You can use the Files app and other supported apps to access files stored on external devices, such as USB drives and SD cards, connected to your iPad. The Files app also allows you to create and manage files and folders on your iPad, iCloud Drive, file servers and in other cloud storage like Box and Dropbox.
In order to connect a physical external storage device to your iPad, you will need to make sure you have the appropriate connector. This may mean that you will need to purchase something specifically for the purpose of connecting your iPad to the external device. Depending on your iPad model and external device, you may need the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, USB-C to SD Card Camera Reader, or Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader.
On models that support Thunderbolt / USB 4, you can connect multiple USB drives and other Thunderbolt devices to each other, and then connect the chain of devices to the charging port on your iPad.
Note: An external storage device must have only a single data partition, and it must be formatted as APFS, APFS (encrypted), macOS Extended (HFS ), exFAT (FAT64), FAT32, or FAT. To change the formatting of a storage device, use the Files app on iPad or a Mac or PC.
If you are purchasing a cable or adapter, make sure you will be getting the correct one for your needs. Check your external device and/ or the cable it came with to determine what type of connection you will need on that end. Some of the common types of connecters are: USB, USB-C and micro USB. For your iPad, you will need to know if your iPad has a lightning connecter port or a USB-C.
USB-C:
- iPad Pro (M4)
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th generation)
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th generation)
- iPad Air (M2 and M3)
- iPad Air (4th or 5th generation)
- iPad mini (A17 Pro)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
- iPad (A16)
- iPad (10th generation)
Lightning:
- All other iPad models
Tip:
If you are going to be using an external hard disk, it may require a power source to work properly (or at least not to drain your iPad battery) while you have it connected. To do this, you can use a multi-port adapter. For example, a lightning to USB 3 camera adapter has a lightning connector (to connect to your iPad) on one end, and both USB and USB-C connector ports on the other. This allows you to connect a power source, in addition to your external hard disk.
View the contents of the drive or memory card
- Attach the USB drive or SD card reader to the charging port on your iPad using a compatible connector or adapter.
- Open the Files app on your iPad.
- Tap Browse at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap the name of the device below Locations. If you don’t see Locations, tap Browse again at the bottom of the screen, then tap on the name of your external device to show its contents.
Saving Files to/from your External Drive
Copying files to/from the Files App
You may want to copy a file to your external drive that is already saved in iCloud or on your iPad. You may also want to copy a file from your external drive – the process looks the same (except for the file location) and so we will just describe copying to your external drive.
- Find the file in the Files app by browsing from the left sidebar or by using the search field at the top of your screen.
- Press and hold on the file icon until a menu appears. You can choose to copy, duplicate or move the file. For these instructions, we will choose Copy.
- If you used the search function, you may need to tap Cancel in the upper-right corner. Open the file folder where you want to place the file you copied.
- Tap and hold on an open spot on the screen until a small menu appears. Choose Paste from the menu.
Saving from Another App
You can save a file to your external drive from within an app. The details may vary depending on the app.
- Tap on the Share icon. From the menu, select Save to Files (or maybe Export …, depending on the app.)
- Choose your external drive from the save menu. You may select a subfolder or create a folder by tapping the new folder icon at the top of the save menu. You may also change the name of your file before you save it by tapping on the file name.
- Tap Save in the upper-right corner of the save menu.
Importing from External Drive into an App
The instructions for this will be specific to the app, however, if you can import a file from your iCloud Drive into the app, you should also be able to import a file (of the appropriate type) from your external drive.
Disconnect the drive or card reader
Remove it from the charging port on iPad.
Important: Although you can use an external hard drive with an iPad, it’s worth noting that external hard drives often require an external power source when used with iPad. On models that support Thunderbolt / USB 4, if an external hard drive doesn’t supply its own power, you can use a powered USB hub. If your iPad has a Lightning connector, you can use the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connected to a USB power adapter.