Sandisk SSD not working with IOS 14 or iPad IOS

Question

Sandisk SSD not working with IOS 14 or iPad IOS

I'm trying to connect my 1TB Sandisk to my iPad or iPhone (both running IOS14). The drive won't show up under Files. I'm connecting it with the Apple Lightning to USB3 cable that came with my MacBook Pro. Drive was first formatted in encrypted APFS and then I tried just APFS (I thought IOS14 now supported encrypted APFS formats). That cable appears to work fine as it works for charging my IOS devices from USB3 sources. The SSD drive won't show up under Files on my iPads or iPhone.

iPad mini 5 Wi-Fi, Cellular

Posted on Oct 10, 2020 11:21 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

DerekM87

Community Specialist

Oct 15, 2020 2:17 PM in response to Randy Settergren

Hi Randy Settergren,

It looks like you're having issues getting your SSD to connect to your iOS devices.

If you're using a standard USB3 to Lightning cable, it would not provide enough power to the SSD to run it, which is why its not showing up. An option is to purchase a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, then plug it into a standard USB power adapter (like you'd use to charge your iPhone or iPad into the wall).

After that, use the other port to connect your SSD. It should pull power enough power from the adapter to run and be seen in Files at that point.

This article covers a bit more information: Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone, specifically the "Connect a USB drive or an SD card" section.

If you have further questions, feel free to reply to this thread.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

Oct 30, 2020 1:14 AM in response to DerekM87

Thanks DerekM87. Apparently only iPads with a USBc connector provide enough power directly for most external SSD's but not from lightning equipped iPads (including my brand new mini 5). Appreciate the assistance and reference!

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Answer 3

Oct 30, 2020 1:22 AM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks LotusPilot. Yup, lightning ports apparently don't put out power required to supply the external SSD. The USB3 Camera adaptor with external power connected did the trick. On a side note, IOS 14 supports encrypted APFS. Now waiting on Big Sur as Time Machine in Catalina does not support that encrypted APFS formatted SSD!

Thanks again!

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Answer 4

Oct 15, 2020 4:25 PM in response to Randy Settergren

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

To my knowledge, Encrypted APFS is not yet supported by iOS/iPadOS.

If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to directly 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 external Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.

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.

I hope this is helpful.

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Sandisk SSD not working with IOS 14 or iPad IOS

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