Name: MFi MicroSD Card Reader with Auto Backup & Pass-Through Charging — Yellow
Brand: Piodata
Rating: 4.1 (8 reviews)

Product description

Auto backup while charging: This MicroSD card reader can simultaneously charge your iPhone, iPad or Android device and copy newly created photos and videos to a microSD card. The device avoids duplicate copies during automatic backups, and supports contact backup and restore. The iXflash iOS app can pull data from an iCloud Photos library so local and cloud content can be kept together on removable media you control.

Works with or without an app: When you just need file access, use the reader as a USB-C MicroSD card reader and browse, copy or transfer files using Apple Files or an Android file manager—no app required on compatible devices. For automated workflows, install the free iXflash app on iPhone/iPad or the Piodata app on Android to enable background backup, simplified file management and media playback. Photos and videos maintain original quality, filenames, dates and available metadata in supported workflows.

Two apps, one backup ecosystem: The iXflash iOS app adds automatic backup, iCloud Photos backup and restore, file management, media playback and Live Recording features including Picture-in-Picture dual-camera recording on supported iPhones. The Piodata Android app provides automatic photo backup and picture management on compatible Android phones; Live Recording is currently an iOS-only feature.

Power, certification and compatibility: MFi certification applies for supported Apple devices. The pass-through USB-C port supports up to 60W PD fast charging with PD 3.2, AVS and PPS on compatible chargers and cables. Use a USB-C PD charger and a USB-C to USB-C cable; USB-A to USB-C cables are not supported for passthrough power. Lightning iPhones need a compatible USB-C to Lightning cable and an external USB-C power source. The reader's extended USB-C connector is designed to fit most protective cases.

Record, play and expand to 2TB: On compatible iPhones (iPhone 7 and later) the iXflash app can record directly to microSD in 4K or 1080p modes and supports Picture-in-Picture Dual-Camera Recording. Play MP3 audio and MP4 video directly from the card. The interface is USB 3.2 Gen 1 with up to 5 Gbps theoretical bandwidth and backward compatibility with USB 2.0; actual throughput depends on host device and card. The reader accepts microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 2TB, supports SD v1.0–3.0 and UHS-I; UHS-II and microSD Express cards operate at UHS-I speeds when used with this reader.

What’s included and practical notes: The package provides the MicroSD card reader hardware; the iXflash (iOS) and Piodata (Android) apps are available at no charge. MicroSD cards, charger and cables are sold separately. To use, insert a card, plug the reader into the device’s USB-C or compatible Lightning cable arrangement, and choose either app-driven automatic backup or manual file access via the system file manager.

Pros

Automatic backups while charging
Works with system file managers or free companion apps
60W USB-C PD passthrough and MFi compatibility

Cons

Live Recording limited to iOS app for now
No obvious way to disable the status light or reduce idle heat
Build feels delicate to some users and swapping cards requires unplugging

VerdictA handy plug-in accessory for expanding local storage and creating automatic backups while you charge. It supports app-free file access as well as dedicated iOS and Android apps for extra features. Charging passthrough and MFi certification are strong pluses, while occasional app limitations, modest transfer speeds on some cards, and a fragile-feeling build are the main caveats. Good for media pla

Customer reviews

Rodolfo 5/5

Standard and dependable

Recommended.
Rick 5/5

Does the job

Performs as expected without surprises.
The Loud Majority 5/5

Simple to use and reliable

Insert a microSD, plug into the phone and it immediately shows up. It also works on my laptop’s USB-C. It fit with my phone case on. I wouldn’t keep it plugged in while carrying the phone around because it’s an attachment that could break. Overall very useful for adding removable storage and easy to operate.
e.p. 5/5

Handy and compact, but light and charging quirk

Solid little reader that does what it’s supposed to, but I couldn’t get passthrough charging to work on my device. The red indicator light won’t turn off and warms a bit in a pocket. It sits flush with most phones so the card is protected. I haven’t tried automatic backup yet—mainly using it to play music from my SD card.
Eric K. 4/5

Useful reader with a few design trade-offs

Good for transferring files and the companion app is straightforward. Recognized most cards I tried and passthrough charging is convenient. Downsides: the card slot faces the phone so you must unplug to swap cards, there’s no activity LED and transfer rates aren’t the fastest compared with premium models. Still a practical tool to carry.
Surfing Spleen 3/5

Works with pro camera app on iPhone but feels fragile

It functions with a pro video app on an iPhone 17 Pro Max for 4K/30, but the housing seems lightweight. Fine for occasional use in a bag, but I’d be careful carrying it in a pocket. The suggested companion app can be intrusive, so I removed it and still get the functionality I need—just handle the reader gently.
Jesse J. Pritchard, Jr. 1/5

Passthrough failed with my USB-A setup

I couldn’t get power passthrough from a standard USB-A supply. Customer support was hard to reach, so I returned the unit after troubleshooting. It may work with a USB-C PD charger, but I only tested it with USB-A and didn’t have success.
Conley L. 5/5

Adds storage and keeps devices powered

Exactly as described—lets my iPad Mini play movies from a card while staying charged. A convenient addition for travel and media playback.