transfer photos

Hello Friday_5-00,

Thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities and asking if you transfer photos directly to an external hard drive. There are three options to moving photos from your iPhone.

1. To go directly to an external, you need to use the Files app and have a device that is compatible with iOS and plugs directly into the iPhone: Connect servers or external devices with Files on iPhone - Apple Support

2. Otherwise you can use iCloud. Once they are synced from your phone to your computer, you can export them to the external drive from Photos: Set up and use iCloud Photos on all your devices - Apple Support

3. Lastly, just manually import them with iTunes or Finder, then export them from Photos: Transfer photos and videos from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

In order to export photos from the Photos app, use this article: Export photos, videos, and slideshows from Photos on Mac - Apple Support

Cheers.