I get an 'error code-43' while transferring pdf/word/jpg files on iPad

When I try to transfer pdf/word/jpg files saved in an external sandisk USB stick in the files app of my ipad pro with IOS 18 I get error code -43. This happens even if I use different sandisk usb sticks and even after I make ipad to restart.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Oct 7, 2024 6:00 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 7, 2024 3:20 PM

The "error code -43" you are encountering while transferring files (PDF/Word/JPG) from a SanDisk USB stick to your iPad Pro running iOS 18 typically indicates a file system error, permissions issue, or incompatibility between the external drive and the iPad. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:


1. Check File System Format of the USB Stick:

File Format Compatibility: Make sure the USB drive is formatted in a file system compatible with iPadOS, such as exFAT or FAT32. Drives formatted in NTFS may cause issues when transferring files, as iPadOS cannot write to NTFS-formatted drives.


You can check the format by connecting the USB stick to a computer:

Windows: Right-click the drive in "File Explorer" and select Properties.

Mac: Select the drive in "Finder" and press Cmd + I (Get Info).

If it’s NTFS, reformat the USB stick to exFAT or FAT32 using your computer. Note: Reformatting will erase all data, so be sure to back up the contents before doing this.


2. Ensure Proper Permissions:

The iPad might be having issues with the read/write permissions of the files on the USB stick. Try the following:

Plug the USB stick into a computer.

Select the files and ensure the permissions are set to allow read and write access for everyone or at least for the current user.

Safely eject the USB stick and then reconnect it to the iPad.


3. Update to the Latest iPadOS:

iPadOS 18 is fairly new, and there might be bugs that could be resolved with an update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

If an update is available, download and install it to see if the issue is resolved.


4. Test Files in a Different Format:

Try transferring different types of files (e.g., images in PNG format or text files) to see if the error persists across file types.

This helps determine if the issue is specific to certain file types or if it affects all file transfers.


5. Try a Different USB Adapter:

If you are using a third-party USB-C adapter to connect the USB stick to your iPad, try using an official Apple USB-C to USB adapter. Sometimes, third-party adapters can cause compatibility issues.


6. Disable Security Features Temporarily:

If you have any security software or settings that manage file access on your iPad, such as VPNs, try disabling them temporarily and attempt the file transfer again.


7. Reset iPad Settings:

If the problem persists, you can try resetting the iPad’s settings.

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

This will not erase your data but will reset settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and preferences.


8. Check the Files for Corruption:

Sometimes, the error may be caused by a corrupted file on the USB stick.

Open the files on a computer to check if they are readable and not corrupted. If they are corrupted, try transferring different files.


By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot the error code -43 when transferring files from your USB stick to your iPad. Let me know how you get on.

Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 7, 2024 3:20 PM in response to athanasiostassis

The "error code -43" you are encountering while transferring files (PDF/Word/JPG) from a SanDisk USB stick to your iPad Pro running iOS 18 typically indicates a file system error, permissions issue, or incompatibility between the external drive and the iPad. Here are some steps you can try to resolve this issue:


1. Check File System Format of the USB Stick:

File Format Compatibility: Make sure the USB drive is formatted in a file system compatible with iPadOS, such as exFAT or FAT32. Drives formatted in NTFS may cause issues when transferring files, as iPadOS cannot write to NTFS-formatted drives.


You can check the format by connecting the USB stick to a computer:

Windows: Right-click the drive in "File Explorer" and select Properties.

Mac: Select the drive in "Finder" and press Cmd + I (Get Info).

If it’s NTFS, reformat the USB stick to exFAT or FAT32 using your computer. Note: Reformatting will erase all data, so be sure to back up the contents before doing this.


2. Ensure Proper Permissions:

The iPad might be having issues with the read/write permissions of the files on the USB stick. Try the following:

Plug the USB stick into a computer.

Select the files and ensure the permissions are set to allow read and write access for everyone or at least for the current user.

Safely eject the USB stick and then reconnect it to the iPad.


3. Update to the Latest iPadOS:

iPadOS 18 is fairly new, and there might be bugs that could be resolved with an update.

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.

If an update is available, download and install it to see if the issue is resolved.


4. Test Files in a Different Format:

Try transferring different types of files (e.g., images in PNG format or text files) to see if the error persists across file types.

This helps determine if the issue is specific to certain file types or if it affects all file transfers.


5. Try a Different USB Adapter:

If you are using a third-party USB-C adapter to connect the USB stick to your iPad, try using an official Apple USB-C to USB adapter. Sometimes, third-party adapters can cause compatibility issues.


6. Disable Security Features Temporarily:

If you have any security software or settings that manage file access on your iPad, such as VPNs, try disabling them temporarily and attempt the file transfer again.


7. Reset iPad Settings:

If the problem persists, you can try resetting the iPad’s settings.

Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings.

This will not erase your data but will reset settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and preferences.


8. Check the Files for Corruption:

Sometimes, the error may be caused by a corrupted file on the USB stick.

Open the files on a computer to check if they are readable and not corrupted. If they are corrupted, try transferring different files.


By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot the error code -43 when transferring files from your USB stick to your iPad. Let me know how you get on.

Oct 7, 2024 3:39 PM in response to athanasiostassis

I’m unclear if this is arising when writing files to the flash drive, or when reading files from it. If the latter, what is on the other end of the connection that loaded the flash drive? Mac? PC? Linux?


What format is used on the flash drive?


Given you’re on iPadOS,18, try reformatting the flash drive on iPadOS, too.


Try a different vendor of flash drives, as well. This wouldn’t be the first time a batch of similar drives from the same vendor had a common problem.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I get an 'error code-43' while transferring pdf/word/jpg files on iPad

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