Magic Keyboard won’t function with iPad Pro 11” M4 (2024) when using an SSD through the iPad’s main USB-C port.

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Magic Keyboard won’t function with iPad Pro 11” M4 (2024) when using an SSD through the iPad’s main USB-C port.

Hello, I recently purchased a Magic Keyboard to go with my M4 iPad Pro 11” (2024). I really enjoy using the keyboard and trackpad, but I have run into one issue which has been particularly frustrating. I want to use this setup to edit photos & videos while on the go, typically off of an externally mounted SSD.

When I plug in the externally mounted SSD to the USB-C port of the iPad, the Magic Keyboard stops working entirely. I’ve tried it with multiple SSDs, as well as a USB-C hub, and they all have this issue. What I want is to be able to use the keyboard while the SSD is plugged in, which doesn’t seem like a very complicated thing to ask for. It was one of the reasons I bought the Magic Keyboard, as in theory I thought I would be able to charge the iPad through the Magic Keyboard’s port and then edit off of an SSD through the iPad’s USB-C port.

Is this not possible? Or is there a setting somewhere that I’m missing?

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 25, 2025 8:23 AM

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LotusPilot

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Aug 25, 2025 10:45 AM in response to RoccoGermani

Are you using a powered USB-C hub? The issue that you describe suggests that insufficient power is available to run all connected USB devices and associated hub.

You need a USB-C hub or adapter that supports simultaneous connection of a USB-C Power Adapter. Unless the USB-C hub has an independent power source, it will need to support USB PD (Power Delivery); your connected USB-C Power Adapter will ideally be able to supply 30W or greater, this being adequate to provide sufficient power for the USB-C hub, the iPad and additional USB accessories such as your SSD and keyboard.

A higher-output Power Adapter provides a greater “power budget” - allowing other devices to receive power while maintaining the iPad’s maximum 20W charging rate. For example, a USB multiport hub may typically require 10W power; connected USB devices (external storage, keyboard, mouse etc) also draw additional power from the source. If the connected load exceeds the available supply, the iPad may not charge - or may charge at a substantially slower rate. In extremis, both the iPad and Power Adapter will share the connected load - and the iPad may actually discharge its battery to make-up the shortfall in available power from a connected Power Adapter.

You should note that while Apple devices generally support USB PD, they do not support other charging standards - such as QC (Quick Charge).

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Magic Keyboard won’t function with iPad Pro 11” M4 (2024) when using an SSD through the iPad’s main USB-C port.

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