You can import photos and videos directly to the Photos app from a digital camera, an SD memory card, or another iPad or iPhone that has a camera. You can also export unmodified versions of your photos and videos directly to an external drive, memory card, or other storage device that’s connected to your iPhone.
To import from a camera, you connect it with an adapter and make sure it’s in transfer mode.
Import photos and videos to your iPhone
From another device, such as a digital camera or an external drive, you can import saved photos and videos to the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Insert the camera adapter or card reader into the Lightning or USB-C connector, or connect the device directly to your iPhone.
- Do one of the following:
- Connect a camera: Connect the adapter to the camera and then turn on the camera and make sure it’s in transfer mode.
- Connect an external storage device or insert an SD memory card into the card reader: Don’t force the card into the slot on the reader; it fits only one way.
- Connect an iPhone or iPad: Use the Lightning adapter or the USB-C cable that came with the device to connect it to the camera adapter. Turn on and unlock the device.
- Start the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Tap Import.
- Select the photos and videos you want to import. Select your import destination.
- Import all items: Tap Import All.
- Import selected items: Tap the items you want to import (a checkmark appears for each), tap Import, and then tap Import Selected.
- After the photos and videos have been imported, keep or delete them on the camera, card, iPhone, or iPad.
- Disconnect the camera adapter or card reader.
Export photos and videos to an external storage device
You can export photos and videos you took on your iPhone straight to a memory card, an external drive, or another storage device.
Note: For edited photos and videos, the export is the unmodified original version.
- Connect your iPhone to the storage device using the Lightning or USB-C connector, or connect the device directly to your iPhone.
- Start the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Select the photos and videos you want to export.
- Tap the Share button and then tap Export Unmodified Original.
- Tap your storage device (below Locations) and tap Save.
Photos and videos in the Hidden album won’t be transferred if the album is locked. To unlock the Hidden album, go to Settings > Apps > Photos, then turn off Use Face ID, Use Touch ID, or Use Passcode.
