Import DJI Drone Footage to iPhone with USB‑C

A reliable, battery‑friendly transfer method for big projects. Learn the exact steps, recommended accessories, and compression settings that keep quality while shrinking file sizes.

Gear You Need

  • USB‑C iPhone (15/16 series) or Lightning with Apple adapter
  • USB‑C SD card reader (UHS‑I, U3/V30 cards)
  • Optional: Short USB‑C cable for direct drone connection

Transfer Steps

  1. Power off the drone to avoid battery drain during copy.
  2. Remove the SD card and insert it into the USB‑C reader.
  3. Connect to the iPhone; open Files app, then locate the card.
  4. Create a destination folder in On My iPhone or iCloud Drive.
  5. Copy starred or best‑take clips first to save time.

Tips for Speed & Reliability

  • Format the card in‑camera before shoots to prevent errors.
  • Keep iPhone above 20% battery; avoid low‑power throttling.
  • Copy before previewing; previewing can trigger background transcodes.

Compress Before iCloud with HEVCut

Raw 4K drone clips are big. After import, run HEVCut to reduce size without sacrificing resolution or frame rate. Recommended targets:

  • 4K30 landscape: 20–35 Mbps HEVC
  • 4K60 motion: 35–50 Mbps HEVC
  • 2.7K30: 12–20 Mbps; 1080p60: 8–12 Mbps

Batch compression speeds up iCloud uploads and keeps Photos responsive on lower‑capacity iPhones. Always preview a sample clip before processing a large set.

When to Use Files vs Photos

Use Files if you want folder organization or to keep “work in progress.” Use Photos for memories, albums, and quick sharing. HEVCut outputs are compatible with both and preserve playback on modern iPhones.