Resolved iPhone won't read SD cards?

[cheddar-caveman]

iPhone 12mini running 26.3.1 I have bought This card reader for the iPhone.

I have several SD cards but none of them appear on my iPhone when I plug the card reader in.

Where should they appear if it is reading the cards please?

Do I have to download an app??

The reason I need this is that I have an Owl box with birds in it in an old barn about a mile from home and I have a TrailCam there. When I check the cam I need to be able to read the card there rather than having to bring it home and back.

 

[chown33]

The card should appear in the Files app.


An iPhone 12 probably has a similar limitation on powering USB devices as you encountered with your iPad, which is discussed here:

Won't read my card reader.

My 6th generation iPad won't read my Lenovo card reader? I can charge the iPAD with the same connector as I do my MacBook Air and the Air reads the card reader perfectly well. Any suggestions please as to why this would be? Many thanks.

forums.macrumors.com

The card reader you linked appears to differ from the one in your iPad thread. Did you plug it into your Mac and determine what its required current is? The procedure is identical to the one described in your iPad thread.

This card reader doesn't appear to have any external power option. You should probably pick a card reader that does, or use a powered USB between the iPhone and the reader.

 

[cheddar-caveman]

Thanks chown33. Yes this card reader has a Lightning connector specially for my iPhone, not the same as the other one for my Laptop.
I have no adapter to plug this into my Laptop but it used to work on my older phone.

I think I need a visit to my local computer shop to sort everything out!!

 

[goldmac2006]

Thanks chown33. Yes this card reader has a Lightning connector specially for my iPhone, not the same as the other one for my Laptop.
I have no adapter to plug this into my Laptop but it used to work on my older phone.

I think I need a visit to my local computer shop to sort everything out!!

Is the reader also a mfi certified accessory? Don’t get those cheaply made ones those aren’t even that good.

 

[FreakinEurekan]

Depends how the card is formatted, too. Should be exFAT typically.

 

[goldmac2006]

Depends how the card is formatted, too. Should be exFAT typically.

Also applies for ProRes to external recordings of videos if on a supported pro model iPhone with usb c.

 

[NoBoMac]

Is the reader also a mfi certified accessory? Don’t get those cheaply made ones those aren’t even that good.

This.

Per Apple, the connector is not MFi.

MFi Licensee App

mfi.apple.com

And, back to OP question, should appear in Files app.

Connect external storage devices to iPhone

On iPhone, use files stored on USB storage devices and SD cards.

support.apple.com

 

[goldmac2006]

This.

Per Apple, the connector is not MFi.

MFi Licensee App

mfi.apple.com

And, back to OP question, should appear in Files app.

Connect external storage devices to iPhone

On iPhone, use files stored on USB storage devices and SD cards.

support.apple.com

True and I looked at the link the OP posted it’s rly a sketchy one. No mention bout it on the description of the product too.

The reverse lookup website comes in handy to make sure it’s MFi certified and legit before you buy it. I always use that webpage from Apple to check the database before I buy it like with MagSafe docks and Apple Watch chargers

 

[NoBoMac]

This card reader doesn't appear to have any external power option.

It might have it. Per the images, there is a port that has a lightning bolt on it. I'm guessing that that might take a Lightning cable for power (my Lightning camera connector from Apple has this).

External SSD Not Showing in Files App

This can be a problem even when dealing with flash storage: reader that draws a power that is not in spec with USB standards. But the Apple certified connector is most likely needed and good suggestion. Does not have to be Apple, can be, for example, Belkin...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[cheddar-caveman]

So do I understand that any connector for an iPhone / iPad have to be MFi certified? Nothing on this one to say it is or isn't!

 

[FreakinEurekan]

So do I understand that any connector for an iPhone / iPad have to be MFi certified? Nothing on this one to say it is or isn't!

That’s certainly the safest bet. Non-mfI “might” work, “might not” but have not been certified in any way.

A common issue is an iOS update breaking compatibility due to non-certified methods the manufacturer might have used; which mfI is protected against.

 

[goldmac2006]

That’s certainly the safest bet. Non-mfI “might” work, “might not” but have not been certified in any way.

A common issue is an iOS update breaking compatibility due to non-certified methods the manufacturer might have used; which mfI is protected against.

And it’s better as you don’t want your iPhone to be harmed if you use a non certified accessory. Or stop working suddenly

 

[cheddar-caveman]

All sorted folks, bought THIS reader and it works fine on both iPad and iPhone.

Obviously the MFi thing that was the issue!±

Many thanks folks.

 

[goldmac2006]

All sorted folks, bought THIS reader and it works fine on both iPad and iPhone.

Obviously the MFi thing that was the issue!±

Many thanks folks.

Glad it’s sorted ✔️