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
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.