Setup notes
Help
Mac: connect iPhone and choose a destination
Connect your iPhone to the Mac with a USB cable that carries data, unlock the iPhone, and tap Trust if iOS asks. Then choose the destination folder or external drive in Portage and start the import. Portage copies the original files over USB and checks each copy.
iPhone: connect a USB-C drive
On iPhone, connect a USB-C SSD or drive, export originals from Photos to the drive. Portage confirms each written file exists, records its measured size in the manifest, and re-verifies the destination against that recorded size before delete. Deletion stays locked until the recorded checks pass, and you confirm the deletion yourself.
Why fewer items appear than Photos shows
Items in iCloud, Hidden, Shared Library, or Recently Deleted may not be exposed over cable. Portage imports and verifies what your device makes available, and records exactly what was copied in the manifest. The missing items guide covers the common causes.
Manifests and deleting originals
Portage writes a manifest to the destination folder so it can recognize existing verified imports later and skip copying files that are already present. Delete from the iPhone is enabled only after the destination file exists, the byte size matches, and the manifest row is written — and it always asks for explicit confirmation. Deleting iPhone originals can also remove them from iCloud Photos and other synced devices.
Step-by-step guides
Detailed walkthroughs for transferring to an external drive, exporting to a USB-C SSD, and deleting originals safely are in the guides section.
Contact
For access, setup help, or deployment questions, contact portage@ertyurk.com.