How to Connect USB Devices to an iPad

This article explains how to connect an iPad to a USB device. Instructions apply to all versions of the iPad.

Use USB Devices With iPads With the USB-C Port

The 2018 and 2019 iPad Pro models with 11-inch and 12.9-inch screens have a USB-C port. These are the first iPads that do.

These models include the next-generation USB-C port that allows you to connect any USB-C device that's iPad-compatible to an iPad Pro. With these models, the problem of connecting USB devices to the iPad is solved.

However, it's only solved for USB-C accessories. If you have an older USB device that you want to use with these models, you need an adapter. You can purchase a USB-C to USB adapter from Apple. Plug your old USB devices into this adapter and then plug the adapter into the iPad's USB-C port, and you're good to go.

Use USB Devices With iPads With the Lightning Port

If you have a 4th generation iPad or newer, any model of the iPad Air, any model of the iPad Pro released before late 2018, or any model of the iPad mini, you'll need an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to use USB devices. You can connect the adapter cable to the Lightning port at the bottom of the iPad, then connect a USB accessory to the other end of the cable.

This accessory is designed to connect digital cameras to the iPad to import photos and videos, but that's not all it does. You can also connect other USB accessories such as keyboards, microphones, and printers. Not every USB accessory works with this adapter. The iPad needs to support it. However, many accessories work with the iPad, and you'll expand the iPad's options for accessories with it.

Use USB Devices With iPads With the 30-Pin Dock Connector

You have options, even if you have an older iPad model with the wide 30-pin Dock Connector. In that case, you need a Dock Connector-to-USB adapter instead of the Lightning-to-USB Adapter. There are options on the market, but shop around and read reviews before buying to make sure you get something of good quality and wide compatibility. Like with the Camera Adapter, this cable plugs into the port on the bottom of the iPad.

Other Ways to Connect Accessories to the iPad

USB isn't the only way to connect accessories and other devices to an iPad. There are many wireless features built into the iOS that you can use to interact with other devices. Unfortunately, not every accessory supports these features, so you may need to buy some new devices to take advantage of these features.

• AirDrop: This is an Apple technology available on iOS 7.0 and higher devices. You can use AirDrop to wirelessly transfer files between iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
• AirPlay: This Apple technology streams audio and video from an iPad to speakers and screens. If you have compatible accessories, AirPlay lets you stream audio and video and mirror the iPad screen on a TV via the Apple TV.
• AirPrint: This is Apple's solution for printing from iPads that aren't connected to USB devices. Support for this wireless technology is built into iOS, but you'll need an AirPrint-compatible printer to use it, which most new printers do.
• Bluetooth: Use Bluetooth to pair or connect a device to iPads, keyboards, headphones, microphones, and similar devices. It's an industry-standard, so you'll find the widest range of options here.

Transfer Files From a Flash Drive Via the Cloud

There is a workaround if you don't have any of these wireless accessories and want to copy files from a flash drive or other USB storage device to an iPad. You can copy the files from a USB device to a computer and save the files in a free online cloud storage service. Then, connect the service to your phone or tablet via the company's app, and you'll have access to those files from the USB device. This eliminates the need for a Bluetooth-compatible device and means you don't have to purchase a USB adapter.