Can you power an external hard drive connected to the USB port, while connecting a power supply to the USB-C port? Or do I still need a powered hub between the drive and the adapter? ie Does the USB-C port only charge the ipad connected or does it provide power to the other USB port?
iPad, iOS 9
I am specifically talking about the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (the product category this question is submitted to) which has power via USB-C to pass through and charge the ipad while it is being used. I am not referring to connecting a drive directly to an ipad via USB-C.
I tried it today and it doesn't appear to be passing power to the USB-A port so that a external drive could be powered. ie It doesn't behave like a powered hub, only as power for the ipad (or whatever device is connected). That would be a nice option so that I don't have to drag out yet another adapter or hub...
I am specifically talking about the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (the product category this question is submitted to) which has power via USB-C to pass through and charge the ipad while it is being used. I am not referring to connecting a drive directly to an ipad via USB-C.
I tried it today and it doesn't appear to be passing power to the USB-A port so that a external drive could be powered. ie It doesn't behave like a powered hub, only as power for the ipad (or whatever device is connected). That would be a nice option so that I don't have to drag out yet another adapter or hub...
A Hard Disk Drive draws considerable power - especially during initial “spin-up”. Whilst the iPad USB-C port is considerably more capable of sourcing power than Lightning-equipped models, unless the HDD has its own source of power, you would be well advised to use a powered USB Hub - as this will likely improve reliability.
Using a powered USB-C hub provides other benefits, including the ability to simultaneously connect USB PD pass-through power from a Power Adapter - and connect other USB, HDMI, LAN and SD/microSD adapters.
SSD and other “solid state” storage have lower power needs - and as such may be less dependent upon external power.
Nothing in Apple’s published specifications for the USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter suggest that it supports connection of high-power USB devices via its USB Type-A port.
Unless explicitly designed for (and marked as supporting) charging of connected USB devices, most USB Type-A ports are typically limited to sourcing a maximum of 5-10W (0.5-1.0A @5V). This is inadequate for most HDD storage devices.
Hi ssphotodesign,
Thank you for contacting Apple Support Communities. Based on what you stated, it seems you want to know if you can connect an external drive to you iPad. We would recommend you use this article for more information.
"Connect to other devices
The USB-C port on your iPad allows connections to a variety of devices. For example, you can connect a digital camera or the Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader to import photos. Other USB devices you can connect to your iPad include these:
Charge and connect with the USB-C port on your iPad
Please don't hesitate to let us know if you need additional assistance.
Cheers.
Can you power an external hard drive connected to the USB port?
