Is your iPhone or iPad not enough storage space for you? Fortunately, even with the Lightning connector on most iPhones and iPads, you can still access files stored on an external drive.
If you have large files that you don’t need every day or you just want to download more photos and videos and free up space, you can connect an external hard drive and transfer the files.
Apple made this possible with the release of iOS 13 in 2019, adding native support for external storage devices using Lightning and USB-C connectors.
In this report, we’ll show you what you need to make your iPhone or iPad work with an external drive, including compatible Apple devices and adapters you might need.
How to make sure iOS is updated
To connect to external storage devices, your iPhone or iPad will need iOS 13 or a later operating system, such as iOS 16.
However, not all devices are compatible with the latest versions of iOS and iPadOS.
If your device can’t be upgraded to iOS 12 (so if it’s an iPhone 6, for example), you can’t use an external storage device.
Any device that can be updated to iOS 13 or iPadOS 13 can be updated to iOS 14 / iPadOS 14, iOS 15 / iPadOS 15, iOS 16 / iPadOS 16. See the list of compatible devices with iOS 16 and iPadOS 16. See if it’s the right device for you.
If you have a compatible device but don’t know which version of iOS or iPadOS it’s on, here’s how to check:
Step 1: Tap to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down and find General.
Step 3: Click About. Check the number next to the software version. If it is less than 13, go to the next step. If the number is 13 or more, move on to the next part of the guide.
Step 4: Go back to the General screen in the Settings app.
Step 5: Click on Software Update.
Step 6: If the update is available, tap Download and install. If your device has already been updated, it will look like this, along with the current installed version.
Lightning port vs USB-C
Before connecting an external device to your iPhone or iPad, check which connector it uses.
Apple introduced the Lightning port in 2012 as part of the company’s goal to make the iPhone smaller.
It is smaller than the popular USB-C port released two years later.
Although Apple was part of the overall USB-C design, Lightning and USB-C are different technologies, so they are not interchangeable, and you’ll need separate cables for both.
Apple’s Lightning port is smaller than the USB-C port, and is ideal for iPhones and iPads.
The connector, which is flat, has two exposed pins, while the USB-C connector surrounds the pins.
Lightning can handle regarding 12 watts of power, maybe more, while USB-C supports over 100 watts.
All recent iPhones still use the Lightning port, but all new iPads (iPad Pro, iPad Air, iPad mini, and iPad 10th generation) now use USB-C.
The ninth generation iPad, which Apple still sells today, continues to use the old Lightning port.
How to connect to an external physical storage
Before unlocking your iPad or iPhone and going through the program, you need to establish a connection between your external storage device and your tablet or smartphone.
If your iPhone or iPad and the external device have matching jacks, connect them by connecting them to each other using the connector on the bottom of your Apple device.
For example, a thumb drive can also use a Lightning connector, which allows it to connect to most iPhones and iPads.
Or the external connector can use the USB-C connector, allowing it to connect directly to the iPad Pro.
Otherwise, if the connectors are different, you will need to purchase an adapter to connect your external device to your iPad or iPhone.
If you have an Apple device with a Lightning connector and want to connect an external device with a USB-C or USB-A connector, one option is the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter.
This adapter lets you connect more than just USB-C and USB-A camera devices to your Apple device.
If you have an Apple device with a USB-C connector, such as the iPad Pro, and need to connect an external device with a USB-A connector, Apple sells a USB-C to USB adapter.
How to browse files from external storage
Once your external device is connected to your Apple device, you can use the Files app to access the external device.
Note: To select multiple files or folders, click on the “Select” option in the upper-right corner, and then click on any file or folder that you want to edit.
Step 1: Tap to open the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
Step 2: Under the location, click on the name of your external drive. In this example it is simply called Drive.
On an iPad, your external device content appears on the right. On iPhone and iPod Touch, the content appears on the following screen.
Step 3: Tap any folder or file with your finger to open it, or tap and hold with your finger on any visible folder or file to open a small menu for additional control options, including copy, paste, move, delete, rename, notification, and beloved.
What if you can’t access your storage device?
If you are unable to access documents stored on the connected device, try these troubleshooting steps.
Check connections: Also check that your device is properly connected to the correct plugs and adapters. If you have extra cables and adapters, try using them or connecting them to different places if you can.
Check the drive’s file format: Make sure your external storage device is formatted so that both Mac and iOS devices can read it.
Windows supports the NTFS file format, but Mac and iOS do not.
Both systems support exFAT, but this format only supports files up to 4GB in size.
Check Power Requirements: Sometimes your devices don’t have enough power to support external hard drives.
Hard disk drives, hard drives, and other devices may require more power than your iPhone or iPad can produce.
Ask Apple: You can always contact Apple with any questions you have regarding what is preventing you from using external storage.
Check the Apple Support website or talk to a local Genius Bar technician.
Your iPhone or iPad can access your files on external storage devices, as long as you have the right hardware to do so.
With this in mind, your iPhone or iPad can be a great way to view or edit these files on the go and away from your computer.
