Loading dvd movies onto an iPad and playing them

I recently bought an iPad Pro for use while traveling etc. One of the main things I want to use it for is watching movies on flights - movies that are not normally playing on the plane. I've already downloaded some movies from iTunes and Amazon Prime. But I also own movies on dvd. I was wondering now I might go about getting a dvd movie onto an iPad to play it. I have an external dvd reader and a usb to lightening connector. But what program would I use to import the dvd files into the iPad? And then, what App would I use to play the movies?

iPad Pro, iOS 10.2

Posted on Jan 28, 2017 6:33 PM

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12 replies

Jan 29, 2017 6:50 AM in response to Phil0124

Yikes - I had no idea this was illegal. I was following the paradigm of Amazon prime movie downloads (for example) where I buy the movie once and can watch from multiple devices once I 'own' it. I understand the dilemma faced by dvd producers in allowing such copying, but it does not match the paradigm of electronic downloads. Thanks for making me aware.

Jan 29, 2017 8:49 AM in response to craigfromwoodinville

There is no way to play DVDs on an iPad. The iPad has no way of recognizing the DVD player / drive, and there is no App to play DVDs even if it could recognize the dvd player.


Amazon's Digital Format is such that you can play it on any device that has the Amazon App, and you are signed in to.

Same applies to things like iTunes movie purchases from Apple, or UltraViolet digital copies etc... Digital copies are different to physical DVDs and Blu Rays.


Converting physical disks to digital media is the problem.


The "how" to copy dvds onto a computer cannot be discussed here. As that would be tantamount to aiding Piracy (copying dvd movies illegally for resale) which is very illegal in many countries.

Jan 29, 2017 6:57 AM in response to craigfromwoodinville

Since you have amszon, if you have the amazon app you should be able to access those files via the app on your iPad.


In the same way if I purchase it in itunes, I can download and watch it on any devices linked to my apple ID (up to the limited number iTunes sets out)


Converting a DVD format into a MP4 requires a person to break the digital rights management software encoded into the disc, which is illegal in many places and countries, which is why the 'how' is forbidden here.

Jan 29, 2017 9:11 AM in response to craigfromwoodinville

Apple is not preventing anything other than piracy.


You can watch your DVD movies on a Mac computer. Its just iPads are not designed to be used with external peripherals. They are not computers.


Does a Samsung Galaxy Tab support DVD players? No it does not. Its not a limitation as much as it is just a by product if the technology.


Beyond that, you are free to do whatever you want with your DVD movies to get them on your iPad, we just cannot discuss how to do this here. Apple won't stop you, it just won't help Piracy.

Mar 26, 2017 8:07 PM in response to craigfromwoodinville

There are ways to put commercial DVDs onto your iPad.

Since you are in an Apple forum and the whole copying of DVDs contain a bunch of gray areas, no one here can discuss how to accomplish this act.


Look at the open source computer app Handbrake.

Also, do your own web searches to what is available to accomplish what you want to do.

If you are computer/tech savy there are many third party apps that you can purchase that will accomplish your tasks.

No one here OR Apple can stop you from creating your own DVD copies for your own use, illegai, legal or in between.

I have done what you wish to do because of either Apple's or the motion picture industries' draconian rules and laws.


Good Luck to You!

Apr 1, 2017 1:08 AM in response to craigfromwoodinville

It's impossible to play DVD on iPad directly, even if you have external DVD reader.


To play movies in DVDs:


First of all, you need to use a specialized DVD ripper to rip movie off the DVD, in an iPad Pro playable format. But you'd better keep in mind that it isn't advocated to rip copy-protected DVDs in some countries and regions. Thus, checking the DVD copyright laws before any further is necessary.


If you're allowed, just do it. The steps are very easy if the right program is chosen. Just load DVD -> select output -> begin ripping.


And then transfer the resulting files to iPad Pro.

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Loading dvd movies onto an iPad and playing them

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