USB storage not connecting

Re: iPhone Air, iOS 26 : "USB storage not connecting"

Thank you for sharing your situation with this Apple (user-to-user) Community :-)

We can't guess what the cause is, or what you have tried already, or whether your iOS26 is up-to-date, from your post, in order to provide a sure-fire answer.

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If you haven't seen it already:

Apple support's "how to" info below may be helpful:

For iOS26: Connect external storage devices to iPhone - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"You can use the Files app and other supported apps to access files stored on external devices, such as USB drives and SD cards, connected to your iPhone.

Connect a USB drive or an SD card reader

1. Attach the USB drive or SD card reader to the charging port on your iPhone using a compatible connector or adapter.
2. You may need the Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, USB-C to SD Card Camera Reader, or Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader (all sold separately).
3. Note: An external storage device must have only a single data partition, and it must be formatted as APFS, APFS (encrypted), macOS Extended (HFS+), exFAT (FAT64), FAT32, or FAT. To change the formatting of a storage device, use the Files app or a Mac or PC.
4. Do any of the following:

• Insert an SD memory card into a card reader: Don’t force the card into the slot on the reader; it fits only one way.
  • Note: You can import photos and videos from the memory card directly to the Photos app. See Import and export photos and videos on iPhone.
  • View the contents of the drive or memory card: In a supported app (for example, Files), tap Browse at the bottom of the screen, then tap the name of the device below Locations. If you don’t see Locations, tap Browse again at the bottom of the screen.
  • Disconnect the drive or card reader: Remove it from the charging port on iPhone.

Note: External hard drives often require an external power source when used with iPhone. If an external hard drive doesn’t supply its own power, and your iPhone has a USB-C connector, you can use a powered USB hub. If your iPhone has a Lightning connector, you can use the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter connected to a USB power adapter."