How to Connect USB Devices to an iPad

Connect USB devices to your iPad with these accessories

What to Know

  • iPads never had the ubiquitous USB-A port, but most iPads now come with a USB-C port.
  • For non-USB-C iPads, you'll need a Lightning-to-USB cable adapter.
  • Alternatively, you can connect to USB devices wirelessly via AirDrop, AirPlay, AirPrint, or Bluetooth.

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 following iPads have a USB-C port:

  • iPad Pro models since the third generation in 2018
  • iPad Air models since the fourth generation in 2020
  • iPad mini models since the sixth generation in 2021
  • iPad since the tenth generation in 2022
An iPad mini and DSLR on a white table tethered together with a USB-C cable.

Apple, Inc.

These models allow you to connect any USB-C device that's iPad-compatible. With these models, the problem of connecting USB devices to the iPad is solved, assuming you are connecting 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 an entry-level iPad, any model of the iPad Air before the fourth generation, any model of the iPad Pro released before late 2018, or any model of the iPad mini before the sixth generation, 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 connect other USB accessories like keyboards, microphones, and printers. Not every USB accessory works with this adapter, and while the iPad needs to support it, it's unlikely you'll run across devices that don't work.

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

You have options, even with 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 ensure you get good quality and wide compatibility. Like the Camera Adapter, this cable plugs into the port on the bottom of the iPad. These iPads haven't been around long, so some accessories might be hard to come by.

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 Apple technology is 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

If you can't (or just don't want to) buy an adapter, you could connect the flash drive to a computer, upload the files to a free online cloud storage service, and then use your iPad to access the files from that service. It's definitely slower and a bit more of a hassle, but it's a wire-free way to get the files onto the iPad without buying anything.

FAQ
  • How to connect an iPad to a wired Ethernet internet port?

    Use a Lightning to USB-3 or USB-C to USB adapter and a USB to Ethernet adapter to connect an iPad to Ethernet. Alternatively, use a USB hub with an Ethernet port.

  • Can I connect my iPad to my TV with USB?

    No. The Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard doesn't support audio and video, so you can't use a USB cable to display your iPad screen on a TV. You can, however, use an HDMI cable with the appropriate adapter.

  • Can I charge my iPad with USB?

    Yes. Your iPad will charge fastest if you use a high-wattage USB-C power adapter made by Apple.

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