While iPhones don’t include a built-in microSD card reader, adding an external memory card reader is straightforward and doesn’t require any extra software, and the same process applies to iPads.
Here’s how to do it.
Removable Memory Cards Still Matter
Even with the prevalence of iCloud and portable SSDs, enabling your iPhone to read and write to SD and microSD cards can still be valuable. These cards remain widely used. Some devices still make use of the SD card reader.
These cards are commonly used in various cameras, including drone cameras, dash cams, and standard digital cameras. Additionally, many Android devices feature microSD card slots, making these cards a convenient method for transferring files between devices.
You might also want to consider using a backup application like OWC’s Copy That to back up images from your iPhone or iPad to an SD card.
Fortunately, incorporating a reader is both simple and cost-effective.
Method 1: Using USB-C Card Readers (For newer iPhones and iPads)
If you have an iPhone 15 or later with a USB-C port, this method is the easiest and most efficient. You may even already own a compatible card reader.
Step 1: Obtain a USB-C SD/microSD card reader.
If you don’t already have one, numerous options are available from various retailers. Alternatively, if you possess a multi-port USB-C hub for your Mac that includes an SD card reader, you can simply connect it to your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2: Connect the card reader to your iPhone or iPad.
Plug the USB-C card reader directly into the USB-C port on your device.
Step 3: Insert the SD or microSD card into the reader.
Make sure the card is properly seated in the reader.
Step 4: Open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad.
The Files app is the default file manager on iOS and iPadOS.
Step 5: Locate the SD card in the Files app.
The SD card should appear as an external drive in the Files app, similar to how it would appear on a computer. You can then access, copy, move, or manage the files on the card.
Method 2: Using Lightning Card Readers (For older iPhones and iPads)
This method applies to older iPhones and iPads that have a Lightning port instead of USB-C. It involves using a Lightning-compatible SD card reader.
Step 1: Purchase a Lightning SD card reader.
Search online retailers for “Lightning SD card reader”. Numerous affordable options are available.
Step 2: Connect the card reader to your iPhone or iPad.
Plug the Lightning SD card reader into the Lightning port on your device.
Step 3: Insert the SD or microSD card into the reader.
Ensure the card is properly inserted into the reader.
Step 4: Use the Reader’s App.
Lightning-enabled SD/microSD card readers typically require their own dedicated apps for file management, rather than using the iOS Files app directly. Download and install the app associated with your specific card reader.
Step 5: Access the files.
Within the app, you can then access the files stored on the SD or microSD card.
Method 3: Using a Lightning to USB Adapter with a Standard Card Reader (Alternative Method)
An alternative hardware setup for Lightning-equipped devices involves utilizing Apple’s Lightning to USB-A adapter in conjunction with a standard USB card reader.
Step 1: Acquire Apple’s Lightning to USB-A adapter.
You’ll need to purchase the official Apple Lightning to USB-A adapter.
Step 2: Connect the USB card reader to the adapter.
Plug your standard USB card reader into the USB-A port on the adapter.
Step 3: Connect the adapter to your iPhone or iPad.
Plug the Lightning end of the adapter into the Lightning port on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 4: Insert the SD or microSD card into the reader.
Ensure the card is correctly inserted into the reader.
Step 5: Open the Files app.
The SD card should appear as an external drive in the Files app, similar to how it would appear on a computer.
Step 6: Access the files.
You can then access, copy, move, or manage the files on the card.
Extra Software Considerations
No additional software is needed to use a standard USB card reader with a USB-C iPhone or iPad. The iOS Files application provides all the necessary functionality.
Simply insert the memory card into the reader, connect the reader to your iPhone or iPad’s USB-C port, and open the Files app to access the SD card, which will appear like any other drive, allowing you to access, move, and play files as needed.
However, Lightning-enabled SD/microSD card readers often rely on their own dedicated apps, not the Files app, for file management. These apps offer their own file browsing interfaces. If you prefer to avoid using third-party apps, consider using the Lightning to USB-A adapter from Apple in conjunction with a standard USB card reader.
Adding SD and microSD card support to your iPhone or iPad offers flexibility for file management and transfer.