ipados doesn't support usb

You need to purchase the genuine Apple Lightning to USB-3 camera adapter and plug that adapter into power using your iPad charge cable and Apple power/charging block!

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter?fnode=37

You need to purchase this exact Apple adapter.

Cheaper ( cheap in price and quality ) third party adapters WILL NOT WORK!!!!

With older Lightning connector iPads, you need this adapter as it has a power connection to power both the iPad and to connect a commonplace USB flash memory drive or portable SSD drive.

Without the additional power to thr iPad, USB flash drives and portable SSD drives will NOT work with older iPads with the Lightning connector.

The Lightning connector alone cannot convey the necessary power requirements needed for normal USB style flash memory drives.

There are lots of YouTube videos that discuss and demonstrate this.

That is THE ONLY adapter that will ACTIALLY WORK!

You don't purchase this adapter, you will NOT get ANY external drives to work with your iPad.

It is that simple!

Purchase that genuine Apple adapter!

Well,'

I guess external drive support on your iPad isn’t a big priority, then!