Are you having trouble connecting your external hard drive to your iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13? If so, you’re not alone. Many users have reported issues with their devices not recognizing or properly working with external hard drives. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of this common problem and provide some solutions to help you get your external hard drive up and running with your iPad or iPhone.
Why Won’t My External Hard Drive Work with my iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13?
There are several reasons why your external hard drive may not be working with your iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13. Here are some of the most common reasons:
Unsupported File System
One of the most common reasons why an external hard drive may not work with your iPad or iPhone is an unsupported file system. Apple devices require external hard drives to be formatted in either the APFS, HFS+, or FAT32 file system. If your external hard drive is formatted in a different file system such as NTFS or exFAT, it may not be recognized by your iPad or iPhone.
Insufficient Power Supply
Another reason why your external hard drive may not work with your iPad or iPhone is due to an insufficient power supply. Some external hard drives require more power than your iPad or iPhone can provide, causing the device to not recognize the hard drive. In this case, using an external power source or investing in a powered USB hub may solve the issue.
Incompatible Device or Cable
Finally, an incompatible device or cable may also cause external hard drive issues. Check to ensure that your external hard drive is compatible with your iPad or iPhone and that you are using a compatible cable to connect the two devices.
How to Fix External Hard Drive Issues with iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13
Now that we’ve identified some of the most common reasons for external hard drive issues with iPad or iPhone, let’s dive into some solutions:
Format Your External Hard Drive
If your external hard drive is not formatted in the APFS, HFS+, or FAT32 file system, reformatting the hard drive may solve the issue. However, keep in mind that reformatting your hard drive will delete all of the data stored on it, so be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.
To format your external hard drive, connect it to your computer and open Disk Utility. Select your external hard drive from the list of available disks, and then choose the desired file system format from the drop-down menu. Click “Erase” to format the drive and wait for the process to complete.
Use a Powered USB Hub
If your external hard drive requires more power than your iPad or iPhone can provide, using a powered USB hub may solve the issue. A powered USB hub acts as a middleman between your iPad or iPhone and the external hard drive, providing additional power to the hard drive and allowing the devices to properly communicate with each other.
Use a Different Cable
If an incompatible cable is causing external hard drive issues, trying a different cable may solve the problem. Be sure to use a cable that is compatible with both your external hard drive and your iPad or iPhone.
Conclusion
External hard drive issues with iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13 can be frustrating, but there are several solutions that can help you get your external hard drive up and running with your device. Whether your external hard drive requires reformatting, additional power, or a different cable, these solutions can help you get back on track with your data storage needs.
FAQs about External Hard Drive Not Working with iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13
Can I connect any external hard drive to my iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13?
No, Apple devices require external hard drives to be formatted in either the APFS, HFS+, or FAT32 file system. If your external hard drive is formatted in a different file system such as NTFS or exFAT, it may not be recognized by your iPad or iPhone.
Why won’t my external hard drive work with my iPad or iPhone?
There are several reasons why an external hard drive may not work with your iPad or iPhone using iPadOS or iOS 13. Some of the most common reasons include an unsupported file system, insufficient power supply, or an incompatible device or cable.
How can I fix external hard drive issues with my iPad or iPhone?
To fix external hard drive issues with your iPad or iPhone, you can try reformatting your hard drive, using a powered USB hub, or using a different cable.
