Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.
sparkey-markey
User level: Level 1 (39 points)

iPhone shows 'not enough space' error when copying to external USB-C drive

I have an iPhone 18 Pro Max and I have a 1TB US-C memory stick.


I have been able to insert the USB-C drive into my iPhone and have been able to copy a load of photos and videos from my iPhone to the drive. This works fine on my iPad Pro.


In total, it’s about 150GB of photos and vids that have been copied to the USB-C drive and some left to do, I estimate about 20GB but when I try and copy these I get a message pop up saying that there is not enough space on the USB-C drive.


I’ve checked the memory state on disk utility on my iMac and there is plenty of space left.


Any advice on what I am doing wrong or is what I’m doing not really meant to be done?


Thanks.

Posted on Nov 8, 2026 8:27 AM

2 replies

WheelieNick
User level: Level 9 (74,110 points)

Nov 8, 2026 8:28 AM in response to sparkey-markey

Hi there

Please try this


  1. Break Down the Transfer:
    • Stop trying to copy the remaining 20GB in one single block.
    • Select a smaller batch (e.g., 2GB to 5GB of photos/videos at a time) and copy those individually.
  1. Restart the iPhone:
    • A quick reboot clears iOS’s temporary cache and resets the USB-C power/data controller state. Reconnect the USB-C drive after turning the phone back on.
  1. Check How You Are Copying:
    • If you are using Share > Save to Files straight from the Photos app, try dragging and dropping instead, or move them via the Files app directly if you exported them to a local folder first.


sparkey-markey Author
User level: Level 1 (39 points)

Nov 9, 2026 8:43 AM in response to WheelieNick

Hi, thank you for your reply.


I have tried what you suggested and it allowed me to copy one video to the USB-C drive but then came up with the same error message again. I tried re-starting my iPhone but unfortunately I made no difference.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256390855