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User profile for user: lucysch
lucysch Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

2020 Apple iPad, 10.2", A12, iPadOS, How to connect to an external Harddrive?

So I have just bought the newest simple iPad which I want to physically connect to an external hard drive so I can sync across the PHOTOS across from the apple app '" PHOTOS" held on my hard drive - ( I do not want to use the cloud to transfer) - is this possible?

Will it crash the ipad transferring from a backup from an old macbook running Yosemite/ Mohave I think ( The Ipad has got a 128 storage/ memory)..


Also what is the cable called I need to connect from the hard drive USB port to the iPad?

There's only one hole for the charging cable ie there is no USC port...


I also have SD cards I want to transfer files from - so ideally would like to buy a hub like the USB C HUB, 7 in 1 with 4K HDMI but I need the correct end bit on the hub to fit in the charging hole...


Not at all sure this is possible so any advice gratefully received!



Posted on Mar 2, 2021 12:06 PM

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
289,822 points

Posted on Mar 2, 2021 3:37 PM

Connection of external storage devices is possible - with some caveats...


To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required. For HDD, an external power source is definitely required.


If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your Power Adapter, to both the iPad and connected device. The Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.


  • Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A



If you have one of the newest iPad Pro models, with a USB-C connector, you may need to utilise a powered USB hub (i.e., it has its own source of power) - connecting both the iPad Pro and the storage device to ports on the hub.


The external storage device will obviously require an appropriate USB3 cable to connect to the USB port of the Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter, or USB hub if used.


Some additional information can be found here:

Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support

https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad


I hope this information proves to be helpful in resolving your connection difficulties.

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User profile for user: LotusPilot
LotusPilot
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
289,822 points

Mar 2, 2021 3:37 PM in response to lucysch

Connection of external storage devices is possible - with some caveats...


To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required. For HDD, an external power source is definitely required.


If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your Power Adapter, to both the iPad and connected device. The Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.


  • Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A



If you have one of the newest iPad Pro models, with a USB-C connector, you may need to utilise a powered USB hub (i.e., it has its own source of power) - connecting both the iPad Pro and the storage device to ports on the hub.


The external storage device will obviously require an appropriate USB3 cable to connect to the USB port of the Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter, or USB hub if used.


Some additional information can be found here:

Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support

https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad


I hope this information proves to be helpful in resolving your connection difficulties.

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User profile for user: QuickTimeKirk
QuickTimeKirk
User level: Level 10
125,971 points

Mar 2, 2021 12:43 PM in response to lucysch

Yours has a Lightning port to you would need a "dongle". Lightning (into the iPad) to USB-C "female". You would then plug a USB-C cable (you decide the length) from that dongle to the external drive.

The drive also has requirements. It must use a file format that the iPad can use. Most common is EX-FAT (works with Mac and PC's). The external can be a hard disk or flash. HD's are cheaper.

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User profile for user: lucysch
lucysch Author
User level: Level 1
10 points

Mar 14, 2021 4:15 PM in response to LotusPilot

Hi

i don’t think you read my original post correctly as it is not an iPad Pro.?! Details of what I have is in the question! Also I stated that my external drive ALREADY has photos in I PHOTO ( saved from High Sierra/ Yosemite ) so plainly my HD has already been formatted to allow all my Previous Apple back ups to work.

I wanted a quick n easy answer not a “showy offy” ramble of jargon which sounds like it’s come from an auto bot! And of course I had already read everything on the Apple support link. HENCE MY ORIGINAL QUESTION so please once again any simple advice as to where to buy a LIGHTENING TO USB C converter dongle that won’t overheat OR burnout when transpiring 80000 photos across from my Apple formatted hard drive to my iPad 8th gen would be great fully received. Thank you

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2020 Apple iPad, 10.2", A12, iPadOS, How to connect to an external Harddrive?

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