How to use USB accessories with the iPhone running iOS 12 and later

Apple How To June 14, 2019

How to enable access for USB accessories on iOS 12 or later?

If you want to connect USB accessories with the iPhone, you might need to unlock your passcode-protected device to connect it to a Mac, PC, or a USB accessory. If you have updated your device with iOS 11.4.1 or later and you have already connected USB accessories with your unlocked iPhone, your USB accessory then remains connected, even if your device is subsequently locked.

Moreover, if you do not unlock or connect your device to a USB accessory within the hour, your iPhone will not communicate with the accessory or computer, and in some cases, it might not charge. If the USB accessory is still not recognized after you unlock your device, you need to disconnect your device from the accessory, unlock your device, and then try to reconnect the accessory.

Before connecting your USB accessory to your iPhone, make sure that USB accessories access is enabled on your device. You may enable it by following the below given steps:

You may allow your iOS device to always access USB accessories, let’s say, if you use a USB assistive device to enter your passcode on your locked iPhone. Many assistive devices will automatically enable the setting to allow USB devices the first time they are connected.
If you do not connect to USB accessories frequently, you might need to enable this setting manually.
In order to do that, go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode.
Under “Allow Access When Locked” section, turn on the button next to “USB Accessories” option.