You can make a difference in the Apple Support Community!

When you sign up with your Apple Account, you can provide valuable feedback to other community members by upvoting helpful replies and User Tips.

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Is there a way to add memory to an iPad?

My mom has an iPad I’m not sure what model I have it picture of her serial number and all that kind of stuff but it’s only got 16 GB of memory or whatever that is and is there a way to add memory or like a Sim card to store extra memory how does that work


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 17, 2021 2:06 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 17, 2021 2:38 PM

Not looking to purchase a used iPad, I want to know if memory can be added via micro so card?

12 replies

Oct 17, 2021 2:08 PM in response to Ironhead56

It is impossible to increase the amount of RAM or internal storage in your iPad - as this is fixed during manufacture; what you have is fixed for the life of your device. You can, however, subscribe to a higher tier of iCloud storage - but this is not a substitute for internal storage.


If your internal storage is full, your only option is to better manage the storage that you have - and delete unused Apps or unneeded data. 


These support pages should prove to be helpful:

About storage on your device and in iCloud – Apple Support

What's the difference between device storage and iCloud storage? – Apple Support

Manage your iCloud storage – Apple Support

How to check the storage on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch – Apple Support

Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


“Offloading” Apps can be a helpful method of creating temporary space for the software update.

https://9to5mac.com/2020/01/21/how-to-offload-apps-in-ios-to-save-space-without-deleting-their-data/


Oct 17, 2021 2:16 PM in response to Ironhead56

There are PLENTY of newer, older iPad models that can run the latest, current versions of iPadOS. and come in much higher internal data storage capacities.


If you need OR ONLY able to purchase older, less expensive iPad models, look at older IPads from 2014 and later.


All of these older model iPads below CAN run the latest releases of iPadOS 15 and come in larger internal data storage capacities.


2014, 9,7 inch screen iPad Air 2 models

2015, 7.9 inch screen iPad Mini 4 models

2015-2017, 12.9 inch screen iPad Pro models. ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2016, 9.7 inch screen iPad Pro models ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2017, 10.5 inch screen iPad Pro models ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2017, 9.7 inch screen iPad 5th gen models

2018, 9.7 inch screen iPad 6th gen models ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2019, 10.2 inch screen iPad 7th gen models ( 1st gen Pencil support )

2020, 10.2 inch screen iPad 8th gen models. ( 1st gen Pencil support )


Get the largest internal data storage model you can afford as NO Apple iOS device has ANY expandable storage.



Best of Luck to You!

Oct 17, 2021 2:56 PM in response to Ironhead56

Ironhead56 wrote:

Not looking to purchase a used iPad, I want to know if memory can be added via micro so card?


You can add external USB or SD Card storage with an appropriate adapter:


  • Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MK0W2ZM/A


  • Lightning to SD Card Camera Reader

https://store.apple.com/uk/xc/product/MJYT2ZM/A

Oct 17, 2021 2:16 PM in response to Ironhead56

If you decide to go down the path of purchasing used, secondhand Apple devices, here is how to avoid purchasing an Apple iOS/iPadOS device with user activation lock, in the future.



If you purchase any iPad, or any Apple iOS device, for that matter, used/second hand, online, or even in-person, make sure this iPad does NOT have user activation lock and has been properly reset for sale.

A properly reset for sale iPad should initially power up to an animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen.

DO NOT take the iPad seller's word that this iPad is user activation lock free!

We have seen plenty of used iOS device purchasers get scammed.

User Activation Lock can never be bypasss, circumvented or worked around IF there is no correct previous/original user information to be able to do so.

Apple doesn't get involved with ANY user activation locked, used/second-hand sold devices, either.


So, buyer beware!


If purchasing a used device in-person, power the iPad ON

If the iPad DOES NOT display the initial animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen, then pass on purchasing this iPad.

If the iPad powers up to any other screen, then forget purchasing this iPad.

You cannot trust that the seller actually has the correct needed info to properly reset the iPad back to factory settings right then and there before the actual purchase and exchange of money for the iPad, in question.

Pass on the device!


If you are purchasing this used iPad online ask the seller to provide multiple images, either online or be sent to you via email, showing this animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen of the interested in purchasing iPad model.

Even better, ask for a short video be sent to you showing this animated, multi-language “Welcome” screen, in action and in its entirety, posted to the online ad or emailed to you.

If the online iPad seller refuses any of these requests, pass on the iPad. DO NOT buy!



Good Luck to You!


Oct 17, 2021 2:12 PM in response to Ironhead56

No.

Never.

No Apple mobile iOS/iPadOS device have expandable internal data storage. The internal data storage is fixed to never be able to expanded/increased.


You want a larger internal data storage in an Apple mobile iOS/iPadOS device, you must purchase a new, refurbished or used, second hand Apple iOS/iPadOS device with larger internal data storage capacities.


Sorry.


Is there a way to add memory to an iPad?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.