Import photos from connected cameras or memory cards

Last updated on 1 September 2026

Learn how to import photos from connected cameras or memory cards.

Connect external storage devices to transfer photos directly into Lightroom on your iOS device.

Direct import lets you transfer photos and raw images from camera memory cards, cameras, or USB storage devices straight into Adobe Lightroom on iOS without using your computer. This method preserves image quality and gives you immediate access to editing tools.

Navigate to All Photos or select an existing album where you want to import photos.

Connect your iOS device to the camera memory card, camera, or USB storage device using the appropriate adapter.

In the Device connected dialog box, select Continue to grant Lightroom access to the attached media.

Select Import at the bottom-right corner, then select From Camera Device.

In the Direct Import screen, select the Add To dropdown and select where to import: All Photos, Current Album, or Create a New Album.

Select individual photos by tapping them, or select the device name or a date heading to select all photos from that source or date.

Tap the three-dot menu icon to access additional options: Select All, Deselect All, filter by Photos (JPG/PNG) or RAWs, or adjust thumbnail size.

Tap Import to begin copying the selected photos to Lightroom.

After copying completes, select Keep to leave the originals on the external media or Delete to remove them.

Safely disconnect the external media when Lightroom displays the disconnection notification.

Your imported photos appear in the assigned album, All Photos, or Recently Added. If you have a Lightroom subscription with cloud storage, the imported photos automatically sync across your devices.

Supported storage devices

Adobe Lightroom on iOS works with external storage media that are compatible with iOS devices:

SD camera memory cards using the Lightning to SD Card Reader or USB-C to SD Card Reader
Other memory card formats, such as XQD or Compact Flash, with compatible third-party card readers
DSLR cameras connected via Apple USB Camera Adapter (most cameras require PTP mode—consult your camera manual for USB connectivity options)
USB storage devices, including thumb drives and external hard drives

Note

For cameras connected via Apple USB Camera Adapter, ensure the camera is powered on. Some camera models require PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) mode to be enabled in the camera settings.

This procedure imports photos and videos directly from a DSLR camera or memory card connected to your Android device via USB OTG cable. The camera must be set to PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) mode for Lightroom to recognize it. To import photos already stored on your device, use the Gallery tab or Auto Add feature instead.

Direct import from your camera or memory card lets you transfer images to Adobe Lightroom on Android without first moving them to your device gallery. You can select specific photos, filter by format (JPG, PNG, RAW, video), and select which album to import into, before the files leave your camera.

USB OTG cable compatible with your Android device (USB C-type OTG cable recommended for devices with USB C-type connectors)
Camera set to PTP mode or compatible memory card reader
Lightroom on Android is installed and set as the default app for USB photo imports

Connect and import from your camera

Connect your Android device to the camera or card reader using a USB OTG cable.

In the notification bar, select the USB connection notification.

In the app picker, select the Lightroom app for the connected device.

In the Device connected dialog box, select Continue to access the photos.

In the Import panel, select From Camera Device, and then select the Options to filter by:

Select All: Selects all the images displayed in the import interface. This option is enabled once all the thumbnails of the images from the plugged-in camera are loaded.
Select None: Deselects all the selected images displayed in the import interface.
JPGs / PNGs: Displays JPG and PNG images only from the plugged-in camera.
RAWs: Displays raw images only from the plugged-in camera.
Videos: Displays videos only from the plugged-in camera.

Select the photos and videos you want to import, and then select Add to.

Select an existing album or select Create new to create a new album to import files.

Select Copy to begin transferring the original files to your device.

Lightroom copies the original files from your camera to your device and displays progress in the notification bar. You can disconnect the camera once copying completes. You can use Lightroom while photos are being added to your library.

If your Android device does not show the app picker and always opens the USB connection with another app installed, you need to clear that app as the default app in your device Settings.

For detailed troubleshooting, check Basic troubleshooting steps to fix most issues in Lightroom Classic.

Note

To view your recently imported photos, navigate to Lightroom > All photos. If you have a Lightroom subscription with cloud storage, the imported photos automatically sync across your devices.

Import photos from your device

Access your photo gallery

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