Connecting a Kobo Reader to an iPad via USB-C: Easier Than Expected
Connecting a Kobo eReader to an iPad via USB-C is easier than expected! A simple cable does the trick—no extra power needed. Here’s how it works.
When I set out to connect my Kobo eReader to an Apple device with USB-C, I anticipated a few complications—especially regarding power requirements.
Online discussions and past experiences suggested that many accessories, when connected to an iPad or iPhone, demand additional power to function correctly.
The Setup: USB-C and Power Concerns
To prepare for potential power issues, I purchased:
- A USB-C to Micro USB cable (to connect the Kobo eReader)
- A USB-C splitter (to provide additional power if needed)
The idea was straightforward: if my iPad or iPhone complained about the Kobo drawing too much power, the splitter would allow me to inject external power into the connection.
The Surprise: No Additional Hardware Needed
I first tested the USB-C to Micro USB cable directly on my iPad. Surprisingly, it worked immediately—no external power source was required. The eReader mounted successfully, allowing file transfers without any issues.
This was unexpected, as Apple devices often display a "requires too much power" error when connecting accessories. The Kobo eReader, however, seems to draw just enough power to remain within the acceptable limits.
I recorded a short video showing how seamless the connection was:
Demo of attaching and opening the drive on iPad
Next Steps: Testing on an iPhone
I haven’t yet tested this setup on a USB-C iPhone, as I don’t have one at hand. However, I plan to try it out with someone else’s device to see if the results are the same.
If it works just as effortlessly, it would confirm that Kobo eReaders are plug-and-play with Apple’s USB-C ecosystem—a great convenience for users who want to transfer books without hassle.
Key Takeaway
If you’re looking to connect a Kobo Reader to an iPad via USB-C, all you need is the right USB-C to Micro USB cable. No extra hardware, no workarounds—just plug in and go.
Once I complete the iPhone test, I’ll update this post with the final verdict. But for now, it’s safe to say that this setup works surprisingly well right out of the box.
