Do you notice that your iPad is running slower than usual or that the storage is full warning frequently appears? This is a common situation among those who regularly use their tablet to take photos, videos, save documents, or install apps. Over time, all of this starts to take up space and can hinder the device's performance.
The good news is that there are many ways to reclaim that space without having to delete everything or lose valuable information. From internal settings to cloud storage tools and little-known tweaks Apple offers, you can get the most out of your iPad, free up more space, and keep it running like new.
How to check your iPad's storage
Before you start freeing up space, it's important to know exactly what it's being used for. The iPadOS system itself gives you a complete view so you can identify which apps or types of content are taking up the most storage.
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. Here you will see a colored bar that divides the space by photos, apps, system, etc. In addition, iOS will offer you personalized recommendations to optimize space, such as deleting long videos, removing old documents, or uninstalling apps you don't use.
You can also tap on any app to see in detail how much space it's taking up and what data you can delete without losing essential information.
Manage photos and videos to recover space
Pictures and video recordings are one of the biggest culprits of filling up Apple device storage. Fortunately, Apple offers several ways to manage them without losing them.
One of the best options is to activate ICloud PhotosThis way, your images will be stored in the cloud, and you can keep optimized copies on your device. To activate it:
- Go to Settings > your name > iCloud > Photos
- Activate the “Sync this iPad” option
- Select “Optimize iPad Storage”
This will allow high-quality photos to remain in iCloud, while lightweight versions remain on the device.
Another option is to use platforms such as Google Photos or Google DriveAll you need to do is download them, log in, and activate backup. Once the images are uploaded, you can safely delete them from your iPad.
Delete apps you no longer use
Over time, it's common to fill your device with apps you rarely use. Uninstalling them frees up a good chunk of space quickly., especially if these apps include large files such as games, videos, or documents.
From Settings > General > iPad Storage You can see which apps are taking up the most memory. Tap on them and select:
- Delete app: Completely erases the app and its data.
- Uninstall app (Offload): Deletes the app but keeps the data, so you can reinstall it later without losing anything.
You can also set your iPad to automatically delete apps you don't use regularly. Under Storage, turn on the option “Download unused apps”The system will do it for you.
Clear cache and unnecessary data
Another element that takes up space without us realizing it is the application caches and temporary filesWhile iPadOS automatically deletes some data, you can free up space by manually deleting other data.
For example, to clear the Safari cache:
- Go to Settings > Safari
- Click on “Clear history and website data”
In Google Chrome:
- Open the app, tap the three dots > History
- Tap “Clear browsing data”
Additionally, other apps like social media, streaming, and messaging also accumulate large amounts of data. Some allow you to clear the cache from their settings. If this isn't possible, an effective option is to delete and reinstall the app.
Manage downloaded files and documents
Many PDF, ZIP, document and presentation files can accumulate without you realizing it., especially if you frequently use your iPad for work or school. It's a good idea to clean up the Files app.
- Open the Files app
- Go to “Explore” and enter the “Downloads” folder
- Review and delete files you no longer need
You can also enable iCloud Drive syncing, so your files will be available in the cloud and won't take up space in your local storage. From Settings > your name > iCloud > iCloud Drive, turn this option on and manage which apps can save data there.
Cleaning messages and attachments
If you frequently use the Messages or WhatsApp app, attachments such as photos, videos and stickers They can accumulate a lot of space without you realizing it.
To manage messages in Messages, you can schedule automatic deletion:
- Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages
- Select “30 days” or “1 year”
You can also manually delete files in specific conversations. In WhatsApp, go to “Settings > Storage & data > Manage storage” to see which chats are taking up the most space and delete specific files.
Manage emails and attachments
The native iOS email client saves copies of your emails and attachments. Large files can take up a lot of space.. To free up space:
- Open Mail on iPad
- Access the Trash folder
- Empty all deleted emails
If you use other email apps like Outlook, check their settings to manually clear data and set them to only download recent messages. It's also a good idea to move old emails to another device before deleting them on your iPad.
Control downloaded music and media
Have you ever thought about the amount of music, podcasts, or videos stored on your iPad? These contents take up a lot of space if you no longer use them.You can delete them from:
- Settings > Storage > Music: swipe to delete albums or songs.
- Music App > Library > Downloaded Music: Press and hold an album and tap delete.
Also, check streaming platforms like Netflix, Spotify, or Prime Video, deleting downloads you no longer need.
Using iCloud storage plan
Apple offers 5GB of free iCloud storage, but this can fill up quickly if you back up data automatically, sync photos, or use iCloud Drive. It is advisable to review what data you have stored in the cloud and delete what is unnecessary..
From Settings > your name > iCloud > Manage Storage, you can:
- Delete old copies from devices you no longer use
- Delete unnecessary photos or videos from the cloud
- Disable apps that don't require syncing
To expand your storage, you can subscribe to iCloud+ for €0,99 per month.
Other useful tips
To keep your iPad in good condition, there are also a few adjustments you should keep in mind:
- Check the trash in Photos, Voice Memos, or FilesDeleted items remain there for up to 30 days.
- Disable unnecessary effects in messaging apps if you have little system space.
- Manually back up your iPad to your computer and delete heavy content, making sure you have a backup.
With these practices you will be able to effectively manage the space of the iPad, preventing it from filling up and ensuring optimal performance without losing your data or favorite applications. Back up your iPad It is essential to protect your information and facilitate space management in the future.
