SSD power requirement compatibility with iPad Pro, and cable interchangeability not working

Hi and sorry for a long post for a first timer. But I’m facing a peculiar problem using SanDisk external SSDs with my 3rd Gen. iPad Pro 12.9.

Equipment:
1- iPad Pro 12.9, 3rd Gen. updated to current
2- Unpowered Honeywell Type C Mini Docking Station with 85 W PD USB-C port, another USB-C port, a USB-A 3.1 port
3- SanDisk Extreme Portable 2TB
4- SanDisk Extreme Pro Portable 1TB
5- Cables

Scenario 1:

A- Direct Connection of Extreme Portable Pro 1TB SSD to iPad USB-C port - instantly detected by iPad.

B- Direct Connection of Extreme Portable 2TB SSD to iPad USB-C port - instantly detected by iPad.

Scenario 2:

A- Extreme Portable Pro 1TB SSD connected through Honeywell USB-C Hub to iPad USB-C port, plus 20 W Apple charger connected to PD USB-C port - instant connection to iPad

B. Extreme Portable 2TB SSD connected through Honeywell USB-C Hub to iPad USB-C port, , plus 20 W Apple charger connected to PD USB-C port - unreliable / intermittent connection to iPad

Same scenarios replicated with Samsung Galaxy Tab S7+, but with Samsung 10 W charger connected.

Two Observations:

1- Samsung Tab charging % started going down. Perhaps 10 W isn’t enough.

  1. iPad charging continued but I can’t confirm whether charging speed is same as that without connecting SSDs and USB-C hub.

Do I therefore need an Active Powered USB-C Hub for connecting both drives, even a couple more pen drives?

2-There is also an issue with the two cables, one for 1TB Pro and the other for 2TB non-Pro. Upon interchanging them, the 2TB SSD disappears, while the 1TB stays. The cable for 1TB Pro doesn’t seem to do the job with 2TB non-Pro. Why so?

I have examined some Active Hubs like Startech, Atolla, Sabrent, TP-Link etc, but not sure which one would fit the iPad. Except Startech, it appears that the other ones are generic for PC / MAC.

Anyone with a good solution please?

Hi @ssimlai,

Have you opened a Support Case? If not opened, for more information, please contact the SD Technical Support team for best assistance and troubleshooting: