Despite some quirks, this drive offers cluttered phones a welcome taste of freedom.
UPDATE FROM AUTHOR (9/1/2016):
Reader feedback on this review has prompted MacSources to investigate a potential malfunction. We have reached out to the manufacturer for comment.
The reported behavior was not present during the review period, but at this time, we are asking any reader interested in this product to operate the device with caution.
For now, only use the app provided at this link: (WitStick version link). Use of any other application may cause the device to lose the ability to be recognized when connected to a Lightning port. In a test case, the affected device is still able to partially function as a Windows/MacOS USB drive.
If you have already purchased the OMARS WitStick and are experiencing difficulties, we would recommend reaching out to the place you purchased it from for a refund.
MacSources would like to thank our readers for their engagement and patience. We will update this article with news as soon as it is available.
Apple’s iOS has always been a pretty locked down operating system. When this lack of direct file system access is coupled with the brand’s infamous approach to non-expandable mobile device storage, file management can get a bit tricky. Now, there are plenty of positive arguments to be made regarding user security and application isolation, and I have enjoyed multiple iPhones and iPads for years, but I still dread clearing out a phone that is choked with media. Will my Windows PC import ALL of the pictures this time? Will I have to *shudder* attempt a photo sync with iTunes?
Enter the OMARS WitStick. This snappy little USB drive has a USB 3.0 port and a standard Lightning plug built right into opposite ends of the unit. The ideal use case would be to connect the drive to a phone’s Lightning port, offload all of the phone’s media to the external storage, and then immediately connect the USB drive to another tablet or PC. Or perhaps a vice versa case with files from the PC getting transferred into the phone, instead.
Does it work? Yes…to a point.
First, let’s talk about the software. Working with the WitStick requires the user to download the free WitStick app. The user can either follow the instructions in the box to search for the name of the app, but a helpful App Store redirect prompt will appear on the screen if the drive is connected without the presence of this app.
Using the Witstick app is fairly easy, though the interface could stand a few updates. The interface is rather large and seems to be an older app running in a kind of compatibility “screen-stretch” mode for larger phone screens. Because of this, file size information frequently overlaps the file names and image thumbnails appear to be unevenly sized. Worse, there does not appear to be a way to re-order or sort any of the file listings in the app. Depending on the area viewed, files and folders are sorted by file name OR date of creation within the app. This lack of user control appears to be an oversight, but the absence is still unfortunate. I would have also liked to see immediate information regarding storage space used and storage space remaining without having to check a separate menu option in the app.
While using the app, the user is given access to three menu options: “iPhone Storage”, “Camera Roll”, and “External Storage” if the drive is currently connected to the phone. The Camera Roll section works as expected, allowing a user to pull pics and videos over to the USB drive with a Copy/Paste action. It is important to note that these backups are ONLY Copy actions and a user does not appear to actually be able to delete media from the Camera Roll using this app. The iPhone Storage and External Storage options offer a bit more freedom in that files can be created, deleted, copied, moved, and pasted with very little effort. It is very important to mention that any files stored in this “iPhone Storage” section are not actually stored alongside existing phone media, but are constantly held in a folder structure that exists only within the WitStick app. A user that attempts to load new music onto their phone by copying music from a PC into the iPhone Storage folder titled Music will not be able to see this copied music appear in the iTunes or iPhone native music app for playback.
Speaking of playback, the WitStick app appears to handle iPhone-created images and video just fine by using what seems to be the iPhone stock media player, but videos other than those that have a .MOV or .MP4 extension may not playback reliably, if at all. The app does not seem to offer any details into which files are taboo and which are acceptable, so users with collections of older uniquely-encoded videos may be faced with a little trial and error for playback.
My attempts to back up my photos and video were successful and the results were immediately available on my PC once connected to the USB portion of the drive. Speeds over Lightning port were not as quick as when using the USB 3.0 connection to my PC, but both connection methods were fast enough to get the job done. I was very pleased to see that I could use the WitStick app to queue up a larger copy function and then drop out of the app to switch to something else (such as responding to a text message or checking my latest updates through Google News or Feedly) without cancelling or pausing the pending transfer.
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The software might be a little rough around the edges, but hardware aspects of the drive make this USB drive is a stand-out. I reviewed a 32GB unit and this was plenty of space for me to perform plenty of copies and moves between PC and phone. The USB drive presents the image of a plain black rectangle that is built with a mixture of metal and plastic. A small blue LED is visible on the logo side of the unit to indicate any type of read/write activity. Given the ability of the Lightning port to connect to a device “upside-down” or “right-side up”, I found it a bit odd that the LED was not given an additional viewport on the opposite side of the unit. This would have allowed a user to see activity on the drive no matter the drive’s connection orientation, but this curious decision seems to be largely harmless.
The USB 3.0 and Lightning plugs are perfectly sturdy. With a bit of design flair that is nothing short of ingenious, each of the plug caps are magnetic and attach to the opposite end of the unit when one of the plugs are in use. This may not be a perfect solution to a lost cap since the magnetic cap could always weaken, but I greatly prefer this method of cap storage over any kind of plastic strap or hinge.
I have to give a fair amount credit to the manufacturer. They have produced a smartly-built device that allows a user to (somewhat) easily work their way around a few valid iOS filesystem loopholes in order to manage their iPhone’s storage. The WitStick app is not perfect, but it does work, warts and all. Until pigs fly and Apple decides to switch to a more open-access file structure, the OMARS Witstick USB 3.0/Lightning drive is among the most useful devices a user can carry.
Download App from App Store
For more information, visit omars.co.
Find OMARS on Facebook.
I just purchese the 64 GB version (USB3). when I want to copy many pictures file it just copy about 8 of the file (although during the process the bar shows that number of selected photo is being to copy). what is the problem
I purchased the 64GB OMARS Lightning Stick second generation. I wanted it to store my movies on it to watch them regardless of which device I have it plugged into. I’m still trying to figure it out. This is NOT very user friendly. frustrating to say the least.
Did you get the app from the app store? What specific issues are you having? The set-up process is a bit confusing, but it works once you are through that.
I purchased the 64GB OMARS Lightning Stick second generation. I wanted it to store my photos on it to watch them regardless of which device I have it plugged into. I’m still trying to figure it out how to copy because at 1st instance i DID NOT ALLOW to access my photo album. Now unable to add album to copy the picture…. This is NOT very user friendly. frustrating to say the least.
I’m sorry to hear that you are having problems with the storage device. Did you download the app from the app store?
I just searched for the app on the App Store (Omars witstick, Omars lightning stick) and got no results. I, too, am having trouble making it do what I want. Kinda a lot to pay ($69) for a cute little malfunction.
Here is a link to the app. Sorry it should have been included in the review.
WitStick by DNS Industries Co, Ltd https://appsto.re/us/GT6J-.i
Just purchased the 64GB version and it works great on my Iphone 6s but would also like to connect it to my Ipad 3. Is there an adaptor that works as there are so many mixed reviews to do with connectivity and I don’t know if Witstick app will work through an adaptor?
I’m unsure if it will work with an adapter or not, but you could try the standard 30-pin to Lightning adapter that Apple makes. There are also third party adapters that have the same function.
I managed to copy the photos to the stick using the application. But how do you copy files and music ?
WitStick doesn’t provide much direction here and I’m having trouble finding it out myself. I would try contacting their customer support for additional information.
I just purchased the Omar’s 64 G. My problem is I can’t read the tiny little manual booklet that comes with it. I have tried to find a manual I can download from the net, but there is none. Where to I get a downloaded manual for this that I can print in a size I can read?
You might want to try to reach out to the company. I don’t remember ever seeing a manual.
I just bought one of these and it will not allow me to save all photos… so am back to square one… Dont waste your money
I agree, that’s why we posted the disclaimer at the top of the review. The company has yet to respond to us with any sort of fix or answer. Very disappointing as it could have been a great device.
Hola, tengo el de 64GB 2º Generacion, me a dejado de funcionar, como lo puedo solucionar, no funciona la luz azul, gracias
Lo siento oír que dejó de funcionar. Unos meses después de nuestra opinión empezamos a tener problemas con él también. Me gustaría llegar a la empresa o si lo ha hecho desde algún lugar como Amazon intente enviarlo de vuelta para un reembolso. El iBridge Leaf es una mejor opción.
I have transferred music files from iTunes to Omar’s 32G. The file names are indecipherable. Is there any way to identify individual tracks?
At this time I’m telling everyone who buys this product to return it as we have had lots of problems with the product and the support via the company has been horrendous.
Just received it will not work returning it tomorrow!
They have been very bad about doing anything with customers and the product has been failing. I would definitely return it.
How did you get the music to transfer? I cannot get mine to transfer at all! Any help, other than taking it back as it was a gift, would be appreciated.
I have purchased the 32gb stick and want to save my photos onto it but through the app I cannot access my photos the camera roll is totally empty and am not sure if I am missing something obvious I ought to do?
UPDATE FROM AUTHOR (9/1/2016):
Reader feedback on this review has prompted MacSources to investigate a potential malfunction. We have reached out to the manufacturer for comment.
The reported behavior was not present during the review period, but at this time, we are asking any reader interested in this product to operate the device with caution.
For now, only use the app provided at this link: (WitStick version link). Use of any other application may cause the device to lose the ability to be recognized when connected to a Lightning port. In a test case, the affected device is still able to partially function as a Windows/MacOS USB drive.
If you have already purchased the OMARS WitStick and are experiencing difficulties, we would recommend reaching out to the place you purchased it from for a refund.
MacSources would like to thank our readers for their engagement and patience. We will update this article with news as soon as it is available.
I got the WitStick 2nd gen. And I have over 6,000 photos on my phone, when I plug the WitStick in only 3,000 pop up to transfer. How do I fix this?
Hi, I bought a lightning stick second generation 128 g. The box indicates that it is for iPod, iPhone, iPad. I have an iPad 2. I downloaded the Witstick app from the Apple App Store. It installed successfully and I opened the app. It said to install the Witstick. I tried to do that, but I do not have an opening on the iPad that corresponds to the plug on the Witstick. Did I buy the wrong type of Witstick, or do I have to buy an adapter?
I was given the lighting stick second generation 64g as a birthday present in may 2017, how do I transfer music and movies purchased on iTunes, do I need to get another app to ‘redesignate ‘ the files?
I backed up all my photos and videos but when I formatted my WitStick, everything got deleted ?
After I transfer my pictures to my lighting stick from my iPad can I view my pictures from the lighting stick on a ipad
So far, I have to say this is a pretty sad app and device. Hooked up the device, and it saw 2247 photos. I started moving and stopped after 743. Just stopped. Restarted the app, now it only saw 1440. After moving them, it offered to delete 73 photos (73?). I said yes, and now it sees 1367. It moves them and doesn’t offer to delete. Can’t reclaim any space because it doesn’t delete.
i have installed the witstick app but it does not open. It’s there but when i click on it it just flashes the title onto the page then disappears again. I have reinstalled the app but to no avail. Seems useless.
JUST DOWNLOADED THE NEW 3.3 ON MY NEW IPHONE 8 PLUS FROM MY 7 THAT THE STICK WORKED AMAZINGLY!!! NOW IT TAKES A FEW TRIES TO RECOGNIZE THE STICK THEN IT RETURNS ME TO MY APPLE SCREEN…WTF? I NEED THESE TRIP PICTURES OFF MY PHONE….PLEASE HELP ANYONE….
How is Omars M02BH07 memory stick work on laptop and printer because when I plugged with any usb capable device then I can’t find any file or any data ??? Why ???
I can’t figure out how to use this. I encrypted and formatted the stick but I can’t access my files on phone to transfer. Also I can’t transfer my audio library from my Mac Pro labtop to the stick
What a joke. Worked ok when I first got it but now what a joke. I can’t transfer and watch movies and the user manual seems to of lost all the information that it originally had when i first purchased it. I am trying to find a user manual on the web but I am having no joy
Hi i use Omars stick every day on my iPhone 6+ but when i connected with my new iPhone 8plus says:OPEN SESSION FAILED!
WHY?????
same problem, no solution yet because OMARS will not answer me
Had the same problem, using the wit stick with my new iPhone 11. Solution: connected the usb to my computer, and formatted it (erased it all) (obviously i saved the pics i wanted to keep).
Tried again with my phone and it worked perfectly
Greetings of love. I got this Omars Lightning Stick Second Generation 32G as a gift and after I downloaded the app Witstick I cannot find how to transfer documents from Pages into the stick. It only allows me to transfer photos, videos and music. Can someone help me with this?
So it seems like I am the only one who got screwed at a discount. Meaning, through a review site I was able to purchase OMARS 128gb drive for .68cents, Yup, less than $1. For about a month it worked fine. For those of you who can’t figure out how to put certain files on it, it’s called drag and drop, plug it in your PC, it will appear as an external drive, any file you want, just right click it, copy then paste into the flash drive, or drag and drop if you don’t wamt it to stay on your PC. I had my iPhone 8 backed up on it, 4 movies, 3 seasons of a TV shows plus pictures. When it was plugged into my laptops 3.0 port I was getting 40-50mbps trandfer speeds aka super fast. Then one day I plug it into my phone, the message pops up saying that it would like to open Witstick, click allow, then instead of seeing all the stuff on my Flash, I just get an fsint error. Emailed the company several times, no response. soooooo, at least it was cheap, but super disappointing,
I accidently deleted this app from my iPhone along with all of my photos as I did not know that they were not back up to the actual stick. 🙁
Are my photos gone forever?
App wont allow me to access it just stops short while after pressing ‘get’
Hi there. My old Omar‘s lightning stick and the new one are doing the same thing. I am trying to load a 4.15 GB file onto a 64 GB stick and it’s telling me I don’t have enough room. It’s brand new. Nothing on it. My husband tried to reconfigure it and I got the movie onto the stick but it won’t transfer onto my phone now. Can you help?
I got the 64GB Omars Flashdrive and it served well – until I tried to move the stored files – mainly photos – from the Flashdrive to my iMac (OS HighSierra). The drive is recognized, the files are visible, but when I try to move or copy them, I get an error and the computer crashes. The same with my MacBook Pro (also OS HighSierra). It says on the box of the stick “Made for iPhone, iPad, iPod”, so I guess, it is OSX-compatible, but not MacOS compatible – which is a shame. Why building in a USB 3.0 port, when it is pointless? There is no App available for MacOS 🙁