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My hard drive is read only on the new iPad pro

Hi everyone,

I’ve read other threads and still rather confused about the situation. I try to plug a 2TB hard drive into my 2021 iPad Pro but it says read only. My hard drive is kinda old (2~3 years), could that be why it doesn’t let me or iPad isn’t equipped with the editing function to start with?


thanks in advance

Posted on Jun 17, 2021 3:36 PM

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Posted on Jun 21, 2021 4:58 PM

My apologies for some reason I didn’t see your reply.


I can view all the files on the hard drive it just won’t let me edit them (delete, move), on the bottom of the file app page says “read only”. I wonder if that function (edit) is available on iPad at all


4 replies

Jun 17, 2021 3:44 PM in response to shshc99

To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached external storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+ with a single partition.


Apple are additionally introducing NTFS support for iPadOS15 - but this will be read only.


HDDs are very power-hungry, potentially beyond the capability of the iPad USB-C port. Is the HDD self-powered - or connected to iPad via a powered USB hub?

Jun 18, 2021 9:49 AM in response to shshc99

If your Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is reliant upon the USB connection for its power (i.e., it does not have a mains Power Adapter), then it is very likely that the iPad is unable to provide sufficient power to run the HDD. Connection of both the HDD and iPad to a powered USB hub may be help.


Are you able to access any files at all on the HDD?

My hard drive is read only on the new iPad pro

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