How to fix iPhone SE not detecting external storage in the Files app?

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Level 1

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How to fix iPhone SE not detecting external storage in the Files app?

I get data to or from my iPhone SE 1st generation, running on iOS 15 when connected to my Mac Mini and MacBook Pro. This works using many combinations of my cables and adaptors between the computers and lightning port on the phone - none are Apple brand, but the OTG data transfer adaptors are expensive versions.

I've read “Connect external storage devices to iPhone” at Connect external storage devices to iPhone – Apple Support (UK) and tried to follow it. And I've also read many related questions on this forum. I look in the Files app and click Browse and wait a long time. Where there are images on the SD cards I look in the Photos app as well.

But the phone won’t see any of my external storage devices. These include USB sticks of many brands and SD cards in a card reader, all formatted as FAT, FAT32 or exFAT and with only one partition each. (None of my external SSDs etc have only single partitions or APFS, so I can't try them.)

Could the problem be that my USB sticks and card reader all need more power than the old iPhone can deliver? If so I’ll get a suitable connector such as an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter that supports USB‑A & Power Pass.

(I’m planning to upgrade to a newer phone soon, but want to still use the old one with extra storage of data - music, photos etc.)

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iphone doesn’t see external storage devices

iPhone SE, iOS 15

Posted on Jul 21, 2025 4:41 AM

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Answer 1

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Dutyhog Author

Level 1

18 points

Jul 29, 2025 2:50 AM in response to Bob Timmons

I did get an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter. It works as it should with my iPhone and external USB sticks, SD cards and SDDs. Some need external USB power and others don't.

The only thing I don't like is that my iOS15 doesn’t seem to have an eject facility, and just pulling out the external device can leave it a bit muddled, needing Disc Utility's 1st Aid.

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Answer 2

Bob Timmons

Level 10

192,460 points

Jul 21, 2025 6:40 AM in response to Dutyhog

Could the problem be that my USB sticks and card reader all need more power than the old iPhone can deliver?

Yes

If so I’ll get a suitable connector such as an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter that supports USB‑A & Power Pass.

It appears that you already have the UK version of this Apple Support document......which mentions that you may need to use a powered USB hub or camera adapter.

Note: External hard drives often require an external power source when used with iPhone. If an external hard drive doesn’t supply its own power, and your iPhone has a USB-C connector, you can use a powered USB hub. If your iPhone has a Lightning connector, you can use the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connected to a USB power adapter.

Connect external storage devices to iPhone - Apple Support

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Answer 3

SravanKrA

Level 10

441,982 points

Jul 21, 2025 4:53 AM in response to Dutyhog

This user has a solution --> Connecting to server in the Files app on … - Apple Community

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Answer 4

SravanKrA

Level 10

441,982 points

Jul 21, 2025 4:54 AM in response to Dutyhog

See three pics below.

See Pictures below, which are explanatory.

In the last image of Piuc 1: The "Backup of Sravan...", "Madhu 2TB", "Mandrink", "SravanKrA" are external Hard Disks Connected to the MacBook Pro. See the MacBook picture posted below as Pic 2 to display the same HDDS. Look at pic 3 below to know how to get the IP Address of the MacBook that has a connection to the External HDD.

Pic 1:

Pic 2:

Pic 3:

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