Newsroom Update

Apple is introducing a new Apple Watch Pride Edition Braided Solo Loop, matching watch face, and dynamic iOS and iPadOS wallpapers as a way to champion global movements to protect and advance equality for LGBTQ+ communities. Learn more >

Announcement

Introducing the iPad Pro with Apple M4 chip, the redesigned iPad Air in two sizes, and the all‑new Apple Pencil Pro. Watch the event >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Connect Ipad

Can i connect a hard drive to my ipad?

Posted on Oct 13, 2021 10:50 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Oct 13, 2021 10:57 AM

That would largely depend upon your model of iPad.


iPadOS provides limited support for external Hard Disk storage.


An external HDD can be connected to your iPad with the Apple adapter appropriate for your model of iPad - if the HDD is both partitioned and formatted appropriately (i.e., a single partition - formatted as FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+). 


You should also note that the iPad is not capable of providing sufficient power to run an HDD. If the HDD does not have its own source of power - then external power must be supplied to the HDD using a connecting adapter (e.g., an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter and Apple Charger of at least 12W) - or by connecting both the iPad and HDD to a powered USB hub.


If you iPad has Lightning Port, you will require a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter:

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


If you have a 2020 iPad Air4, a 2018/2020/2021 model of iPad Pro or a 2021 iPad mini - all with a USB-C port - you will need to connect your iPad and HDD to a powered USB Hub with appropriate USB cables.


I hope you find this to be helpful in providing some useful clarity.

1 reply
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 13, 2021 10:57 AM in response to Sue1703

That would largely depend upon your model of iPad.


iPadOS provides limited support for external Hard Disk storage.


An external HDD can be connected to your iPad with the Apple adapter appropriate for your model of iPad - if the HDD is both partitioned and formatted appropriately (i.e., a single partition - formatted as FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+). 


You should also note that the iPad is not capable of providing sufficient power to run an HDD. If the HDD does not have its own source of power - then external power must be supplied to the HDD using a connecting adapter (e.g., an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter and Apple Charger of at least 12W) - or by connecting both the iPad and HDD to a powered USB hub.


If you iPad has Lightning Port, you will require a Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter:

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


If you have a 2020 iPad Air4, a 2018/2020/2021 model of iPad Pro or a 2021 iPad mini - all with a USB-C port - you will need to connect your iPad and HDD to a powered USB Hub with appropriate USB cables.


I hope you find this to be helpful in providing some useful clarity.

Connect Ipad

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.