Unable to access external drives on iPad Pro 5 Gen

Question

Level 1

12 points

Unable to access external drives on iPad Pro 5 Gen

My original iPad Pro 12.9" 5th Gen Apple Folio keyboard started to work intermittently, so I replaced it with a h Logitech Combo Touch iPad Pro Keyboard Case.

I attached an SD card reader to my iPad and it did not see the SD card. I removed it and put it back in....nothing.

I decided to try to troubleshoot and removed my iPad from the Logitech case and attached the reader and inserted the card.

I was then able to see the SD card in Files.

Kind of a pain to have to remove the case every time I need to do this. Any ideas on how to work around this?

Thank you!

Posted on Jul 5, 2025 2:57 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

SergZak

Level 6

11,596 points

Jul 5, 2025 9:18 PM in response to SergZak

My edit exceeded the time allotted so here's my edit:

If the problem is interference, then either the case or the connector end (plastic part) could be modified by using a Dremel tool, file or other means to prevent the interference.

Modifying the case, you'd need to increase the opening to allow the cable end to properly pass through.

Modifying the cable, you'd need to decrease the outer dimension of plastic part of the cable end to properly clear the case opening.

Apple has guidelines for these dimensions (case port openings as well as cable end dimensions) but not everyone follows them properly and some combinations of cables and cases may not work properly together.

Reply

Answer 2

mcasabar0517 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jul 6, 2025 10:22 AM in response to HerenaJune

It ended up being the cable. Used a dremel to reshape the cable and now it fits in perfectly and works. Thank you.

Reply

Answer 3

SergZak

Level 6

11,596 points

Jul 5, 2025 8:55 PM in response to mcasabar0517

Are you using the exact same charge cable that you're using to charge the iPad (with no issue) to plug in the SD Card reader? If not, then it sounds as if the cable (or adapter) you're using with the SD card reader is being interfered with when the case is on the iPad, preventing it from making proper contact with the USB C port.

Reply

Answer 4

mcasabar0517 Author

Level 1

12 points

Jul 6, 2025 7:55 AM in response to SergZak

I think you are correct in that the keyboard is preventing the data cable from connecting properly. I'll try the dremel to widen the access port on the Logitech case.

Reply

Answer 5

Jul 5, 2025 6:25 PM in response to mcasabar0517

One possible reason (I assume) is that the Logitech Combo Touch case has a cutout around the iPad’s USB-C port. That could prevent the cable from being fully connected.

Reply