How to Safely Remove a USB from an iPad Pro (iOS 13 )
If you have used an adapter to plug a USB flash drive into your iPad Pro running iOS 13 , it is recommended to simply unplug it. The iPad and iOS do not have a 'safe eject' feature for USB sticks because they were not designed to handle them in the first place.
However, for those who are concerned about data corruption or ensuring a safe removal, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to safely remove an external drive from your iPad Pro:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Ensure All Data Transfers are Complete or Paused
No matter the size of the files you are transferring, it’s always a good practice to ensure there are no ongoing data transfers. This helps in minimizing the risk of data corruption or loss. Unless you are transferring very large files, you should be fine, but it's still a worthy precaution.
2. Close the Files App (if necessary)
If the USB drive is currently open in the Files app, it is best to close it before removing the drive. This ensures that the iPad sees the drive as being idle, further improving the chances for a safe removal.
3. Unplug the USB Drive Carefully
Once you have ensured that there are no active transfers and that the Files app (if open) is closed, you can now unplug the USB drive. Carefully pull the USB cable from the iPad Pro and avoid sudden or forceful movements that might cause damage.
Technical Explanation
Apple does not provide an interface for ejecting drives in iPadOS like it does for macOS. This is because the iPad was not originally designed to handle external storage devices in the same capacity as a computer. Therefore, plugging and unplugging the USB drive in a controlled manner is the recommended method to ensure a safe removal.
In the case of the iPad Pro, the engineers at Apple have designed the device to handle USB drives in a way that unplug-and-go should be sufficient. However, if you frequently deal with large files or if you are prone to data loss, following the steps mentioned above can help.
User Safety Precautions
While unplug-and-go works for most users, it’s always a good idea to be cautious. Here are some additional tips:
Backup regularly: Regardless of how you remove external drives, it’s a good idea to back up your iPad to iCloud or an external drive. Avoid vibrations: When unplug the USB drive, ensure the iPad Pro is placed on a stable surface to avoid accidental drops or vibrations that could cause damage. Check for errors: After safely removing the USB drive, check to see if any error messages appear. If you notice any unusual behavior, seek help from an Apple support professional or a reputable repair shop.Conclusion
Understanding how to safely remove a USB from an iPad Pro is crucial, especially for users who handle a lot of data or sensitive information. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can minimize the risk of data corruption and hardware damage. Remember, while the iPad Pro does not have a 'safe eject' feature like some desktop operating systems, careful unplugging is a reliable method for safe removal.
For any further assistance or questions, feel free to comment below or consult the official Apple support documentation. Thanks for reading!