It can be frustrating when you want to download an app or add media or files to your iPad only to find out the storage space is full. While the lack of space in data storage devices can be an inconvenience, it is reversible.
When you have insufficient storage, first check your settings and identify what occupies most of the space. You can then take further action, such as removing the apps or files to create more space. To help you get more space, below are tips on how to free up storage on your iPad and ensure it runs efficiently and optimally.
1. Delete Applications
Unnecessary applications with lots of data are usually responsible for taking up space on your iPad, data storage devices, and phones. Delete applications that are no longer useful and those that you barely use. To uninstall the app, tap and hold on to the specific app you want to remove. An X will appear at the corner accompanied by a message. Tap on Delete to remove the app.
2. Get Rid of Media and Files within Applications
Some applications collect media and files that end up adding to their size. To free up more space without deleting the apps, first check the size of the app’s Documents and Data. Usually, you can delete individual files within the app, including old content, to get more data storage for your iPad.
3. Offload Apps
For the apps you don’t want to delete permanently, you can choose to offload them instead. Offloading will remove the app but maintain its data. If you decide you need the app in the future, you can download it and restore your previous data. You will regain your app’s settings and any saved files or documents once you restore an application you previously offloaded.
4. Move Your Gallery to the Cloud
Images and videos usually take up most of the space on most phones. Keeping lots of videos and pictures in your gallery can quickly eat into your storage space and make it difficult to use your iPad optimally. Fortunately, you don’t have to keep all your memories and memes on your device. Utilize cloud storage options like iCloud, Dropbox, and Google Drive to store your media.
In your iPad settings, go to the photo section and enable iCloud Photos to automatically upload your gallery to the cloud for convenient access. Optimize iPad Storage also helps you free up space by keeping low-resolution picture copies on your iPad. When you view a picture, the full resolution image will download automatically.
5. Check Your Music Storage
If your music storage has lots of songs, deleting them can free up some space on your iPad. Go to your Settings>General> Storage>Music. Once you tap on Music, you will have the option of deleting your songs by album or artist. You can also decide to delete specific or all your songs and stick to streaming instead of downloading them to your device.
6. Set Storage Limits for iMessage
Holding on to messages can quickly add up and take a toll on your iPad’s data storage space. If you keep conversations due to sentimental or other reasons, you may have to evaluate their priority and delete some conversations. Also, remember to set storage limits for iMessage to minimize the number of messages it can hold at any given time.
Other options to free up space include clearing your Safari browser’s cache and deleting emails, especially those with large attachments. The above tips will help you use your iPad more efficiently and regain any space you may have lost. If you are using iPads or phones as data storage devices at work, it is advisable to explore other data storage options that can accommodate your data storage needs.