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How to format external HDD to use with iPad air 3?

what format do you use to format an external hard drive to use with an older ipad air 3rd generation only



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air 3 Wi-Fi

Posted on Jul 16, 2022 6:02 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jul 17, 2022 3:37 AM

iPadOS does not support formatting of any external USB storage devices. If your USB storage device requires formatting, you need to use a PC or Mac computer.


Your iPad supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT (FAT64), APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. Microsoft NTFS and other proprietary formats are not supported.


You should also understand that Hard Disk Drives are notoriously power-hungry - and will likely require more power than your iPad Lightning port alone can supply. As such, unless your external HDD has its own source of power, you must either use a powered USB hub and/or use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter - to which you must also connect your iPad Power Adapter. The Power Adapter must be rated at least 12W (2.4A @5V) - although a 20-30W Power Adapter is recommended.


  • Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

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

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jul 17, 2022 3:37 AM in response to jdjoappleipad

iPadOS does not support formatting of any external USB storage devices. If your USB storage device requires formatting, you need to use a PC or Mac computer.


Your iPad supports FAT, FAT32, exFAT (FAT64), APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. Microsoft NTFS and other proprietary formats are not supported.


You should also understand that Hard Disk Drives are notoriously power-hungry - and will likely require more power than your iPad Lightning port alone can supply. As such, unless your external HDD has its own source of power, you must either use a powered USB hub and/or use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter - to which you must also connect your iPad Power Adapter. The Power Adapter must be rated at least 12W (2.4A @5V) - although a 20-30W Power Adapter is recommended.


  • Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

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

How to format external HDD to use with iPad air 3?

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