Troubleshooting: Missing Photos When Backing Up with Clickfree

“Why can’t I see all my photos when I plug in my Clickfree?”

You're not alone! Many customers reach out asking why only some of their photos and videos show up when they try to back them up.

Here’s the reason:

If your photos are stored in iCloud and not physically on your device, Clickfree can’t see or back them up.

Your iPhone or iPad saves space by keeping small preview versions of photos on your device while the full-size versions stay in the cloud (iCloud). These previews can’t be backed up until the real photos are downloaded to your phone.

Step 1: Turn On iCloud Photos and Download Originals

1. Open the Settings app (grey gear icon).

2. Scroll down and tap Photos.

3. Make sure iCloud Photos is turned ON (green).

4. Select Download and Keep Originals.

   • This tells your phone to pull down full versions of your photos from iCloud.

     • • • Your phone will now begin downloading your photos from iCloud. This may take a while depending on your internet speed and how many photos you have.

Step 2: Wait for the Photos to Fully Download

• Open the Photos app.

• Scroll through and check that your images are loading clearly (not blurry).

• If you see a spinning wheel or "Downloading" messages, it means the process is still ongoing.

  • • • •  Keep your phone plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi during this process.

Step 3: Connect the Clickfree Device

1. Plug your Clickfree into your iPhone or iPad’s charging port.

2. Tap Open when the Clickfree app appears.

• • • • If it doesn’t open automatically, tap the Clickfree app on your home screen.

Step 4: Start the Backup Process

1. Tap Start Backup in the Clickfree app.

2. The app will scan your device and find only the locally stored photos and videos.

3. Once scanned, it will begin transferring them to your Clickfree drive.

4. Let the process finish—don’t disconnect the drive until it's done.