Files app on ipadOS does not copy subfolders from EX2 Ultra share

If the Files app on iPadOS does not copy subfolders from an EX2 Ultra share, the issue is usually related to SMB compatibility, permissions, or how iPadOS handles nested directories over network storage.

The WD My Cloud EX2 Ultra uses SMB file sharing, and iPadOS connects through the Files app using SMB protocol. While basic file transfers work fine, copying large folder structures with multiple subfolders can sometimes fail or partially copy.

One common reason is permission restrictions on the share. Even if you can open the main folder, the subfolders may have different read/write permissions. Log in to the EX2 Ultra dashboard from a web browser and verify that the user account you are using on the iPad has full read/write access to all nested folders inside the share.

Another issue is SMB version compatibility. The EX2 Ultra supports SMB1, SMB2, and SMB3. Modern versions of iPadOS prefer SMB3. If SMB1 is enabled and conflicting, try disabling SMB1 in the NAS settings and ensure SMB2/SMB3 are active. Restart the NAS after making changes.

Large directory trees can also fail because the Files app may time out during long transfers. iPadOS is not as robust as macOS for bulk SMB copying. If you are copying many subfolders at once, try:

• Copying smaller batches

• Copying one top-level folder at a time

• Compressing the folder into a ZIP file first (using a computer), then copying the single archive

Network stability also matters. If Wi-Fi drops briefly, subfolder transfers may silently fail. Make sure your iPad and NAS are on the same stable local network, preferably 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

Another possible cause is path length or unsupported file names. Very long folder paths or special characters may prevent copying nested directories. Check for unusual characters in folder names.

If the issue continues, try accessing the NAS using a third-party file manager app like FileBrowser instead of the default Files app. Some third-party apps handle SMB transfers more reliably.

Finally, reboot both the iPad and the EX2 Ultra. Temporary SMB session glitches are common and often resolve after restarting both devices.

If needed, I can also provide step-by-step EX2 Ultra SMB configuration settings optimized for iPadOS.