How to use external storage for your Apple iPhone or iPad

If you own iOS devices, you’re probably already subscribed to cloud storage by default. But, of course, you’re likely to use up iCloud’s free tier almost in a few odd weeks. While there are plenty of plans available that allow you to expand your storage, we’re not judging if you end up maxing them out as well. More so if you’re someone who regularly deals with heavy-duty files for work.

And even if you’re someone who likes to hoard, there’s no harm in having a little more space to keep your favourite digital memories in one place. Beginning from media to games, there’s a lot that you can store on an external storage drive — and we’re here to show you how to go about:

Step 1: Identifying your port

Before you establish a connection with your iPhone or iPad, make sure you identify the pin your device is using. Older variants could still have a lightning port that was introduced to make the phone slimmer in 2012. However, a more common USB-C port was introduced to both the iPhone and iPad a couple of years later. If you’re using a relatively newer device, you might only require a USB-C cable to connect with an external storage.

Step 2: Connecting external storage to your device

Once you’re done with the step above, connect your external storage drive with your iPhone or iPad. If you find that the connectors are different from the cable you own, you might need to purchase a converter in order to have the two connected.

ALSO READ: Can the MacBook Pro charge with a USB Type-C cable?

For instance, if you have an iOS device with a Lightning port, you might want to get an Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter, which will let you plug in a USB-C or USB-A type of device with your iPhone or iPad.

Step 3: Browsing through your files on external storage

If everything mentioned above has been executed correctly, you will be able to browse through files on your external storage via Apple’s native Files app. To go through with this, tap the Files app on your iPhone or iPad and navigate into ‘Locations’. Within this, you will be able to find the name of your external drive.

On your iPad, you will find this on the left-hand side of your screen, and on an iPhone, it should open up within the same window. Tap and hold to open this file to move, view or duplicate any of the contents within the folder.

What if you can't locate your external device?

If you’ve carried out the steps mentioned above and still can’t locate the storage device on your iPhone or iPad, you might want to try the following: 

1. Check for connectivity issues

You may have used the wrong adapter, or your cable may not have been connected properly. In such a situation, try replacing your existing cords with any duplicate ones or plug them into different ports to ensure they’re working fine. 

2. Check the format of your drive

Your external drive needs to be formatted for Mac devices to be able to read it. Windows typically uses the NTFS format, but your Mac devices require it to be in exFAT format. 

3. Ensure your devices are adequately powered up 

Sometimes, your devices may not be able to locate an external drive if they don’t have enough power. Many devices like Solid-state drives or hard drives might require your iPhone or iPad to have more power to be able to read it effectively.

ALSO READ: How to transfer photos from an iPhone to a laptop

 If none of these methods work, reach out to Apple Support for a quick resolution or speak to an expert to rule out any issues with your Mac devices. However, once you establish a connection with your iPad or iPhone, you should be able to use your external drive without a glitch.