Frequently Asked Question

When your iPad is low on storage and you want to update its operating system, you need to free up a significant amount of space. A major iOS update can require several gigabytes of free space to download, unpack, and install the new software.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you free up space on your iPad:

1. Check Your iPad Storage

First, identify what's taking up the most space on your device.

Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage.

This screen provides a color-coded bar chart showing how much space is used by different categories (Apps, Photos, Media, etc.). Below the chart, you'll see a list of your apps, sorted by how much space they are consuming. This is the most important screen for deciding what to delete.

2. Take Action on Recommendations

Apple often provides recommendations to help you free up space. You'll see these at the top of the iPad Storage screen.

Offload Unused Apps: This is a great feature that removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data. The app icon remains on your Home Screen with a small cloud icon next to it, and you can re-download it later. This is an excellent way to make room for a one-time update without losing your app data.

Review Large Attachments: This recommendation focuses on attachments in the Messages app. You can tap it to see a list of videos, photos, and files you've sent or received in messages, sorted by size. You can then delete the largest ones.

Review Downloaded Videos/TV Shows: If you have downloaded movies or shows from the TV app or other streaming services, you can delete them from here.

3. Delete Large, Unused Content Manually

If the recommendations aren't enough, you need to go through your content and delete what you no longer need.

Delete Apps You Don't Use: The list in Settings > iPad Storage shows you exactly which apps are the largest. Look for games or apps you haven't opened in a while and delete them. You can always re-download them from the App Store later.

Manage Photos and Videos: Photos and videos are often the biggest storage hog.

Optimize iPad Storage: If you use iCloud Photos, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos and turn on "Optimize iPad Storage." This replaces the full-resolution photos on your iPad with smaller, device-sized versions. The original high-quality files are kept safe in iCloud.

Delete from "Recently Deleted": When you delete photos or videos, they are sent to a "Recently Deleted" album where they are stored for 30 days. To permanently free up space, you must go into the Photos app > Albums > Recently Deleted and delete them from there.

Clear Downloaded Music, Podcasts, and Books: Check the individual apps for downloaded content. For example, in the Music app, you can go to Settings > Music > Downloaded Music to see a list of albums and songs and delete them individually.

4. Last Resort: Use a Computer

If you still can't free up enough space, you can update your iPad using a computer.

Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC.

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, open Apple Configurator

Prompt your iPad to Trust This Computer

Select your iPad when it appears and select Restore

Remember to back up your iPad to iCloud or your computer before performing a major update to prevent data loss if applicable