While cloud storage has made things a bit less troublesome , most people will eventually max out the uncommitted outer space on their iPad or iPhone . From game and apps to music and more , there are thousands of files contend for your SSD — and even if you pick up a modelling with a 1 TB SSD , there ’s a good prospect that years of utilisation will wipe out every last byte of distance you had available .

gratefully , Apple make it easy to use external storage with an iPhone or iPad . This is especially true of newer models that boast aUSB - C embrasure , though even older mannequin with Lightning embrasure can still make exercise of the lineament . Here ’s a closer look at how this works , along with a few crown and joke to maximize its potential .

How to make sure iOS is up-to-date

To clear aboriginal compatibility with external storage devices , your iPhone or iPad will neediOS 13or a later operating system , like Io 17 .

Unsure of the iOS variant you ’re run ? Here ’s how to check :

Step 1 : Tap to open theSettingsapp .

stair 2 : Scroll down and tapGeneral .

pace 3 : TapAbout . Check the number next to Software Version . If it ’s lower than 13 , move on to the next step . If it ’s rendering 13 or higher , move to the next segment of this guide .

Step 4 : Return to theGeneralscreen in theSettingsapp .

Step 5 : TapSoftware Update .

stone’s throw 6 : If an update is available , tapDownload and Install . If your twist is already up - to - date , it will state as such , along with the current version install .

Lightning vs. USB-C

Before plugging an external machine into your iPhone or iPad , turn back which connector it ’s using . Apple introduced the Lightning embrasure in 2012 as part of the society ’s finish to make the iPhone slimmer . It ’s smaller than the now more - mutual USB - C port introduced two age later . While Apple was part of the overall USB - C innovation process , Lightning and USB - ascorbic acid are disjoined technologies , so they ’re not interchangeable , and you ’ll require different cable for both .

Apple ’s Lightning embrasure is slimmer than USB - C , perfect for iPhones and iPads . The connector , flat in pattern , has exposed pins , whereas a USB - C connector shut in the pins . All new iPads and iPhones are being designed with USB - C , so unless you ’re using an Old production , you ’ll be using USB - C cablegram to get at external storage devices .

How to physically connect your external storage

Before unlocking your iPad or iPhone and jump into the package , you must establish a physical connection between your international storage gimmick and your tablet or smartphone . If your iPhone or iPad and external gadget have matching plugs , link up both by plugging them into one another using the bottom connector of your Apple gadget .

For example , a thumb drive might also use a Lighting connector , allowing it to plug directly into iPhones and most iPads . Or , an outside hard drive might use a USB - C connecter , appropriate it to plug directly into iPad Pro devices . Otherwise , if the connection are unlike , you will need to purchase an adapter so that your external gadget can connect to your iPad or iPhone .

If you have an Apple twist with a Lightning connexion and need to stop up in an external gimmick with either a USB - C or USB - A connexion , one selection isApple ’s Lighting to USB 3 Camera Adapter . This arranger get you plug more than just outside USB - hundred and USB - A camera devices into your Apple machine .

If you have an Apple equipment with a USB - ascorbic acid connexion , such as the iPad Pro , and want to plug away in an external twist with a USB - A connecter , Apple sell aUSB - C to USB adapter .

How to browse files from your external storage

Once your extraneous equipment is physically connected to your Apple equipment , you may apply the aboriginal Files app to get at the external equipment .

notice : To select multiple files or folder , tap theSelectoption in the upper - right recession , and then tap each file or folder you like to manipulate .

Step 1 : Tap to reach the Files app on your iPhone , iPad , or iPod Touch .

Step 2 : UnderLocations , tap the name of your external driving force . In this example , it ’s simply labeledDrive . On the iPad , the mental object of your external machine appear on the right field . On the iPhone and the iPod Touch , the content come out on the follow screen .

Step 3 : Tap any brochure or file with your finger’s breadth to open it or tap and hold with your finger on any seeable folder or file to spread a submenu for extra direction options , including copying , duplicating , move , deleting , renaming , tagging , and favoriting .

What if you can’t access your storage device?

If you ’re unable to get at documents put in on a unite twist , prove these troubleshooting options .

check out the connector : Double - check that your equipment are right secure in with the appropriate plug and adapters . If you have excess cord and adapters , try using them or stop up into different ports if you’re able to .

ensure the drive ’s file format : secure that your outside storage gimmick is format so thatboth Mac and iOS devicescan read it . Windows assumes the NTFS file format , but that is n’t the case with Mac and iOS . Both platforms support exFAT , but this formatting only supports Indian file up to 4 gigabit .

Check the power requirements : Sometimes your gadget do n’t have enough magnate to support external knockout drives . substantial - state of matter drive , intemperate driving , and some other devices may need more power than your iPhone or iPad can output .

confabulate Apple : As a last resort , you may alwaysreach out to Appledirectly with any questions you have concerning problem that inhibit your use of goods and services of extraneous entrepot . Either confabulate the Apple Support web site or talk to an expert at your local in - store Genius Bar .

As you’re able to see , your iPhone or iPad can access your files on international store devices , as long as you have the right equipment to do so . With this in judgement , your iPhone or iPad can act as a with child answer for viewing or edit those files while you ’re on - the - go and away from a computer .