Error when copying files from Files app on iPad to samba share

I have a Ubuntu server on my local network that has a samba shared folder that I have successfully mounted with the Files.app on iPad. However, whenever I try to copy files from my iPad (iPad Air 5th gen, M1 processor running iOS 16.3.1) to the samba share, I get this error:


you cant copy the item because its name is too long or includes characters that are invalid on the destination volume


i have triple checked for special characters and even named the file “A” to ensure it wasn’t a long file name, so there is some other underlying issue here and I am not aware of a way to check log files to narrow down the issue.

iPad Air

Posted on Mar 22, 2023 09:21 PM

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Posted on Mar 24, 2023 02:30 PM

This is not true.

I have an Ubuntu 22.04 server with SAMBA server installed.

From the File APP on iPad I was only able to copy the first photograph, then subsequent copies, whatever the name or size always return the error "Unable to complete operation. File name too long."

If I consider the entire network path "smb://10.25.25.100/iPhoneFoto/IMG_0789" it is only 38 characters long.

From linux PC I can write any file or movie to the folder, even with longer names.

The error that the FILE utility returns is misleading.

My iPad is an iPad Pro with iOS 16.3.1 installed.

How can the error be resolved?

Thank you



5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 24, 2023 02:30 PM in response to LotusPilot

This is not true.

I have an Ubuntu 22.04 server with SAMBA server installed.

From the File APP on iPad I was only able to copy the first photograph, then subsequent copies, whatever the name or size always return the error "Unable to complete operation. File name too long."

If I consider the entire network path "smb://10.25.25.100/iPhoneFoto/IMG_0789" it is only 38 characters long.

From linux PC I can write any file or movie to the folder, even with longer names.

The error that the FILE utility returns is misleading.

My iPad is an iPad Pro with iOS 16.3.1 installed.

How can the error be resolved?

Thank you



Mar 25, 2023 05:14 AM in response to Citizen69

Given your difficulties with the native Files App, you might be best advised to try something else.


My own preferred choice for document and file management is FileBrowser Professional by Stratospherix:

https://apps.apple.com/app/filebrowser-professional/id854618029


This App will reliably and flexibly connect with almost any file storage system, including USB attached storage. The App has a learning curve to get the best from it, but once set-up, is simple to use. You might review the extensive online Manual and help files to determine suitability for your needs.

https://www.stratospherix.com/products/filebrowserprofessional/filebrowser-professional-user-guide.php

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Error when copying files from Files app on iPad to samba share

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