iPad Air Configuring an iPad Air 4

[getrealbro]

I’ll be configuring our new iPad Air 4 via a “clean install” after it gets here. I plan to back it up to our late 2014 Mini before and after I download/install the 3rd party apps. What USB-C to USB cable/adapter do you use/recommend for both fast charging and backing up an iPad Air 4?

GetRealBro

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

The one that comes in the box I guess.

 

[AutomaticApple]

The one that comes in the box I guess.

Yeah, the one in the box will do just fine.

 

[nicho]

Yeah, the one in the box will do just fine.

The 2014 Mini had USB-C ports? News to me.

 

[getrealbro]

The one that comes in the box is a USB-C <-> USB-C cable. Late 2014 Minis only have 4 - USB 3 and 2 - Thunderbolt 2 ports.

So backing up an iPad Air 4 to our late 2014 Mini will require a different cable or an adapter. Hence my question.

GetRealBro

 

[contacos]

There is a USB to USB-C adapter from Apple. For fast charging you obviously need to use the charger and cable that came with the iPad. It won't fast charge from your Mac

 

[nicho]

There is a USB to USB-C adapter from Apple

It's the wrong way around to be useful.

 

[snipr125]

Getrealbro, any Usb C to Usb A cable will work. I used the cable from my Fiio music player to sync my Air 4 to my 2015 MacBook pro and it worked just fine. If you have anyone in your house hold who has a newer Android phone, then they will most likely use a USB C to A cable, although some of them are USB C to USB C which is no good for you. Otherwise you will just have to buy a cheap one from Amazon.

 

[ericwn]

The one that comes in the box I guess.

Guesswork is usually a terrible idea when helping with technology.

 

[ericwn]

Yeah, the one in the box will do just fine.

How so? Seems exactly the opposite.

 

[Marlon DLTH :)]

The one that comes in the box is a USB-C <-> USB-C cable. Late 2014 Minis only have 4 - USB 3 and 2 - Thunderbolt 2 ports.

View attachment 1680073
So backing up an iPad Air 4 to our late 2014 Mini will require a different cable or an adapter. Hence my question.

GetRealBro

I’m sorry, I didn’t read correctly.

 

[getrealbro]

I’m sorry, I didn’t read correctly.

No worries.

I’ve ordered these USB-C to USB-A cables

[2-Pack, 3ft] USB C Cable 3A Fast Charging, etguuds USB A to Type C Charger Cord Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S20 S10 S9 S8 Plus S10E, Note 20 10 9 8, A10e A20 A50 A51 A71, Moto G8 G7, Nylon Braided

[2-Pack, 3ft] USB C Cable 3A Fast Charging, etguuds USB A to Type C Charger Cord Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S20 S10 S9 S8 Plus S10E, Note 20 10 9 8, A10e A20 A50 A51 A71, Moto G8 G7, Nylon Braided

smile.amazon.com

Hopefully they will allow us to backup our new iPad Air 4 to our 2014 Mini AND keep the iPad Air charged, while on the road, using the USB-A ports in our X5 and AirStream.

GetRealBro

 

[getrealbro]

After the Air arrived, I began the “clean” configuration and backups. It came with iPadOS 14.1. So after a minimal configure (iCloud passwords, iOS settings, etc) I updated to iPadOS 14.2. Then backed the Air up to our 2014 Mini using this USB-C -> USB adapter. I like the way this tiny adapter can become part of a USB-C cable or become part of a USB hub.

Elebase USB to USB C Adapter 4 Pack,Type C Female to A Male Charger Converter for Apple Watch Ultra iWatch 8 7,iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus,Airpods,iPad 9 10 Air 5 Mini 6,Car,Samsung Galaxy S23 S22

Elebase USB to USB C Adapter 4 Pack,Type C Female to A Male Charger Converter for Apple Watch Ultra iWatch 8 7,iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max Plus,Airpods,iPad 9 10 Air 5 Mini 6,Car,Samsung Galaxy S23 S22

smile.amazon.com

The Mini is running Catalina 10.15.7. When I plugged the Air into the Mini, this vague warning popped up...

I clicked on “Not Now” and the Air mounted and showed up in the Finder anyway.

FWIW I’m growing increasing annoyed by Apple’s nagging about not installing the latest OS, despite reported problems that haven’t been fixed yet. Our Apple TV’s nightly TVOS14 nags, e.g. when we have just paused a show to go get a beer, has encouraged me to investigate non-Apple streaming products

GetRealBro