What cable do I need for iPad backup to external drive?

Question

What cable do I need for iPad backup to external drive?

My iPad really needs to be backed up, but every method I've tried fails. Backup to the cloud is estimated to need 73 hours. I have tried that method, but it always breaks off somewhere near the middle.

It seems the easiest way would be to plug it into an external hard drive, but as there is only one port used for power, iI think I need a split cable. Which I would absolutely do, if I could get any reliable information about exactly which cable to buy.

Could someone please point me in the right direction? Many thanks.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Apr 26, 2025 1:17 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

6x6

Level 7

24,447 points

Apr 26, 2025 4:22 PM in response to Rosina Lippi-Green

Hello Rosina,

You cannot backup all your data to an external drive. You can only copy files from the Files app to the external drive. The reset of your data cannot be transferred to an external drive.

The only backup options for an iPad are either iCloud(which you have tried) or a Mac or Windows PC computer. For more information: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support.

Reply

Answer 2

LotusPilot

Level 10

321,636 points

Apr 27, 2025 12:55 PM in response to Rosina Lippi-Green

This support page outlines the natively supported backup methods for iPad and iPhone:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Native iOS/iPadOS backup and restore processes are dependent upon iCloud, or connection to either Windows PC (with iTunes for Windows installed) or a Mac (with iTunes or Finder - as appropriate for the installed version of macOS).

Natively supported methods offer full system backup - consisting of data and device settings.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

It is possible to use a third-party App to backup data (but not device settings) to a variety of external storage options - including third-party Cloud services, external media devices and network storage. One App that comes readily to mind is FileBrowser Professional by Stratospherix:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029

You would be well advised to review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.

https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowserprofessional/filebrowser-professional-user-guide.php

Reply

Answer 3

Apr 26, 2025 6:43 PM in response to 6x6

Thank you, 6x6. I was afraid you might say that. What I need to backup most of all is my Procreate installation, which includes as many as a thousand work files. Even finding them with the Files app doesn't work for me. But I'll go look at the link you suggest.

Reply

What cable do I need for iPad backup to external drive?

Similar questions