Transfer files using an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service on iPad
With iPad and a computer, you can transfer files using an external storage device, a file server, or a cloud storage service like Box or Dropbox.
Transfer files with an external storage device
Connect your iPad or computer to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or SD card.
To connect to iPad, you might need a cable adapter. See Connect external storage devices to iPad.
Note: If an alert appears on iPad asking whether to trust this computer, select Trust. See the Apple Support article About the ‘Trust This Computer’ alert.
Use a supported app (like Files or Pages) to copy files to the storage device. See Connect external devices or servers with Files on iPad.
Disconnect the storage device, then connect it to the device where you want the copied files to appear.
Copy the files to the connected device. See Connect and use other storage devices with Mac in the macOS User Guide.
Transfer files with a file server
Note: If you have a Mac, you can set it up as a file server on a local network, such as your Wi-Fi network. See Set up file sharing on Mac in the macOS User Guide.
Connect to the file server from your iPad using the Files app.
Connect your Mac or PC to the file server (unless your computer is the file server). See Connect your Mac to shared computers and servers in the macOS User Guide.
Use the file server to transfer files between your iPad and computer.
When you’re finished, disconnect your iPad from the file server by tapping
next to the server.
Transfer files with a cloud storage service like Box or Dropbox
Note: Subscription fees might apply.
On your iPad or computer, follow the instructions from your cloud storage service to upload the files you want to share.
To access your shared files on iPad, open Files, tap Browse at the bottom of the screen, then tap the name of the storage service below Locations.
To access the shared files on a computer, follow the service’s instructions.