You really need to download the app on your phone but it prompts you to do so once you connect it to your phone. I had to remove the case (tech21) for my phone to register the flash drive. The app is very simple and very easy to use. You can even create folders right on your phone through the app, and when uploading pictures and videos you can select specific ones or all at once! There is also an option to download your contacts who are unsure about other things like music and files from iPhone (update will be released). So far the device is great. I was able to upload 1557 pictures and videos (some of them quite large and long) in less than 15 minutes. This drained my iPhone X max quite a bit (from 90% to 60%). The images were successfully transferred to the flash drive (check with my Mac Book Air). I have not checked the quality of the photo or video (I will post an update). I haven't tried a USB-C or Micro USB adapter, so I don't know how they work. I also just received the stick so I can't comment on the durability but it seems to be well made.
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