I want to move or copy the photos I have in Photos on my iPad to the Samsung SSD, but the iPad cannot detect the Samsung SSD, despite the fact it is formatted as exFAT. The Files app has proven useless, as well, for the same reason, i.e, it doesn't "see" the Samsung SSD. Same problem exists with an SDHC card. It can only import photos, but not copy or move them to the SDHC card.
iPad, iPadOS 16
To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT or APFS with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required.
As your iPad7 has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to directly connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your Power Adapter, to both the iPad and connected device. The Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.
Additional information can be found here:
Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support
https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad
To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT or APFS with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required.
As your iPad7 has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to directly connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your Power Adapter, to both the iPad and connected device. The Power Adapter must be rated at 12W or more.
Additional information can be found here:
Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support
https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad
Thanks for the reply. The Samsung T7 is formatted in exFAT and I have been using the Apple powered USB adapter for years. Still, though, it seems the Samsung T7 was never intended for the iPad. The instructions only mention Macs and PCs. Yet, I have found at least one video on YouTube claiming otherwise, but the person who posted this is using an iPad Pro. I don't see why that should make any difference, as he is using the same iPadOS 16 version I am.
Gary
Connecting Samsung T7 USB SSD 2TB with iPad 7th Gen (iPadOS 16)
