How to clear other storage on iPad

Date 11/10/2023
Category
Apple Blog, Apple How to?, Apple iPad Blog
Tags, ,
How to clear other storage on iPad

 

Is your iPad running low on storage space, and the mysterious “Other” category seems to be taking up an inordinate amount of memory? This article will guide you through the steps to clear “Other” storage on your iPad, regaining valuable space for your files and apps.

Clearing other storage on iPad: a quick guide

Clearing the “Other” storage on your iPad can help free up valuable space for your files and apps. Follow these steps to do it:

  1. Update iOS: Ensure your iPad is running the latest version of iOS. Apple often releases updates that include optimizations and fixes for storage-related issues.
  2. Check Storage Usage: Navigate to Settings > General > iPad Storage. This will give you an overview of what is taking up space on your device.
  3. Review Large Files: Check for large files like videos, high-resolution images, or apps that might be taking up a significant portion of the storage.
  4. Delete Unnecessary Apps: Remove any apps you no longer use. You can do this by pressing and holding an app icon on the home screen until they start wiggling, then tap the “x” icon to delete.
  5. Clear Safari Cache: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This will remove stored website data, which can accumulate over time.
  6. Manage Messages and Attachments: In the Messages app, delete old conversations or specific media attachments that are no longer needed.
  7. Review and Delete Downloaded Files: Use the Files app to review downloaded files. Remove any that are no longer necessary.
  8. Check for Unfinished Downloads: Sometimes downloads get stuck. Check apps like Music, Podcasts, or the App Store for any incomplete downloads.
  9. Clear App Cache: Some apps allow you to clear cache within their settings. For example, in the Spotify app, you can clear cache by going to Settings > Storage > Delete Cache.
  10. Reset Settings: If none of the above steps help, you can go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This won’t delete your data, but it will reset system settings like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper.
  11. Factory Reset (as a Last Resort): If all else fails, you can perform a factory reset. This will erase all data from your iPad, so make sure to back up important files first.

Remember to back up any important data before making significant changes to your device’s storage.

What are the common types of data that fall under the “Other” category?

The “Other” category in iPad storage encompasses a variety of data types that don’t fit neatly into predefined categories like apps, photos, or music. One significant component of “Other” storage is temporary files. These are short-term data bits created by various apps and processes to support their functions. For instance, when browsing the web, cached files and history data are generated to facilitate faster loading of pages. Likewise, message history from messaging apps, including media files shared in conversations, can contribute to this storage category. Over time, these temporary files can accumulate into a substantial chunk of “Other” storage.

Additionally, the “Other” category may include cache files from applications. These are snippets of data stored temporarily to expedite app operation. For example, a streaming app may cache portions of videos for smoother playback. This improves the user experience but consumes storage space. Similarly, audio files from voice memos or attachments in emails may fall into this category. Corrupted files or files that don’t belong to any specific category are also classified as “Other.” iCloud backups, which contain a snapshot of an entire device’s data, can also contribute significantly to this storage type if they’re stored locally. By addressing these various file types, users can effectively manage and reduce the “Other” storage on their iPad.

How frequently should users perform maintenance to keep “Other” storage at a manageable level?

Regular maintenance to manage “Other” storage is crucial for maintaining optimal device performance. It’s recommended to perform this maintenance from time to time, especially when you notice your device’s storage starting to fill up. Start by going through your app list and identifying any apps known to generate significant temporary files, cache, or message history. Some social media and messaging apps, for instance, are notorious for accumulating large amounts of these files. Enter the storage settings for each app and clear out unnecessary data.

Additionally, check your email accounts, especially if you use them on the default Mail app. Messages, attachments, and cached content can accumulate over time. By periodically reviewing and deleting unneeded emails and attachments, you can free up significant storage space. It’s also important to keep an eye on iCloud backups. While they serve a vital role in safeguarding your data, they can contribute substantially to “Other” storage if not managed properly. Regularly reviewing and cleaning up unnecessary backups or opting for smaller, more selective backups can help keep this chunk of storage in check. Remember, performing these steps can be highly effective in keeping your device storage error-free and optimized for smooth performance.