Moving files from external hard drive to iPad through iMac

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Moving files from external hard drive to iPad through iMac

I'm trying to move some video files onto my iPad, as it has a lot more storage than my other devices. All of my video files are on my external hard drive. I am trying to use a 2021 iMac to liaise these files but I am struggling.

The first time I tried it, I had some trouble but I was eventually able to get my video files to show up in the 'Files' folder on my iPad. Now when I connect and try to transfer files, I keep ending up with the videos labeled as music videos and only accessible through iTunes, which is NOT what I want.

How can I get a file from an external hard drive to an iPad using an iMac WITHOUT using iCloud? How can I keep files from showing up as music videos?

iPad Pro (3rd generation)

Posted on Mar 16, 2024 4:05 AM

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Answer 1

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,030 points

Mar 16, 2024 4:14 AM in response to tiredstarlings

To be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT, APFS or HFS+ with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required. For HDD, an external power source is definitely required.

If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to 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.

Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

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

If you have one of the newer iPad models with a USB-C connector, you may need to utilise a powered USB hub (i.e., it has its own source of power) - connecting both the iPad Pro and the storage device to ports on the hub.

Some 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

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Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

302,030 points

Mar 16, 2024 4:39 AM in response to tiredstarlings

If you connect your HDD or other USB storage device to your iPad as described, the files will be visible to your Files App - and can be copied to your iPad's local storage, or Cloud services (such as iCloud) should you choose to do so.

Unless video files that you copy to your iPad are explicitly shared with the Photos App, they will not appear in the Photo Library as a video.

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Answer 3

Mar 16, 2024 4:24 AM in response to LotusPilot

I am specifically trying to use my iMac as a mediator between the external hard drive and iPad. It has done this correctly in the past, but I can't remember how I did it before. Everything I transfer ends up as a music video. I want it to show up in the 'files' folder on my iPad.

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Moving files from external hard drive to iPad through iMac

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