by step, and you will transfer data from iPhone to USB within a few minutes.

Part 2. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to USB With Computer

Sometimes, it is more convenient to take advantage of a computer to transfer files from iPhone to a USN stick. If you don't have a USB adapter for an iPhone, then you can introduce a computer to help you with that.

To introduce a computer to transfer data, you have two options: transfer files from iPhone to PC and then copy them from computer to USB drive; or transfer data from iPhone to USB drive directly. And we will guide you on how to do that from scratch.

1. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to USB with a Desktop Transfer Tool

This section steps through using a desktop transfer tool to transfer files from iPhone to USB drive directly. Here we recommend EaseUS MobiMover Pro. With this iPhone data transfer tool, you don't need to transfer files from your iPhone to your local computer and then copy them to your USB stick.

If you are planning to export your photos on your iPhone to USB drive, this versatile software is able to convert HEIC to JPG with one click. In addition, it is also able to transfer data from iPhone to PC or another iPhone.

Now download this versatile utility and start to use it to transfer files from iPhone to USB in a few minutes

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable. Tap "Trust This Computer" on the device screen if a pop-up appears. Start EaseUS MobiMover and select the "Phone to PC" pattern on the main interface. Click "Next" to start data transfer from iPhone to your computer.

how to transfer everything from iPhone to PC - step 1

Step 2. MobiMover enables you to transfer everything from your iPhone to the PC with one click, like audio files, videos, pictures, books, contacts and more. You can check one or multiple data categories by checking the boxes. You can also customize a file location to keep the transferred items. If you don't customize the storage path on your own, click "Transfer" directly and MobiMover will save the files to Desktop.

how to transfer everything from iPhone to PC - step 2

Step 3. MobiMover will start immediately transfer selected files from iPhone to PC without iTunes at lightning speed. Please don't suspend the USB connection until the process finishes. Some contents, like contacts and messages, will be saved as a .html file. You can view them by opening in a web browser. 

how to transfer everything from iPhone to PC - step 3

2. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to USB with iTunes

iTunes is a media player developed by Apple Inc. Most of people would like to use iTunes to transfer music from iPhone to USB. And many people often use it to transfer media files from their iPhones to their computers for backup.

There was a time when Apple only allowed users to use the iTunes app to create a computer backup of an iOS device by connecting it via a USB sync cable to a Mac or a Windows PC. Apple introduced iCloud with iOS 5 in 2011, and since then it has allowed users to back up and restore iOS devices running iOS 5 or later without a cord. 

see the differences between iCloud and iTunes

Here's how to transfer files from iPhone to USB drive with iTunes:

Step 1. Connect your iPhone and USB drive to your computer.

Step 2. Launch iTunes. Select Edit > Preferences > Devices.

Step 3. Tick the checkbox "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically." Then click OK.

Step 4. Then go to Files > Devices > Transfer Purchases from iPhone.

transfer files in iTunes

Step 5. Then select your USB drive as the output path to start the transfer.

In fact, iTunes is not a perfect and ideal option to transfer files from iPhone to USB drive. With iTunes, it's not available to transfer files selectively. And you can only transfer items you purchased.

3. How to Transfer Files from iPhone to USB with iCloud

iCloud is an official cloud-based service, designed to store, transfer, and back up data. However, due to the limited 5 GB of free storage space iCloud offers, people usually use iCloud to transfer essential content, such as photos. Note that iPhone stored photos in HEIC format which is not supported by a Windows computer. Learn "How to Open HEIC Files on Windows" for more information if you want to open HEIC files in Windows for review.

To transfer files from iPhone to USB with iCloud, perform the following steps:

Step 1. On your iPhone, tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud.

Step 2. Then sync the apps according to your demand by turning on the toggle of these apps.

perform iCloud backup

Step 3. Connect the USB to your computer.

Step 4. Go to iCloud.com to sign in with your Apple ID and password.

Step 5. Then select the files that you want to transfer to your USB drive.

Step 6. Click the Download button and then select your USB stick as the saving path to download files from iCloud to your USN stick.

Conclusion

In this article, we have shared four solutions to address how to transfer files from iPhone to USB with/without computer. If you happen to have a USB adapter with a Lightning port, you can connect your iPhone to your USB stick directly to transfer data. However, if you prefer to transfer data via a computer, it is recommended to try EaseUS MobiMover.

You are also welcome to go to EaseUS official website for more relevant information about this software. In addition, you are able to view our other products or related articles if you're interested. As always, we appreciate your suggestions, commendations, or feedback.

FAQs on How to Transfer Files from iPhone to USB Without Computer

When it comes to how to transfer files from iPhone to USB without computer, you may come across some problems. Don't panic. If you have any questions about this topic, check the commonly asked questions below.

1. What is the purpose of a Lightning to USB adapter?

The Lightning to USB adapter makes it simple to transfer files between iPhone and USB drive.

2. Can I transfer photos from iPhone directly to PC?

Yes. Connect your iPhone to your PC with a USB cable, and you will get access to photos on your iPhone. But except for photos, you are not allowed to access other files seamlessly.

3. Can I transfer data from one iPhone to another wirelessly?

Apple's Quick Start is the simplest way to wirelessly transfer data from iPhone to iPhone. You can also use a third-party transfer tool (such as EaseUS MobiMover) to help you do that.

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Updated by Daisy

Daisy is the Senior editor of the writing team for EaseUS. She has been working in EaseUS for over ten years, starting from a technical writer to a team leader of the content group. As a professional author for over 10 years, she writes a lot to help people overcome their tech troubles.

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Written by Gorilla

Gorilla joined EaseUS in 2022. As a smartphone lover, she stays on top of Android unlocking skills and iOS troubleshooting tips. In addition, she also devotes herself to data recovery and transfer issues.

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