Apple Intelligence now features Image Playground, Genmoji, Writing Tools enhancements, seamless support for ChatGPT, and visual intelligence.

Apple Intelligence has also begun language expansion with localized English support for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, and the U.K. Learn more >

You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can I use a SD card reader with my iPad Air?

hi. I have a 5th gen ipad air with a usb c charging point. if i get a usb c sd card reader, can i use it to connect to my ipad and download. photos from my Nikon dslr?


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Apr 30, 2023 8:48 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 30, 2023 9:52 AM

Yes. Your iPad can be used with an SD Card Reader. You can either use a dedicated USB-C to SD Card Reader, or use one of the many compatible USB-C hubs that incorporate an SD Card Reader.


Apple market their own Adapter:


USB-C to SD Card Reader

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MUFG2ZM/A


Additional information about connecting external storage to your iPad can be found within the iPad User Guide. Here is a direct link to the relevant section of the Guide:

Connect external storage devices to iPad - Apple Support

4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 30, 2023 9:52 AM in response to Penkethman1

Yes. Your iPad can be used with an SD Card Reader. You can either use a dedicated USB-C to SD Card Reader, or use one of the many compatible USB-C hubs that incorporate an SD Card Reader.


Apple market their own Adapter:


USB-C to SD Card Reader

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MUFG2ZM/A


Additional information about connecting external storage to your iPad can be found within the iPad User Guide. Here is a direct link to the relevant section of the Guide:

Connect external storage devices to iPad - Apple Support

Apr 30, 2023 10:14 AM in response to Penkethman1

You’re very welcome.


Here’s another link - this time for a USB-C hub that incorporates SD and microSD Card readers, HDMI, USB Type-A ports and USB-C that also support USB PD (Power Delivery) pass-through - to which you can connect your iPad Power Adapter or PowerBank.


Kingston Nucleum

https://www.kingston.com/unitedkingdom/en/memory-card-readers/nucleum-usb-type-c-hub


USB-C hubs are more versatile than a simple SD Card Adapter, permitting simultaneous connection of multiple devices. Perhaps consider Kingston, Anker, Hyperdrive and Satechi - although there are many others from which to choose. A Google Search for USB-C Hubs compatible with iPad will find a number of articles and recommendations. 


Can I use a SD card reader with my iPad Air?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.