How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to External Hard Drive: With or Without a Computer

Navigating the Photo Jungle: A Light-Hearted Trek Through the World of iPhone Photo Backup
Hello there, photo hoarders! We know you love your photos, and why wouldn’t you? They’re snapshots of memories, after all. But with Apple’s decision to end My Photo Stream, you might be wondering, “How on earth do I back up my photos now?” If you’re not up to speed on this, check out our previous article where we discuss the discontinuation of Apple’s Photo Stream. It’s a bit of a bummer, we know, but don’t worry, we’ve got your back.
Whether you’re a tech whiz with a computer or a tech… not-so-whiz without one, we’re here to guide you through the process of transferring photos from your iPhone to an external hard drive. It’s a foolproof way to ensure your precious memories are safe and sound, no matter what digital curveballs get thrown your way. So, buckle up and let’s dive into this photo-saving adventure!
What You’ll Need:
- Your iPhone (obviously!)
- A Mac or PC (for the tech whizzes) OR an iPhone-compatible photo stick or external hard drive (for the tech not-so-whizzes)
- A lightning to USB cable (for the tech whizzes)
- A sense of adventure (just kidding… or are we?)
For the Tech Whizzes: Using a Computer
Step 1: Connect Your iPhone to Your Computer
Grab your lightning to USB cable and connect your iPhone to your computer. It’s like introducing two friends who haven’t met before.
Step 2: Trust Your Computer
Your iPhone might ask if you trust the computer. It’s like when a friend asks if you trust them to cut your hair. In this case, go ahead and tap ‘Trust’.
Step 3: Access Your Photos
On a Mac, the Photos app should pop up like a friendly neighbor. If it doesn’t, open it manually. On a PC, you’ll need to open the device in the ‘My Computer’ or ‘This PC’ window.
Step 4: Select Your Photos
Now, it’s time to pick your favorite children… I mean, photos. You can select individual photos, or select them all if you’re feeling generous.
Step 5: Copy Your Photos
Once you’ve picked your favorites, copy them. It’s like making clones, but less sci-fi.
Step 6: Connect Your External Hard Drive
Now, connect your external hard drive to your computer. It should appear on your desktop or in the ‘My Computer’/’This PC’ window.
Step 7: Paste Your Photos
Open your hard drive and paste the photos. It’s like moving your kids into their own apartment.
For the Tech Not-So-Whizzes: Without a Computer
Step 1: Get an iPhone-Compatible Photo Stick or External Hard Drive
First, you’ll need an iPhone-compatible photo stick or external hard drive. It’s like a USB stick that went to a fancy private school.
Step 2: Connect the Device to Your iPhone
Plug the photo stick or hard drive into your iPhone. It’s like plugging in a toaster, but less breakfast-y.
Step 3: Download and Open the Companion App
Download the companion app for your device from the App Store. It’s like your device’s best friend.
Step 4: Select Your Photos
Pick the photos you want to back up. It’s like picking your favorite pizza toppings, but less delicious.
Step 5: Start the Transfer
Start the transfer
. It’s like starting a car, but less vroom-vroom.
Step 6: Safely Remove the Device
Once the transfer is done, you can remove the device. Make sure to follow the app’s instructions for safely removing the device, or it might get upset.
And breathe…
There you have it, folks!
Whether you’re a computer whiz or a computer-phobe, you now know how to transfer photos from your iPhone to an external hard drive. It’s like moving house, but for your digital memories. And remember, backing up your photos is like flossing – do it regularly to avoid painful losses!
So, whether you’re using a computer or a fancy iPhone-compatible device, you’re now equipped to keep your photos safe and sound. And remember, if you ever get stuck, there’s no shame in asking for help. After all, even tech whizzes get confused sometimes!
Happy photo transferring, and remember to keep those memories safe!


