I have been transferring picture files from sd cards to my ipad for years. Recently I had a large amount (3000 pictures). After 700 pictures transferred (many corrupted), the process ended and wiped my sd card clean. Nothing left. Over 2000 pictures gone. I was told that it was not actually safe to transfer to an ipad. that I needed to only use a computer.
iPad Pro (6th generation)
Importing photos to your iPad from SD (or other media) is certainly supported. While larger photo collections may take considerable time to transfer, the process should import compatible photo formats without issue. The native import process copies the files on the card; they are not moved or deleted.
Start here:
Connect external storage devices to iPad - Apple Support
Automatic import of photos from your camera SD Card to your Photo library has a couple of technical caveats:
Import photos using Apple camera adapters - Apple Support
If you are unable to use the direct photo import feature, you can still manually access and copy photos from the SD Card using the iPad’s built-in Files App. To do so, just open the Files App - and in the Sidebar you will see your SD Card in the list of Locations. If necessary, open the sidebar by tapping the sidebar icon at top-left of the Files App Window. Photos can be copied to the iPad Photo Library, or copied to a folder of your choice either on your iPad or elsewhere.
Using a third-party file manager App may be more flexible and might also ease the process. Of those available, perhaps consider Stratopherix FileBrowser - Document Manager, or its “pro version” FileBrowser Professional:
https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029
https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545
You might review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.
Speaking personally, I have found both to be very reliable - and significantly more flexible than the native Files App.
Importing photos to your iPad from SD (or other media) is certainly supported. While larger photo collections may take considerable time to transfer, the process should import compatible photo formats without issue. The native import process copies the files on the card; they are not moved or deleted.
Start here:
Connect external storage devices to iPad - Apple Support
Automatic import of photos from your camera SD Card to your Photo library has a couple of technical caveats:
Import photos using Apple camera adapters - Apple Support
If you are unable to use the direct photo import feature, you can still manually access and copy photos from the SD Card using the iPad’s built-in Files App. To do so, just open the Files App - and in the Sidebar you will see your SD Card in the list of Locations. If necessary, open the sidebar by tapping the sidebar icon at top-left of the Files App Window. Photos can be copied to the iPad Photo Library, or copied to a folder of your choice either on your iPad or elsewhere.
Using a third-party file manager App may be more flexible and might also ease the process. Of those available, perhaps consider Stratopherix FileBrowser - Document Manager, or its “pro version” FileBrowser Professional:
https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029
https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545
You might review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.
Speaking personally, I have found both to be very reliable - and significantly more flexible than the native Files App.
Thank you for your reply. I am frustrated because I have completely lost the picture. I tried a data recovery tool as well. Nothing is left on that sd card. I was told by Apple support to never transfer to an iPad. It was not designed to do that. I should only use a computer, then access the pictures on the iPad from the cloud.
im just wondering how to go forward from here. I take a lot of pictures and I like to edit in the iPad. And I like the cloud storage.
You have received curious advice from Apple - that directly conflicts with design capability of your iPad and iPadOS. Without additional context, it is clearly inappropriate to engage in speculation as to how, or why, you have received such advice.
As for data recovery, there are third party software products for Windows PC and Mac computers that may be able to recover the deleted photos from your SD Card - such as, by example, Recuva:
I agree. Thanks for the link.
is it safe and feasible to transfer picture files from an sd card to an ipad?
