Listening to own audiobook files on iPad mini

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Listening to own audiobook files on iPad mini

I have a number of m4a and m4b audio files, mostly course lectures, on a NAS drive connected to my desktop system. I would like to copy some of them to my iPad mini and listen to them there.

I understand I will need a wireless connection to headphones; I can probably figure that out.

But how to copy the files to the iPad and then to play them?

Would appreciate pointer to help files or other info on this.

P.S. I do this all the time on my iPod Classic; but the interface looks way different.

iPad mini 6 Wi-Fi

Posted on Jul 17, 2022 07:54 PM

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Answer 1

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ronks Author

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Jul 20, 2022 07:07 PM in response to ronks

This just in; I got it to work! Not sure what I was doing wrong (plus having a bad USB cable), but I got iTunes to recognize the iPad mini, entered the PIN, and was able to copy some .m4b files over. Problem solved, I think.

Now all I need are some wireless headphones. :-)

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Answer 2

Jul 18, 2022 04:47 AM in response to ronks

See >>> Transfer files between your PC and devices with iTunes - Apple Support

You you will need to install Apple iTunes and/or iCloud for Windows. You can install and use both on the PC - as they will happily coexist - and provide considerable flexibility in how you move/share/transfer/manage data, photos and other documents between iPad and Apple devices.

iTunes for Windows

Download and use iTunes for Windows – Apple Support

iCloud for Windows

Download iCloud for Windows – Apple Support

Set up and use iCloud for Windows – Apple Support

You should note that you may also need to install an appropriate App to listen to your media files. If needed, there are many from which to choose in the Apple App Store.

Some file manager Apps also have comprehensive player-software built-in - such as File Browser - Document Manager and FileBrowser Professional.

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/filebrowser-document-manager/id364738545

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

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Answer 3

ronks Author

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Jul 18, 2022 12:54 PM in response to LotusPilot

Thanks for the info. But I think something is not working as it should. I'm running iTunes 12.12.4 (just updated it) on my Windows 10 desktop system.

Under that first support article in the section

> Transfer files between your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and your computer

Connect your device to your computer.

You can connect your device using a USB or USB-C cable ...

In the iTunes app on your PC, click the Device button near the top left of the iTunes window. <

No Device button appears when I connect the iPad mini to the USB socket.

But one *does* appear when I connect my iPod Touch to the same socket.

(Both devices are powered on and showing the screen when I connect.)

Not sure how to get around that.

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Answer 4

ronks Author

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Jul 18, 2022 02:51 PM in response to LotusPilot

Given that an iPod Classic and 2 iPod Touch 6 units are able to connect via iTunes, I'm not sure that installing more software would resolve the issue.

To rephrase the question: how can I connect my iPad mini to iTunes, since the help system says it can be done?

I wonder if there is some setting in the mini that is blocking the connection.

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Answer 5

Jul 19, 2022 06:19 AM in response to ronks

You are trying to transfer files to your iPad - not your iPod. As such, iCloud for Windows provides a simple alternative for file transfer. Having demonstrated that other issues are not impacting your iPad, you can then debug iTunes connection difficulties at leisure.

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Answer 6

ronks Author

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Jul 24, 2022 09:40 AM in response to ronks

Wanted to say thanks for the help. I have confirmed that the problem was using a USB cable intended for charging and not for data transfer, but I appreciate the comments.

I have some specific questions on setting up my iPad mini to play music and audiobooks; but I will go back to the laboratory for that, and open a new query if I get stumped again. :-)

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Answer 7

Jul 18, 2022 02:36 PM in response to ronks

If you are having difficulty with iTunes for Windows, have you tried using iCloud for Windows to transfer your files?

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Answer 8

ronks Author

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Jul 20, 2022 05:24 PM in response to LotusPilot

But if iTunes is not able to reach the iPad mini, it's unclear to me how the transfer of files would be of benefit.

And whether iCloud would be more successful at connecting than iTunes is.

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Listening to own audiobook files on iPad mini

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