iPad Pro M1 no longer recognizes USB devices

[dionhouston]

Hello everyone! On the off-chance that anyone sees this on the Apple forums, I've submitted this question basically twice with no responses. I'm hoping you can help me.

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I am having a weird issue. I formerly used this same iPad Pro with a number of USB peripherals, but now for whatever reason it works with very little. Specifically, I can connect devices (I tried a thumb drive and a camera) that expose a mass storage device.

What I'd specifically like to do is get back to using my device as a laptop replacement. The following do not work: keyboard, mouse, HDMI (even through the official adapter), whether or not connected to a hub, powered or not. I also tried a Rode AI Micro, wireless (not bluetooth) headphones.

Occasionally, the blue USB thing comes up, implying some kind of connection. Also the fact the fact that mass storage seems to still work implies a data connection (I also tried multiple cables, including the Apple white one, and known good Thunderbolt 4 cables.)

I am aware of MFi certification, however some devices like keyboards and mice I don't believe require it. I would assume cheap hubs may be an issue, but device like the AI Micro for sure are certified.

Is my iPad Pro defective, or is this a "feature" with later versions of iPad OS? Anything else I can do to diagnose the issue? Thanks in advance... iPad Pro is on iPadOS 18.3.1 if that makes a difference, and I've factory reset it twice.

 

[Isamilis]

Have you checked the port. I experienced some debris from tissues and old papers were found inside and need to clean carefully.

 

[NastyMatt]

It’s not a feature so as @Isamilis said - check your port. How are you charging it? Is it via usb c? If so, does that’s cable work with other peripherals. (or are you charging through MK).

If none of this works/helps I’d recommend going to Apple and getting them to check it.

 

[dionhouston]

Thanks for the suggestions. It looked visually pretty clean to me, but I tried running a toothbrush with it too. No change. I'll grab some toothpicks and a bit of cotton and see if that helps.

Just to add to it, connecting the iPad to my Mac with a ThunderBolt 4 cable also doesn't work. Well except for Power Delivery (interestingly). Nothing shows up in the system report under USB or Thunderbolt/USB4.

I didn't actually think to bring it in to Apple. I've never owned one of those AppleCare subscriptions, and I'm sure it's long out of warranty. But presumably, that would be a lot cheaper than buying a new iPad Pro. Thanks!

Edit: Those are cool ranks - never noticed them before. A 6502a based computer was the first computer I used (as I'm sure many people my age) - I learned assemly on a 6510

 

[dionhouston]

OK, well... I cleaned it out as well as I could, and I did get the tiniest bit of success - the iPad now connects to my M4 Mac Mini through a USB-C cable. Still no HDMI, keyboard/mouse, nor my AI Micro.

I did learn something. The HDMI dongles I tried (even the Apple official one), would only work on my Mac Mini, if they were plugged in to the back. I believe the difference is that the ones on the back are Thunderbolt, the front ones just USB. If that is the case, perhaps there is something wrong with the pins that Thunderbolt uses.

That would explain why HDMI doesn't work, but storage could, but not why keyboard/mouse don't. It's just weird that PDS works in any case - it has no problem charging.

I guess the question - is there any chance that the Genius Bar folks could replace the USB-C connector on my iPad? Or any other suggestions with this new data? Thanks!

 

[Reverend Benny]

OK, well... I cleaned it out as well as I could, and I did get the tiniest bit of success - the iPad now connects to my M4 Mac Mini through a USB-C cable. Still no HDMI, keyboard/mouse, nor my AI Micro.

I did learn something. The HDMI dongles I tried (even the Apple official one), would only work on my Mac Mini, if they were plugged in to the back. I believe the difference is that the ones on the back are Thunderbolt, the front ones just USB. If that is the case, perhaps there is something wrong with the pins that Thunderbolt uses.

That would explain why HDMI doesn't work, but storage could, but not why keyboard/mouse don't. It's just weird that PDS works in any case - it has no problem charging.

I guess the question - is there any chance that the Genius Bar folks could replace the USB-C connector on my iPad? Or any other suggestions with this new data? Thanks!

I have a number docks and periperhals and are mixing PC, Mac and iPad Pro M1 using them all.
This is what I have learned to far, maybe some of this will be of help.

Worn USB-C connectors (in both the device and cable) can have a huge impact, but what might help is to turn the cable 180 degrees and try again.
I have one dock where this is always the case and I have nailed it down to the cable being worn. Funny enough it works on some devices and some not.

The USB-C port isn't as easy to clean as the lightning port so haven't really that. Maybe some isoproyl might do the trick but I would read up a bit more before I would do it so it doesn't damage anything.

The HDMI adapter (Apple) might be in need of a firmware update, so hook it up to a Mac and see if it shows up. The update has been applied automaticaly.

The USB-C cable standards can be a bit of a djungle too, but if it has worked in the past I woudln't say that would be the issue.

The last thing I have seen is people getting a case for their iPads that sometimes blocks the port.

Edit:
One issue I had with a Satechi dock was that it couldn't deliver enough power from time to time and some periperhals refused to work. Especially my Logitech periperals when using a dongle. Never figured out what was wrong but sent it back and went with another brand. Very odd issue.