iPad Pro 2021 (M1) unable to connect to MacBook Pro (intel) via any Thunderbolt cable

Question

iPad Pro 2021 (M1) unable to connect to MacBook Pro (intel) via any Thunderbolt cable

Specs:

iPad Pro (11-inch) (3rd generation) 2021 / OS 15.3.1

MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2016) / macOS Big Sur 11.6.4

I am able to connect the iPad and the MacBook Pro using the supplied USB-C cable that came with the iPad Pro (so both ports are working). What I am unable to do is connect the two using any of the Thunderbolt cables I have, I have tried 12 different cables of varying length, makes no difference if they are long active, short inactive, Thunderbolt 3 or 4, nothing works. I have tested each cable on it's own connected to a Sandisk SSD on the MacBook Pro and the iPad Pro and they all work perfectly. So cables and ports are all tested and working.

The issue is that the MacBook Pro will not mount the iPad Pro using any of these cables directly, as I mentioned it only sees the iPad when I use the supplied USB-C cable that came with the iPad or third party USB-C cables.

Am I going crazy? is this just me or an undocumented problem with M1 iPad Pro's (2021) and Intel MacBook Pro's? (and I'm guessing any Intel Mac).

Out of curiosity I used an Apple USB-C (M) to USB-A (F) adapter, then plugged a USB-A (M) to USB-C (F) adapter into that, then any of the thunderbolt cables AND THEY ALL WORKED! (at USB-C speeds).

FYI before I upgraded to the iPad Pro 2021 I had a iPad Pro 2018 (non M1, non thunderbolt) and ironically the MacBook Pro WOULD mount that iPad using these thunderbolt cables!

thanks for any help

iPad Pro 11-inch Wi-Fi

Posted on Mar 3, 2022 9:51 AM

Reply

Answer 1

ShannonM1

Community Specialist

Mar 4, 2022 10:20 AM in response to brendanmitchell

Hello brendanmitchell,

We understand that your iPad isn't connecting properly to your Macs. Trying multiple cables was definitely a good step. We'd recommend reviewing the additional steps on the article If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod just to rule anything else out.

If your computer doesn't recognize your connected device, you might see an unknown error or a "0xE" error. Follow these steps and try to connect your device again after each step.

1. Make sure that your iOS or iPadOS device is turned on, unlocked, and on the Home screen.

2. Check that you have the latest software on your Mac or Windows PC. If you're using iTunes, make sure you have the latest version.

3. If you see a Trust this Computer alert, unlock your device and tap Trust. If you can't unlock your device because you forgot your passcode, find out what to do.

4. Unplug all USB accessories from your computer except for your device. Try each USB port to see if one works. Then try a different Apple USB cable.*

5. Restart your computer.

6. Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

7. Follow these additional steps for your Mac or Windows PC.

8. Try connecting your device to another computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities!

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iPad Pro 2021 (M1) unable to connect to MacBook Pro (intel) via any Thunderbolt cable

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