Running out of storage on your iPad can be super frustrating, especially when you need space for that new app or to save some photos. Fortunately, there are several ways to free up space. You can delete unused apps, offload photos and videos to cloud storage, clear your browser cache, and more. This guide will walk you through each step to help you get the most storage out of your iPad.
How to Get More Storage on iPad
So, let’s get started with the steps to free up storage on your iPad. By following these instructions, you’ll find yourself with a much more spacious device.
Step 1: Delete Unused Apps
To clear up space, start by deleting apps you no longer use.
Head to your home screen, press and hold any app icon until they start wiggling, then tap the “X” on any app you want to remove. Confirm the deletion.
This is one of the quickest ways to free up significant storage. Unused apps can take up a surprising amount of space, so it’s essential to regularly clean house.
Step 2: Offload Photos and Videos
Use cloud storage to save space by offloading photos and videos.
Open the Settings app, tap on your name, go to iCloud, and then Photos. Turn on “iCloud Photos” to automatically upload and store your library in iCloud.
Photos and videos are often the biggest storage hogs on any device. By storing them in the cloud, you free up local storage while still having access to your media.
Step 3: Clear Browser Cache
Free up space by clearing your browser cache.
Go to Settings, scroll down to Safari (or your preferred browser), and tap “Clear History and Website Data.”
Browsers store lots of data to make websites load faster, but over time, this can take up a lot of space. Clearing this cache can free up a decent amount of storage.
Step 4: Manage Messages
Delete old text messages and attachments.
Open the Messages app, swipe left on conversations you don’t need, and tap “Delete.”
Text messages, especially those with media attachments, can fill up your storage quickly. Regularly cleaning out old conversations can help manage this.
Step 5: Update iOS
Ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iOS.
Go to Settings, tap General, and then Software Update. Install any available updates.
Updates often include improvements that can help manage storage more efficiently, making your iPad run smoother.
After completing these steps, your iPad should have more available storage. You’ll notice it running faster and more efficiently, allowing you to download new apps or save more photos.
Tips for Getting More Storage on iPad
- Optimize Photo Storage: Enable “Optimize iPad Storage” in iCloud Photos settings to keep smaller, space-saving versions of your photos on your device.
- Use External Storage: Consider using an external storage device compatible with iPads, such as a USB-C or Lightning drive.
- Regular Backups: Regularly back up your iPad to iCloud or a computer to ensure you don’t lose important data while freeing up space.
- App Offloading: Use the “Offload Unused Apps” feature in Settings to automatically remove unused apps while keeping their data.
- Music and Video Streaming: Stream music and videos instead of downloading them to save significant amounts of storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clear my browser cache?
Clearing your browser cache once a month is a good rule of thumb. If you browse a lot, you might want to do it more frequently.
Will I lose my photos if I enable iCloud Photos?
No, enabling iCloud Photos will not delete your photos. It will upload them to iCloud, allowing you to access them from any Apple device.
How can I check which apps are taking up the most space?
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. Here you’ll find a list of apps sorted by the amount of storage they use.
Can I recover deleted messages?
Once text messages are deleted from an iPad, they’re typically not recoverable unless you have a backup that includes them.
Is there a way to increase the physical storage of my iPad?
No, iPad storage is not expandable. However, you can use cloud services or external storage devices to supplement the internal storage.
Summary
- Delete unused apps.
- Offload photos and videos.
- Clear browser cache.
- Manage messages.
- Update iOS.
Conclusion
So there you have it—your go-to guide on how to get more storage on your iPad. By following the steps outlined, you’ll find your device running smoother and having more space for the things you love. Regular maintenance like this ensures you get the most out of your iPad without the headache of constant “Storage Almost Full” notifications.
Whether it’s deleting unused apps or offloading photos to the cloud, these tips are easy to follow and highly effective. Remember, digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter, so keeping your iPad tidy is a great habit to develop.
Looking for more information on iPad maintenance and tips? Explore our other articles and stay tuned for more tech-savvy advice. Happy organizing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.