Many users are accustomed to buying an iPhone or iPad with a minimum amount of memory. After several months of use, they are faced with a lack of space on the device.
Photos, videos and applications clog your memory. You have to regularly clean your smartphone or even think about an upgrade.
There is an easier and faster way to expand the memory of your iPhone or iPad. And yes, these are flash drives. Thanks to iOS 13, they received a second life and a lot of new features when paired with Apple devices.
How working with flash drives has changed in iOS 13
Developers from Cupertino have made a big step towards openness of the mobile file system. The Files application has begun to resemble a serious file manager and allows you to perform useful manipulations with data directly on your smartphone.
Of the really necessary features, the following features should be noted:
▸ storing any type of file ▸ working with archives ▸ quick access to files in iCloud ▸ support for tags and smart search
We should also mention support for external drives. It is this innovation that makes flash drives for iPhone popular again.
Now any data on the drive can be seen in the Files application, and the most common types of files can even be viewed or edited.
How to expand memory on iPhone or iPad
At the moment, the brand still maintains a “closed” policy, due to which smartphone owners are offered exclusively “native” services and services. For the same reason, iPhones are produced with a fixed amount of internal memory, which cannot be expanded in any way on the phone itself. This can only be done through the following methods:
- flash drives;
- cloud storage;
- external hard drive;
- cleaning unnecessary files.
Flash drive
iOS users can purchase flash drives with an appropriate connector that can be inserted into a smartphone or tablet. But this is an external physical medium that provides data storage, but not its synchronization. That is, in order to update files on such a drive, you must constantly carry it with you or regularly perform the operation at home from a PC.
This is not the most convenient, but the easiest way to avoid losing important files. In fact, a flash drive will not help expand the device’s memory in any way.
Cloud storage
iPhone owners do not need to look for third-party cloud storage, since the brand has provided its own - iCloud. This online service allows you to get additional memory without using physical media.
To use iCloud, you always need to register with an Apple ID. Upon registration, the user automatically receives 5 GB of memory space for free, which he can use at his own discretion. The cost of paid volume starts from $0.99 per month, which is quite affordable.
Available plans:
- 50 GB;
- 200 GB;
- 2 TB.
Most iPhone owners prefer to use native cloud storage as it offers the most competitive plans. But there are other services, for registration on which you can get a larger amount of free GB.
Most popular:
- Google Drive offers 15 GB for free and asks 130 rubles for 100 GB per month. This service is often used by owners of Android smartphones, since the device is associated with a Google account. But the disc will be equally useful for iOS owners.
- Yandex Disk provides 10 GB for free and asks 30 rubles for an additional 10. There is a version for PC, smartphones and browser. Quite convenient and easy to use.
- Mega offers quite a lot of free storage - 50 GB. 200 GB will cost 5 euros.
These are services that offer the most flexible pricing policy. Other online platforms often charge more than iCloud for the same amount of GB.
External hard drive with Wi-Fi
This option is increasingly gaining popularity because it is very convenient to use. A portable hard drive that can synchronize information over a high-speed connection is indispensable if an iPhone user, for example, must always carry huge amounts of information with him.
External hard drive capabilities:
- portability - you can take it with you anywhere;
- no wires - connection is made only via Wi-Fi;
- high-speed data transfer, allowing you to synchronize files in a matter of minutes;
- optimal battery performance, providing sufficient charge for active use throughout the day.
The only disadvantage of this option is the high cost. A high-quality device with enough memory costs a lot, but it lasts a long time and really helps expand the internal space of the smartphone.
What flash drives for iPhone and iPad can do
We have already talked in detail about storage devices for iPhone and iPad.
You can store photos and videos from your iPhone on such flash drives. This is the most effective way to easily and quickly clear space on your smartphone. Storage apps offer to make a backup with just one click of a button, and then quickly clear the gallery.
In the future, you can return photos and videos to your smartphone, view them from a connected storage device, or download them to your computer.
On flash drives you can store a backup copy of your iPhone phone book or confidential photos that are best not left in the standard gallery. To do this, just set a password to launch the client application.
The drives are convenient for storing large films, TV series or audiobooks that you can watch and listen to while traveling or flying. We load the flash drive with content and watch it all the way on our iPhone, shared iPad or hotel TV.
There will be no problems with selecting formats; flash drives work with most omnivorous players from the App Store.
Such drives cannot cope with only two tasks: they cannot install applications on them and download music downloaded from streaming services.
Here are the flash drives we recommend you take a closer look at:
iPhone running out of memory
If a smartphone with iOS runs out of free space, the user can use additional memory by resorting to various online services and physical media.
You can expand the internal volume only with the help of external memory. If the user decides to contact the service center to manually increase the drive by removing the chip in order to replace it with another, this will violate the company’s user policy and lead to serious problems in the future. Now Apple is more strict about any technical changes to devices.
All iPhones do not have a slot for a memory card, it is impossible to install it, and any tampering with the hardware is considered illegal and can lead to the manufacturer blocking the phone.
Best USB flash drive for iPhone: Leef iBridge3
One of the most popular models with a Lightning connector. The flash drive can be connected to any current iPhone model and expand the gadget’s memory.
On the other side of the accessory there is a USB-A connector, so data can be easily transferred from a smartphone to a computer and back.
To work with iPhone, you can use both the Files application and the proprietary application.
▸ Leef iBridge3 32 GB – 6990 rub. ▸ Leef iBridge3 64 GB – 8990 rub. ▸ Leef iBridge3 128 GB – 13,990 rub.
Cleaning up trash
Most likely, you don’t even suspect how much garbage you have accumulated on your phone, because you won’t be able to notice it right away, because it’s scattered in the far corners of different folders on your iPhone, and given that the system is closed, you won’t be able to assess the extent of the clutter. But we suggest you look through the following sections:
- List of applications on the device (delete those that you have not used for a long time);
- Photos (including deleted ones);
- Music downloaded from Apple Music and other music apps;
- List of downloaded files in browsers;
- Data and cache in applications (for example, Vkontakte, Avito and others);
- Received and transmitted files in instant messengers (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram);
- Mailboxes.
This is not a complete list, but clearing these partitions will already help you seriously save your phone memory. You can view in your iPhone's settings how much space each type of data takes up. But we advise you to read more detailed instructions on how to clear memory on an iPhone in our separate article, where each item is described in detail.
Even for the iPhone, special applications have been developed that allow you to clear unnecessary information in a few clicks, for example, duplicate contacts, large files, browser history, iCloud data and many other types of information. An example of such a utility is Smart Cleaner, available in the Apple Store for free.
Ideal for iPad Pro: Kingston DataTraveler
This flash drive is suitable for use with new iPad Pro models that are equipped with a Type-C connector for connecting charging and peripherals. The drive is recognized in the Files application and will allow you to fully work with the files on it.
On the other hand, the flash drive has a classic USB-A connector, which will allow you to connect it to most computers.
This accessory is also convenient to use for transferring data between older computers and newer MacBooks that only have Type-C connectors.
▸ Kingston DataTraveler 32 GB – 2490 rub. ▸ Kingston DataTraveler 64 GB – RUB 3,490. ▸ Kingston DataTraveler 128 GB – 6980 rub.
Cloud storage
Since most devices interact with the Internet, you can upload some information to cloud storage and access files only when you need it. You have iCloud on your phone by default, which allows you to use 5 GB of storage for free. If this volume is not enough for you, you can increase it, for example, to 50 GB for 59 rubles per month. The system will automatically create data backups, download unused programs, synchronize photos and much more.
You can also use cloud services from other companies, for example, Google Disk, Yandex Disk, Mail.ru Cloud. If you assign your own cloud for each type of file, then even standard tariffs, where payment is not required, may be enough for you.
How to set up accounts for the App Store
After setting up all your devices with different Apple ID accounts for iCloud, you should set up one App Store account for all of them.
To do this, go to Settings - Accounts - Media and purchases and log in to your main Apple ID account with the linked card and purchased content.
So, on all gadgets, purchases will be made for one common account, and payment will be made from one card or account specially designated for this.
All that remains is to decide on a place to store the photos. This can be either local storage at home or a third-party cloud service.
How to set up an iCloud account on different gadgets
To begin, we will create several Apple ID accounts for each of the users or individual gadgets. We leave the main account on our iPhone and Mac, and make new entries for other family members.
1. We create a new account according to our instructions. This can be done without bank cards and confirmation of payment methods.
2. Log in to your account via Settings – Accounts (topmost section) on iPhone and iPad or in the System Preferences – Account section on Mac.
3. We configure the necessary features of the Apple ecosystem, such as calls on different gadgets or synchronization of chat messages.
4. Go to Settings – Account – iCloud – Storage Management – Backups.
5. Select your gadget and exclude the Media Library from the backup.
So, each gadget or pair of gadgets of one user will have at their disposal 5 GB of disk space in iCloud. This is absolutely enough for backups and small amounts of data.
How to connect MicroSD to iPhone
MicroSD cards can also be connected to iPhone
Any MicroSD card will do
And this is not quite a flash drive, but just a card reader. That is, an adapter for connecting MicroSD cards to an iPhone via a Lightning connector. If you wish, you can buy only one adapter, or you can take a set with a memory card. The adapter itself will cost you only 348 rubles, and in a set with a 128 GB card - 1253 rubles, which is very reasonable, considering that you can use different cards, changing them as they fill up.
Buy a MicroSD adapter
Conveniently, this card reader does not require a separate application. It can interact with the Files system utility. When connected, it recognizes it as an Untitled component. This is where you need to transfer all the files that need to be downloaded to an external drive. The principle is simple: select the necessary files in any section of the OS, click on the “Share” button and transfer them to “Files”. Everything is extremely simple.
Gadgets and accessories to increase the capacity of your iPhone
We can say that a gadget is a device that has a specific purpose and function, usually small in size, very practical and at the same time new. They tend to be more inventive in their design than modern technology.
If you want us to recommend some gadgets to increase the memory of your iPhone, check out what we leave for you:
iDoo Micro USB 3.0
This is an external memory that allows you to take advantage of alternative storage as it offers you an additional 32GB or 64GB. Il works like a removable disk for mobile
that you log in to save what you consider important and then log out so that the information is safe.
Online store
This allows you to expand your iPhone's memory up to 64GB. It's also very versatile because you can use it with any phone and it has a Lightning and Micro USB . Like the previous one, this is removable memory, as you can plug it in to save what you need , then remove it to save the data.
MicroSD memory
MicroSD memory is the most efficient storage device for enhancing the quality of your Apple smartphone. There are many options with different capacities; from 4 GB to 128 GB and more , there are even some that already exceed 512 GB and will soon reach or exceed 1 TB.
However, whether you can use any of them mainly depends on what kind of terminal you have, as they have a limitation on expansion. For example, the iPhone X in the 64GB version can only be expanded to 128GB, meaning it can only be integrated with another 64GB card.
How to free up memory and speed up iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS
With the advent of the new flagship, iPhone 5S , other models did not become history - iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS are still actively used by users. An excellent option for a budget smartphone, but sometimes you wish it worked a little faster. And this can be achieved through simple manipulations.
The slow performance of the iPhone is partly explained by the fact that we involuntarily compare our old model with the newer and more productive versions of our friends - the result is clearly not in favor of the “oldies”. Plus, I still have fresh impressions of how quickly the smartphone worked immediately after purchase. And this is the essence of the problem; during its operation, the device became thoroughly clogged with information garbage.
Even though Apple smartphones are less sensitive to this than similar gadgets, it will become simply impossible to play Temple Run 2 on the iPhone 3Gs over time - due to terrible brakes. But all is not lost and performance can be increased - here are some tips.
To a greater extent, these instructions are relevant for iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS without jailbreak.
Close all unnecessary applications
The presence of multitasking support in iOS 6 does not mean that this function should be abused. The RAM is not flexible and applications running in the background take up resources, with virtually no return. Double-click on the Home button, open the list of running programs, press and hold on any icon for a couple of seconds and click on the crosses (in iOS 6 and below) or swipe up to close one application after another.
Delete Cookies, Data and History in Safari
Information of this kind is not always vitally important, and it takes up space - since we’ve started spring cleaning, let’s get rid of it.
In the standard Settings , find the Safari , which offers two commands: “ Clear history ” and “ Delete cookies and data ”.
Attention! Once you do this, don't be surprised that the browser no longer offers auto-typing of URLs - quick access will only remain for those saved in bookmarks. Your personal data will also be “forgotten”.
Reboot your iPhone
Sometimes the most common reboot helps, the oldest method of correcting all glitches of electronic devices. Press the Power and hold until the Power off , which turns off the device. This will take about 10 seconds, then you should wait a few more to be sure and turn on the gadget using the same Power . If you see the Apple logo, everything is fine.
Delete unnecessary text and multimedia messages
Hand on heart, you don’t need all the SMS messages with empty chatter and “hello-bye”, do you? And if you can free up a couple more megabytes of memory, it’s worth doing this by deleting unnecessary text arrays. Open the Messages and periodically swipe to the right and tap Delete . An alternative method is to select Edit and click on the red minuses, deleting everything unnecessary.
Remove annoying content - music, videos, photos
It's time to deal with the next category of information garbage. Open Settings , General , Statistics and examine the used space and what types of applications take up the most space.
With a high probability it will be Music and Photos , that is, perhaps the memory is occupied by old music tracks, unnecessary pictures and spontaneously made videos that no one remembers.
Pick up a virtual broom and go ahead and clean up.
Open the Music , find songs and even entire albums that you won’t be sorry to part with, and delete them from your iPhone. But if you wish, you can download the music again, but with personal photos it is better to proceed more carefully - make a backup on your computer in advance. In order to copy photos from the Camera Roll, you need to connect your smartphone to your computer, and after the device is identified as a camera, make a copy.
By deleting unclaimed music and photos, you will get up to several GB of free space - they will come in handy.
Remove unused apps
In the same Statistics , you can see other sections that take up an unacceptable amount of precious memory. Scroll down and click Show all applications, after which it becomes clear which program is taking up how much space.
Then it’s a matter of technique, swipe to the right and Delete , the main thing is not to get carried away and check whether unused applications are actually deleted. The same action can be performed in the desktop space by holding your finger on any icon to enter editing mode.
Once we're done and we've seen how much memory has been freed up, we can test how much faster our old iPhone is by running the game Temple Run 2, for example.
Restore iPhone to factory settings
This is, without a doubt, the most severe thing that can be done to a smartphone in an attempt to return it to its former performance. A factory reset essentially turns the iPhone back to what it was when it was put in the box to be sent to the store. Minus the fact that some physical components have become somewhat worn out.
Please note that absolutely no data will remain in memory, and there is no way to return it. Creating a backup in iTunes or iCloud will be more than a reasonable measure, do not neglect the latter option. In the case of the iCloud service, you need to find the section Storage and copies , and then click on the Create a copy button at the bottom of the screen.
How much space is there in free iCloud storage?
In the basic version of iCloud, each user receives only 5GB of free space to store their personal data. For many, this may seem like too little amount, but this space can be expanded by upgrading to a tariff plan that suits you, which provides more storage space.
There are tariffs for 50GB, 200GB and 2TB. Prices, respectively: 59, 149 and 599 rubles. The tariff plan is valid for 1 month, and after its end there is an automatic monthly debiting of funds for it (if you do not cancel the tariff in advance). You can change your tariff plan on almost any platform: using a mobile device based on iOS, a PC or laptop with masOS or Windows operating systems.
How to see free space in iCloud
You can view the memory status (used and free) on any device.
For iOS
For iOS, the following instructions are relevant:
- Open settings;
- Click on your name and open the “iCloud” section.
Full information about the storage will appear here.
Here you can see how much memory is being used by the device and how much is remaining free. All occupied memory is divided into categories.
For example, with the help of a visual chart you can see and approximately imagine what percentage is applied to photos, music, documents and other files. You can also see a list of apps that are using iCloud storage, and you can get more information about storage in Manage Storage.
Mac
For Mac computers:
- Open the Apple main menu;
- Select the system settings section, then “Apple ID” and finally “iCloud”.
All the necessary information about the memory of various applications can be obtained here by clicking on the “Manage” button.
iCloud for Windows
On PCs and laptops with the Windows operating system, you can check the storage status using the special “iCloud for Windows” application. There is also a faster, more universal way - open the iCloud website on any of the supported browsers: Opera, Microsoft Edge, Firefox 45 (or later), Yandex Browser or Google Chrome at least version 54.