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Transfer pictures and videos from an iPad to a USB drive

Can you transfer pictures and videos from an iPad to either an iMac or a USB drive?

iPad Air 2, iPadOS 14

Posted on May 11, 2021 2:08 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 12, 2021 2:30 AM

Yes, connection of external storage devices is possible - as is exchange of data between iPad and a PC or Mac computer.


When using external USB storage, to be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT or APFS with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required.


If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to directly connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your charger, to both the iPad and connected device. The external charger must be rated at 12W or more.


If you have one of the newest iPad Pro models, with a USB-C connector, you may need to utilise a powered USB hub (i.e., it has its own source of power) - connecting both the iPad Pro and the storage device to ports on the hub.


Some additional information can be found here:

Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support

https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad


Now, to transfer data and photos between your iPad and a computer (PC or Mac), you have two principal methods - iTunes or iCloud. For a Mac, you can also use AirDrop:

Set up and use iCloud Photos – Apple Support

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support


If your computer is a PC, you can install and use iTunes, iCloud for Windows, or both; they will happily coexist - and provide considerable flexibility in how you move/share/transfer/manage data, photos and other documents between iPad and Apple devices.


iTunes for Windows

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support


iCloud for Windows

Download iCloud for Windows – Apple Support

Set up and use iCloud for Windows – Apple Support

Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support


I hope this comprehensive answer is helpful to you.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 12, 2021 2:30 AM in response to Magicdog1234

Yes, connection of external storage devices is possible - as is exchange of data between iPad and a PC or Mac computer.


When using external USB storage, to be recognised by iPadOS, the attached USB storage device must be formatted to FAT, FAT32, exFAT or APFS with a single partition. As the iPad has limited power capabilities, dependent upon the Storage Device, an external power source is often required.


If your iPad Pro has a Lightning port, you will need to use an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter to directly connect USB devices to the iPad. This adapter has both a USB 3.0 Type-A connector and an additional Lightning port to supply power, from your charger, to both the iPad and connected device. The external charger must be rated at 12W or more.


If you have one of the newest iPad Pro models, with a USB-C connector, you may need to utilise a powered USB hub (i.e., it has its own source of power) - connecting both the iPad Pro and the storage device to ports on the hub.


Some additional information can be found here:

Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPhone - Apple Support

https://www.imore.com/how-use-external-hard-drives-your-iphone-or-ipad


Now, to transfer data and photos between your iPad and a computer (PC or Mac), you have two principal methods - iTunes or iCloud. For a Mac, you can also use AirDrop:

Set up and use iCloud Photos – Apple Support

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support


If your computer is a PC, you can install and use iTunes, iCloud for Windows, or both; they will happily coexist - and provide considerable flexibility in how you move/share/transfer/manage data, photos and other documents between iPad and Apple devices.


iTunes for Windows

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support


iCloud for Windows

Download iCloud for Windows – Apple Support

Set up and use iCloud for Windows – Apple Support

Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support


I hope this comprehensive answer is helpful to you.

Transfer pictures and videos from an iPad to a USB drive

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