Is your iPhone or iPad running low on storage? Fortunately, despite the proprietary Lightning connector on iPhones and most 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 a bunch of photos and videos and free up space, you can connect an external hard drive and send those 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 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 check for iOS update
For native compatibility with 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 the latest iOS 12 (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 also be updated to iOS 14 / iPadOS 14, iOS 15 / iPadOS 15, iOS 16 / iPadOS 16, so you can check the list of iOS 16 and iPadOS 16 compatible devices to see if your device meets the requirements.
If you have a compatible device but aren’t sure which version of iOS or iPadOS it’s running on, here’s how to check:
Step 1: Tap to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap on General.
Step 3: Press O. Check the number next to the software version. If it is less than 13, go to the next step. If it’s version 13 or later, skip to the next section of this guide.
Step 4: Go back to the General screen in the Settings app.
Step 5: Tap on Software Update.
Step 6: If an update is available, tap Download and install. If your device has already been updated, it will look like this, along with the currently 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 efforts to make the iPhone thinner.
It’s smaller than the more popular USB-C port introduced two years later.
While Apple was a part of the entire USB-C design process, Lightning and USB-C are two separate technologies, so they are not interchangeable, and you’ll need different cables for both.
Apple’s Lightning port is slimmer than USB-C, and is ideal for iPhones and iPads.
The connector, which is a flat design, has two exposed pins, while the USB-C connector surrounds the pins.
Lightning can handle close to 12 watts of power, possibly more, while USB-C supports more than 100 watts.
All newer 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 base model of the ninth generation iPad, which Apple still sells today, continues to use the old Lightning port.
How to physically connect external storage
Before you unlock your iPad or iPhone and go through the software, you need to create a physical 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 to each other using the bottom connector of your Apple device.
For example, the flash drive can also use a Lightning connector, which allows it to connect directly to an iPhone and most iPads.
Or an external hard drive 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 need 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 allows you to connect more than one USB-C and USB-A camera 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 search for files from external storage
Once your external device is physically connected to your Apple device, you can use the native 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 each file or folder that you want to process.
Step 1: Tap to open the Files app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch.
Step 2: Under Locations, click on the name of your external drive. In this example it is simply called Drive.
On the iPad, your external device content appears on the right. On iPhone and iPod Touch, the content appears on the following screen.
Step 3: Touch any folder or file with your finger to open it, or touch and hold any visible folder or file to open a submenu for additional management options, including Copy, Copy, Move, Delete, Rename, Bookmark, and Favorites.
What if you can’t access your storage device?
If you can’t access documents stored on a connected device, try these troubleshooting options.
Check Connection: Make sure your devices are properly connected to the correct plugs and adapters. If you have extra cables and adapters, try using them or plugging them into other outlets if you can.
Check disk file format: Make sure your external storage device is formatted so that it can be read by both Mac and iOS devices.
Windows assumes 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.
Solid-state drives, hard drives, and some other devices may need more power than your iPhone or iPad can supply.
Consult Apple: You can always contact Apple directly with any questions you have about issues preventing external storage from being used.
Consult the Apple Support website or speak to an expert at the Genius Bar at your local store.
Your iPhone or iPad can access your files on external storage devices, as long as you have the right equipment to do so.
With this in mind, your iPhone or iPad can act as a great solution for viewing or editing these files on the go and away from your computer.