How to Connect Portable USB Devices to iPads & iPhones

And transfer media between all your devices

By
Jason Hidalgo
Jason Hidalgo
Writer
  • University of Nevada, Reno
Jason Hidalgo is an award-winning technology and business journalist whose writing has also appeared in Engadget, USA Today, and the Reno Gazette-Journal.
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Updated on June 7, 2021
Reviewed by
Michael Barton Heine Jr
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Reviewed by Michael Barton Heine Jr
Michael Heine is a CompTIA-certified writer, editor, and Network Engineer with 25+ years' experience working in the television, defense, ISP, telecommunications, and education industries.
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What to Know

  • To connect a portable device, use an adapter cable with a 30-pin or Lightning connector at one end and a standard USB port on the other.
  • If you only want to transfer files, use a portable memory stick.
  • To go wireless, use a wireless peripheral with Bluetooth or AirPlay connectivity, and transfer files with wireless memory sticks or dongles.

This article explains how to attach accessories and peripherals to your Apple iPhone or iPad using a USB connector. We also cover how to transfer files to your iOS device.

1:03

How to Connect a USB Device to an iPad

Using the Apple proprietary ports (whether the old 30-pin system or the newer Lightning connection) to transfer media to and from an iPhone or iPad hasn't always been intuitive. The same is true about accessories and peripherals that rely on a standard USB connector. However, there are several ways to move files or connect USB gadgets to Apple portable devices.

Connect Portable Devices With Compatible Adapters and Cables

Adapters and cables transfer media and connect USB devices to an iPhone or iPad. Whether it's an Apple official Camera Adapter or a third-party offering, look for these basic adapter cable features:

  • A 30-pin or Lightning connector at one end
  • A standard USB port on the other end

The idea is to plug one side of the adapter into a tablet or smartphone and then use the USB port on the other side to plug in a USB device.

An iPad connected to a USB drive via an adapter
Lifewire / Jo Zhou

Other Adapter Functions

Apple markets its adapter as a way to transfer pictures. It's a function that the adapter does well, allowing you to bypass a computer and transfer files directly from a camera.

One less-touted feature of such adapters involves the use of peripherals such as USB MIDI keyboards and microphones. The adapter works well if you want to use your regular USB peripherals without buying versions that are locked to the Apple proprietary connector.

It's also a good option if you want a wired connection for peripherals rather than a wireless one. This use is not officially considered a capability of the adapter, so make sure that your peripheral works with the adapter. Compatibility can be hit or miss at times.

Look for USB drives or other products that are certified as Made for iPhone (MFi). These devices work seamlessly with iOS.

Use Mobile Memory Devices to Transfer Files

If you don't want to connect USB peripherals and only want to transfer files, portable memory sticks or devices are other options. These devices also come with built-in memory for storing media.

What to Look For

These devices typically feature two connectors:

  • One can be a Lightning connector for linking with an iPod, iPhone, or iPad.
  • The other is a regular USB connector for use with a laptop or desktop PC.

How to Use Them

Load your pictures or movies from a PC, for example, and then connect to your Apple device, and you're good to go. You can also move files from your iPhone or iPad to the devices and transfer those files to a computer.

In addition to transferring files or media, these portable gadgets play video from the memory stick or device on your iPhone or iPad.

Apple iOS devices may not play some play file formats unless you download a specific app. These include AVI and MKV files. Examples include the SanDisk iXpand and the Leef iBridge Mobile Memory stick.

Use Wireless Options to Transfer Files and Connect Accessories

Another way to transfer files or connect gadgets is to bypass the physical connection and go the wireless route.

Connect Bluetooth Peripherals

Many peripherals feature either Bluetooth or AirPlay connectivity, for example. These include iPad keyboards for typing, such as the Rapoo E6300 and Verbatim Wireless Mobile Keyboard, and MIDI keyboards for music like the Korg Microkey 25.

Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both devices to pair and use them together.

Transfer Files With Wireless Memory Sticks and Dongles

For file transfers, wireless memory sticks or dongles like the Sandisk Connect flash drive are other options.

Use this accessory to link with an iPhone or iPad wirelessly. Once connected, transfer documents, music, pictures, and videos to an Apple device.

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