my external ssd won’t show up on ipad pro

The tags appended to you initial post suggest that you have a third generation (2018) iPad Pro 12.9”. If so, this iPad will have a USB-C port.

iPad and iPad Pro models with a Lightning port will require an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter.

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

In both cases, you may find that it is necessary to provide an adequate source of Power for the external storage device. When using the USB3 Camera Adapter, you should connect a Power Adapter rated at 12W or greater directly to the pass-through Lightning port of the Adapter.

For USB-C equipped models of iPad, connection of both iPad and external USB storage to a powered USB Hub may be required.



Has the SSD been formatted with a single partition?

The drive does not appear in the Files app?

A forced-restart of your iPad may be beneficial - as this will often resolve an isolated software issue:

• On an iPad with a Home button: Press and hold the top button and the Home button at the same time. When the Apple logo appears, release both buttons.
• On other iPad models: Press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the top button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.

I suspect that you are using the wrong Apple adapter.

You may need to use this Apple adapter IF you are not using this one, already.

With the newer iPad Pro models, you do not have to use the external power pass through, unless you want to.

Apple USB 3.0 Camera Adapter

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MK0W2AM/A/lightning-to-usb-3-camera-adapter

This adapter should solve your issues.

Best of Luck to You!`