iPad Pro (2018) USB-C port not recognizing accessories after iOS update

Your third generation iPad Pro (released in 2018) is capable of update to iPadOS 26.7.x. For your iPad, iPadOS 26.7.3 is current, this update being released yesterday (9th November 2026).

Apple typically provides full update support for five to seven years from model release - thereafter providing occasional security updates for the last supported major version. Your iPad Pro is now eight years into its lifecycle; your iPad Pro doesn't support iPadOS 27.

Speaking of my own experience, I have not encountered difficulties with my USB-C Accessories (including some specialist devices) being recognised by my iPad Pro and iPhone. The only potential issue that I have occasionally encountered has been with a USB-C hub; some downstream devices connected to hub USB ports are not recognised - but are recognised if connected directly to the host iPad/iPhone.

If USB accessories are not recognised by your iPad, you may need to check your iPad's Privacy Settings. The path in settings may vary by the installed version of iPadOS:

Settings > Privacy & Security > [Security] Wired Accessories - selecting Always Allow may resolve connection issues

General Troubleshooting

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

1. Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
2. Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
3. Press and hold the top button.
4. When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

have the same model right now running 27.2.1

just connected my usb-c 2 in 1 sdcard reader and they both show up as expected as unknown as name in the file app

so it's not likely to be a general software issue

usb-c has great many pins

so a hardware defect to some of the pins could be an explanation to the issue you face, if the power pins were still solid connected it would still charge

that being said I would not expect the usb-c port in the ipad to be able to power an external harddrive that rely on getting it's power over usb

sd cards require much less power

to both commenters: Those are interesting thoughts. I appreciate your time.

Just to be clear, the prongs are fine because it still takes a charge in the port.

But to your point, I do not have Apple’s duel function camera SD Card reader, which provides an alternate power source to boost transfers. However, the standard one (without a second power source) did just fine prior to the update over the Summer (18). It’s really important to note that it’s done this before with various updates over the course of the lifespan of the device AND was repaired with various updates.

*This exact same issue occurred with my iPhone 14 Pro when it was still relatively new (just after the launch of iPhone 15). That phone then required a second power source for the lightening adapter (immediately following the update). The standard adapter will work in a newer phone though too.*

I am not amused by these antics to get people to upgrade, if that’s what this is. As I said, updates took care of it before. The device is functional. There is nothing wrong with it. Now, all my accessories won’t work.

Other people reported charging out of the port with the same update. I do not have charging problems but accessory recognition problems out of the same port with the same update.

The settings for security were ok. I have tried every security setting.

I am now in the latest iOS for the device (updated as recently as 09 Nov 2026). Still no luck.

Thanks again.