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Connecting USB Drives to iPhones and iPads
As iPhones and iPads do not come with a USB port, connecting a USB drive to these devices requires a specific adapter. For majority of iPhones and iPads, an Apple certified MFi Lightning flash drive or Apple's $39 Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter is needed to connect a USB drive. However, for the 2018 iPad Pro model featuring the USB-C port, it's advisable to use a USB-C flash drive or any USB-C hub with a USB-A port.
While some USB drives can be connected directly to the iPhone or iPad, power and file system compatibility are crucial considerations to ensure a successful connection. An alert from iOS or the simple absence of the drive in Files is an indication that the drive needs additional power.
Using the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter for iPhones and iPads
Apple's Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter facilitates the connection of USB drives to Lightning-based iPhones and iPads. Note that this specific adapter is more preferable than Apple's older $29 Lightning to USB Camera Adapter because it not only provides a connection to USB 3 - faster than USB 2 - but also allows for power pass-through, a feature absent in the older version.
However, it is essential not to disregard power requirements. For situations where the USB drive requires more than what the iPhone or iPad can provide (e.g., more than 500mA), extra power supply is imperative. This can be achieved by connecting a standard Lightning-to-USB cable from the adapter to a power source, providing the needed additional power charge.
Requirement for Power Supply to the Drives
Power supply is a key consideration when connecting a USB drive to an iPhone or iPad. iPhones and iPads can only provide limited power, insufficient for certain USB flash drives. In situations where a drive requires more than 500mA (a common requirement for many USB flash drives), iOS will usually present an alert or the drive simply won't show up in Files. Using the power passthrough feature of the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter by attaching a standard Lightning-to-USB cable to the adapter and a power source helps to provide the necessary supplementary power.
Nevertheless, be aware that not all devices will react in the same way to the additional power. There are instances when certain flash drives can run with some devices (like the iPhone 11 Pro) but fail to work with others (like the 10.5-inch iPad Pro). Drives requiring only 100mA of power can work fine without the need for extra power.
Solutions for iPad Pro
Apple has systematically moved from its proprietary Lightning ports to USB-C across its recent device ranges, making it easier for users to connect with various external drives. Devices, such as the iPad Pro, feature the USB-C port allowing seamless connection with compatible drives. Connecting to these drives is as simple as plugging in the accessory, which can range from thumb drives to external SSDs.
Utilizing the USB-C Port in iPad Pro
The USB-C port in the iPad Pro provides quick and easy access to USB-C supporting drives, offering a straightforward way to access and transfer data. Some drives, such as the Kingston DataTraveler Max, have a built-in USB-C connector for easy access, while others might need a connecting cable. Having a USB-C port also allows the iPad Pro to connect with various laptop-grade accessories, further enhancing its utility.
Availability of Multiport Adapters for Older USB-A Drives
Given that many external drives still feature the larger USB-A port, owning a simple adapter that converts USB-A to USB-C is an essential accessory for Apple users. The iPad Pro's USB-C port can be enhanced by using multi-port hubs for added versatility.
For example, Apple's USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter provides a simple solution. By plugging it into your iPad Pro, and then connecting the drive, you can easily read the drive's contents. There are also more fully-featured options available, such as the Plugable USBC-4IN1 and the HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Media Hub. These hubs offer additional USB-A ports and other features, accommodating a wide variety of existing USB-A drives.
Accessing the Content on the USB Drive
After successfully connecting a USB drive to your iPhone, iPad, or iPad Pro, the next step is to access the contents of the drive. This process requires the use of Apple's Files application, which is pre-installed on all iOS and iPadOS devices. Through this app, you can manage, move, and view the files contained in the connected drive.
Utilizing Apple’s Files Application for Accessing the Drive Content
With the USB drive connected (via the relevant adapter), the drive should appear in Apple's Files app. This application is designed to provide easy access to all your stored files, those stored both locally and on the external drive. By navigating through the Files app, you can open, move or copy files from the drive to your device and vice versa, which mirrors the experience of managing files on a Mac computer.
Process of Viewing the Files from the Drive
To view the content of the connected drive, you would need to navigate to the 'Browse' screen in the Files app. Here you will see a list of available drives including the local storage of your iPhone or iPad, as well as the connected USB drive. By simply tapping on the name of the USB drive, a window will open showing all files and folders contained in the drive.
It's important to note that when using an iPhone, or an iPad in portrait orientation, you must tap the 'Browse' tab at the bottom of the screen to access this list. On an iPad in landscape orientation, the 'Browse' option appears automatically in the sidebar. Regardless of the device or orientation, the location of your connected drive can easily be found in the list of locations, with flash drives often labelled as 'Untitled' or having manufacturer-specific names.
Benefits of Using USB Drives
Despite the advancements in cloud storage solutions like iCloud, USB drives still hold significant benefits for iPhone and iPad users. These benefits range from enhanced file accessibility, improved privacy, to ease of transferring large volumes of data.
Possibility of Carrying Larger Volumes of Files
One of the greatest advantages of using USB drives is their capacity to carry large data volumes. When you need to carry around terabytes worth of pictures, work files, movies, and other data, an external drive becomes an essential tool. Whether for an iPad, an iPhone, or both, connecting an external drive ensures constant access to your files, regardless of where you are.
Not Having to Depend on Internet Access
Connecting a USB drive to your device means that access to your files does not depend on internet connectivity. When your files are stored locally on an external drive, you can gain access to them at any time - even when you're in areas with poor or no internet connection, such as on a plane.
Privacy of Proprietary Files
USB drives are also beneficial for maintaining the privacy of your files. If you have proprietary files that you wish to keep from being shared or stored online, storing them on a thumb drive can provide a secure alternative. By keeping your sensitive files on a USB drive, you can practically eliminate the risk of unauthorized data sharing or breaches.
Easier Transfer of Files from Memory Cards with USB Card Readers
Harnessing the capability of USB card readers can provide a simple way to transfer files from memory cards, such as SD cards or microSD cards, to your iPhone or iPad. This is particularly handy if you're using gadgets that rely on such memory cards, like drones. Despite Apple's lack of built-in card slots in its devices, USB drives coupled with card readers provide an effective workaround.
