iPads don’t come with SD card slots, so you can’t just pop an SD card right in.
But if you’re running low on storage, don’t worry! There are some easy ways to get around this.
In this article, you’ll learn simple methods to connect an SD card to your iPad and discover the best SD cards to use for a smooth experience.
How To Connect an SD Card to iPad
To connect an SD card to an iPad, you’ll need the right adapter based on your iPad’s port type—either Lightning or USB-C.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Purchase a SD card reader compatible with your iPad (you’ll find the options in the next section).
- Place your SD card into the reader.
- Plug the reader into the USB-C port on your iPad.
- Open the Files app, where you should see the SD card listed as an external drive. From here, you can view, transfer, and manage files on the SD card.
Have in mind, that iPads with USB-C ports and Lightning ports require different SD card adapters:
USB-C Models
iPads with USB-C ports, which can use the same USB-C SD card readers as newer MacBooks, include:
- iPad Pro (3rd generation and later)
- iPad Air (4th generation and later)
- iPad mini (6th generation)
Lightning Models
iPads with Lightning ports, requiring a Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader for SD card connection, include:
- iPad (9th generation) and earlier
- iPad mini (5th generation) and earlier
- iPad Air (3rd generation) and earlier
SD Card Adapters For Your iPad
To connect an SD card to your iPad, you’ll need an appropriate adapter compatible with your iPad’s port type. Here are some options available in the USA:
For USB-C iPads
Anker USB-C 6-in-1 Hub for iPad Pro
- Made for USB-C iPads: Designed specifically to match the style and dimensions of your...
- All the Ports You Need: Turn your iPad's USB-C port into a 4K HDMI port, a...
- Go Bigger with HD Display: Make creating simple by connecting your iPad to a bigger...
This versatile adapter offers a 4K HDMI port, SD and microSD card slots, USB-A, USB-C Power Delivery, and a 3.5mm audio jack. It’s designed for iPads with USB-C ports, providing multiple connectivity options for video, audio, and data transfer.
HyperDrive 6-in-1 USB-C Hub for iPad Pro
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 50 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- All the Ports You Need: Turn your iPad Pro’s single USB-C port into a huge 6 ports....
- Vivid Display: Mirror or extend your screen in stunning 4K@60Hz via the HDMI port.
This hub includes 4K HDMI, SD and microSD slots, USB-A, USB-C PD, and a headphone jack, offering a range of connectivity options in one compact unit. It’s perfect for users looking to expand their iPad’s capabilities with high-quality media and peripheral connections.
Apple USB-C to SD Card Reader
This Apple-branded USB-C SD card reader provides fast UHS-II speeds, making it ideal for quick photo and video transfers. Compatible with USB-C iPads, it’s compact and highly reliable, perfect for professional users and content creators.
Anker USB-C SD 4.0 Card Reader
- The Anker Advantage: Join the 65 million+ powered by our leading technology.
- Dual Card Slots: Includes both an SD and a microSD card slot, making it easy to...
- High-Speed: Features the latest UHS-II SD card slot to support transfer speeds of up...
A versatile, compact reader with dual slots for SD and microSD cards, this Anker adapter offers high-speed transfers on USB-C iPads. It supports a wide range of card types and ensures smooth access to media files for easy management on the go.
For Lightning iPads
Apple Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader
- With the Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader, it’s easy to download photos and...
- After you insert the SD card into the reader, your iPad or iPhone automatically opens...
- The Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader supports standard photo formats, including...
The official Apple Lightning to SD card reader allows easy and reliable transfers of photos and videos from SD cards to Lightning iPads. Its plug-and-play functionality is great for quick imports directly to the Photos app.
DESOFICON Apple MFi Certified Lightning to Micro SD Card Reader
- 【Universal Compatibility&Two-way transfer】Apple SD card reader supports all...
- 【TF / SD Memory Card Reader】Share Picture/Music/Video Among Devices.The iPhone SD...
- 【High Speed Data Transmission & Raw files】Blistering fast transfer speed,ensures...
This MFi-certified Lightning to microSD card reader is compatible with Lightning iPads and other iOS devices. It supports photo and video transfer with a simple, compact design that’s perfect for mobile editing and storage expansion.
Best SD Card For iPad
Here are my top picks:
Toshiba Exceria Pro N502 SDXC UHS-II
The Toshiba Exceria Pro N502 is ideal for professionals, providing swift read speeds up to 270 MB/s and write speeds of 260 MB/s. This makes it highly suitable for handling large video files and high-resolution media on devices like the iPad.
Its efficient write speeds support smooth 4K recording, while the robust build ensures durability in challenging conditions. Available in 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB options, it meets the needs of users requiring fast, reliable storage.
Panasonic SDZA Series SDXC UHS-II
- UHS II standard
- Up to 280MB/s read and 250聽MB/s write
- Video Speed Class V90聽= 90聽MB/s (720MBPS) constant Schreibge in black
The Panasonic SDZA Series offers high-speed performance with 280 MB/s read and 250 MB/s write speeds, designed for quick data transfers.
Available only in a 64GB capacity, it’s suited for shorter video shoots or smaller media collections, delivering efficient and dependable performance for users prioritizing speed over storage size.
Sony SF-G Tough UHS-II
- TOUGH specification with crush and shock-proof design
- Rib-less and switchless design enhances reliability, eliminating risks of breakage
- Dust and water proofing at the highest level (IP68)
Sony’s SF-G Tough series combines speed and durability, with 300 MB/s read and 299 MB/s write capabilities, making it ideal for demanding outdoor use or rugged conditions.
Engineered to withstand physical stress, it resists bending and cracking, offering reliable storage for content creators working in tough environments.
Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC UHS-II
- High-speed performance—leverages UHS-II technology (U3) for a read transfer speed...
- Captures high-quality images and extended lengths of Full-HD and cinema-quality 8K...
- Backwards compatible with UHS-I devices
With 300 MB/s read speeds, the Lexar Professional 2000x SDXC card provides fast and efficient data transfer for high-res photos and on-the-go video editing.
Its high-speed performance ensures minimal delays during transfers, making it an excellent choice for photographers and videographers using devices like the iPad.
SanDisk Extreme Pro micro SD Card UHS-II
- Read Speed: SanDisk 256GB Extreme PRO microSD UHS-I Card features SanDisk QuickFlow...
- Write Speeds of up to 140MB/s: Capture fast-action photos or shoot 4K UHD video with...
- Load Apps Faster with A2: Get faster app performance for an outstanding smartphone...
SanDisk’s Extreme Pro is known for its speed and resilience, with read speeds up to 280 MB/s and write speeds of 150 MB/s.
It’s a reliable option for managing large files and 4K video, perfect for professionals needing durability and performance, especially with added features like water and shock resistance.
How To Choose an SD Card For iPad?
Here are the key parameters to keep in mind:
Transfer Speed (UHS Rating)
Speed is a key factor when using an SD card for data-intensive tasks or professional workflows, such as editing high-res photos or videos. Different speed ratings cater to various needs:
- UHS-I (Ultra High Speed Class 1): Up to 104 MB/s transfer rates, ideal for basic data transfers and even HD video.
- UHS-II: With speeds reaching up to 312 MB/s, this rating is well-suited for 4K video, RAW image files, and other data-heavy tasks.
- UHS-III: Offering up to 624 MB/s, this is the fastest and most specialized, ideal for demanding projects but often unnecessary for general users.
Speed Class (Class and V Rating)
- Class 10: This is the baseline speed class for most SD cards today, suitable for recording HD videos.
- V30, V60, V90: These “V ratings” specify video speed, which is crucial for video recording. V30 (sustains 30MB/s) is enough for 4K recording, while V60 and V90 are designed for handling 8K footage smoothly.
Card Format
- SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity): Supports capacities up to 32GB but is more limited in speed.
- SDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity): Ranging from 64GB up to 2TB, these cards are compatible with UHS-I and UHS-II for faster read and write speeds, making them better for users who need robust performance.
Why Speed is Important
Speed matters when working with large files or transferring data in bulk. A slower SD card can lead to longer transfer times and may struggle to keep up with high-resolution video or RAW file editing, potentially slowing down your workflow.
You can check you SD card’s speed with this Free test>>>
Storage Capacity
The right SD card capacity depends on the volume and type of data you need to store on your iPad. For everyday tasks, like moving smaller files or documents, a 64GB or 128GB card is usually sufficient.
If you’re storing larger files, like high-resolution videos or detailed photos, it’s worth opting for higher capacities, such as 256GB or 512GB. Remember, more storage typically comes with a higher price tag, so choose the size that best fits your needs.
We’ll explore specific SD card sizes and their uses in the next section.
Quick Tips for Choosing
- For professionals: Look for UHS-II or UHS-III cards with a V30 rating or higher to ensure fast transfers and efficiency in intensive workflows.
- For general users: A UHS-I, Class 10, or V30 card should be sufficient for regular file transfers, documents, or even photo storage.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this guide helped you understand all you need to know about the best SD cards for iPad:)
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