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iPhone13 pro USB flash not seen in files app

my iPhone13 Pro with IOS 15.4.1 Files App does not recognize my Lightning USB flash disk adapter. The same USB flash adapter is seen when connected to my iPad mini5 lightning port with iPadOS 15.4.1, also seen on my iPad Pro USB-C with iPadOS 15.4.1.


My iPhone13 is the only device that does not see the USB flash disk in the Files app when plugged into the lightning port. I have toggled the USB accessory setting in Face ID passcode options without success.

iPhone 13 Pro

Posted on Apr 3, 2022 4:08 PM

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Posted on Apr 4, 2022 1:02 PM

This is my personal iPhone13, so no policy restrictions. I have shutdown/restarted the phone several times. The iPhone is already unlocked since I’m in the Files app, and yes i know what device the flash drive will show up as in Files, as it does on my other devices. I use my iPhone13 Lightning/USB port daily with my wired CarPlay, and no issues with that. Thanks for the tips but something broke iPhone13 USB flash access for me with the recent iOS updates.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 4, 2022 1:02 PM in response to Matthew.S81

This is my personal iPhone13, so no policy restrictions. I have shutdown/restarted the phone several times. The iPhone is already unlocked since I’m in the Files app, and yes i know what device the flash drive will show up as in Files, as it does on my other devices. I use my iPhone13 Lightning/USB port daily with my wired CarPlay, and no issues with that. Thanks for the tips but something broke iPhone13 USB flash access for me with the recent iOS updates.

Apr 4, 2022 1:33 PM in response to Drew_7

I suspect the issue is due to the iPhone13 lightning port no longer supplying power to the flash adapter. The sandisk flash adapter has a light that illuminates when plugged into my iPads, but nothing when plugged into my iPhone13. Something changed. I will notify apple support. Thanks for the help.

Apr 4, 2022 12:16 PM in response to MikeR57

Greetings MikeR57,


For help using that accessory with your iPhone, begin by reviewing the guidance found here:


Using USB accessories with iOS and iPadOS


Starting with iOS and iPadOS, if you use USB accessories with your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or if you connect your device to a Mac or PC, you might need to unlock your device for it to recognize and use the accessory. Your accessory then remains connected, even if your device is subsequently locked.
If you don’t first unlock your password-protected iOS or iPadOS device—or you haven’t unlocked and connected it to a USB accessory within the past hour—your iOS or iPadOS device won’t communicate with the accessory or computer, and in some cases, it might not charge. You might also see an alert asking you to unlock your device to use accessories.
If the USB accessory is still not recognized after you unlock your device, disconnect your device from the accessory, unlock your device, and then reconnect the accessory.

If you haven't done so already, restart your iPhone. Sometimes a restart can help resolve issues. Also, the article mentions "Administrators can control the USB Accessories setting on supervised iOS or iPadOS devices using Apple Configurator or mobile device management." To check, go to Settings  > General > Profiles & Device Management. To be clear, this setting won't appear if you don't have a profile.


To confirm, are going here in the Files app to view the drive? Connect external storage devices to iPhone - Apple Support


View the contents of the drive or memory card: In a supported app (for example, Files), tap Browse at the bottom of the screen, then tap the name of the device below Locations. If you don’t see Locations, tap Browse again at the bottom of the screen.

Do you have any other issues with using accessories via Lightning cable with the iPhone?


Take care.

iPhone13 pro USB flash not seen in files app

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