Although it's not the most common use we give to our phone, there are times when we can greatly benefit from using our iPhone as if it were a Pen Drive. This function offers us an alternative to take advantage of the available space on our device, especially when other options, like cloud storage, are not available.
A storage that doesn't rely on the cloud
Our iPhone can very easily become a really interesting option when we need to transfer large files and we do not have access to the internet or prefer a more direct option than cloud storage. File transfer can be done simply and efficiently using AirDrop as long as we are transferring from a Mac, an iPad, or another iPhone.
A really convenient option if we select "On My iPhone" as the location within the Files app. By doing so, the transfer via AirDrop, even by cable, saves the content directly to our iPhone's internal storage, thus avoiding the unnecessary consumption of mobile data and also battery life that would be used by transferring them to the cloud. Is this option not showing up? Let's open the Files app, go to the Browse tab, touch Edit at the top, and enable On My iPhone.
If AirDrop is not an option, we still have ways to use our iPhone as a pendrive. It requires a few more steps, but it's almost just as simple. The key here is the use of third-party file management apps, like Documents, Files Go, or iFiles. These apps, combined with iTunes on Windows or the Finder app on Mac and a physical connection through a cable, allow us to sync and manage files between our iPhone and a computer efficiently.
If we are on a PC with Windows, the process begins with selecting a suitable file management app and installing iTunes. Once the iPhone is connected to the PC and trust is established between both devices—by tapping Trust when asked—we can sync and transfer files using the Files section of iTunes. Just drag the desired files to the application, selected on the sidebar, and wait for the transfer to complete, or vice versa.
Although using our iPhone as external storage might not be the first thing that comes to mind, this function can be extremely useful in certain circumstances. Whether we find ourselves without internet access or need to transfer a significant amount of data quickly and securely, our iPhone offers us a practical and efficient solution.
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