Hi, I’ve recently needed to use some old docs stored on USB sticks but since trading in my MacBook I only have a new IPad. Is there a way I can access the old USB data with an IPad without a USB port? Thanks.
iPad, iPadOS 17
Yes. If your iPad has Lightning connector, you will require an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter:
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MX5J3ZM/A
To provide sufficient power for the USB drive, you’ll need to connect a Power Adapter (charger) rated at least 12W to the auxiliary Lightning port of the Camera Adapter. The iPad, on its own, except for very low power devices, cannot supply adequate power for connected USB storage devices. The Power Adapter supplied with your iPad, with the appropriate cable, is likely to be adequate.
In all cases, your USB storage must have a single data partition - and be formatted as FAT32, exFAT or APFS. iPad cannot read multi-partition devices, or proprietary device formats (such as NTFS).
Yes. If your iPad has Lightning connector, you will require an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter:
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MX5J3ZM/A
To provide sufficient power for the USB drive, you’ll need to connect a Power Adapter (charger) rated at least 12W to the auxiliary Lightning port of the Camera Adapter. The iPad, on its own, except for very low power devices, cannot supply adequate power for connected USB storage devices. The Power Adapter supplied with your iPad, with the appropriate cable, is likely to be adequate.
In all cases, your USB storage must have a single data partition - and be formatted as FAT32, exFAT or APFS. iPad cannot read multi-partition devices, or proprietary device formats (such as NTFS).
Age is no barrier. There are many here much older than you 🙂
With the benefit of additional information, the essentials to take away...
1) Yes - you can connect a USB stick to your iPad.
2) For an iPad10 with a USB-C connector, you will need an adapter to connect a regular USB stick
https://store.apple.com/xc/product/MJ1M2ZM/A
Does your iPad have a lightning or USB-C connector? Either way, you’ll need an adapter and probably one that accepts an auxiliary power source.
Do you know the iPad OS your iPad is on? Do you know which model it is?
That’s fantastic. Thankyou for being so patient with me! I’m calling in to my nearest Apple Store tomorrow morning to get the adaptor you suggested. I’m taking my IPad and all my plugs and leads to be absolutely sure! Many thanks once again 👍
You're very welcome.
As you have an iPad10 with a USB-C connector, there are alternatives to the simple USB-C to USB Adapter show in my second reply. However, for shear simplicity and known compatibility, I have deliberately not complicated matters with other options.
Hi Jeff, Thanks for replying. It’s a 10th generation IPad and the Os version is 17.5.1
Thanks very much for such a detailed reply but I’m 61 years old and afraid that it was way too technical for me to understand. But thanks anyway.
Many thanks!👍
Can you use USB sticks on IPad?
