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Why does “other” and “iPadOS” take up pretty much all of my storage?


My storage usage is 15.4 out of 16 GB.


The app that takes up the most space is Autodesk Sketchbook (I draw), which takes up 1.52 GB.



”iPadOS” takes up 6.76 GB, while “Other” takes up 5.77 GB, meaning that together that adds up to 12.52 GB.

Meaning that 12.52 GB is literally completely out of my hands and there’s nothing I can do to clear it up.


I constantly have to delete apps and pictures and documents just to use my iPad. Now, and for a while, I’ve only had seven apps.


How is it possible for “Other” and “iPadOS” to take up so much space? And what can I do to fix it (since how it is now makes my iPad practically unusable)?


Posted on Mar 7, 2022 8:17 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 7, 2022 8:37 AM

A 16GB device is always going to struggle. 16GB is the total internal storage - and this space must accommodate the Operating System (iPadOS15 can require +9GB alone) plus space for running processes and caches (the later being included with the “other” category).






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 a software update.

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


Additional information about creating sufficient space for installation of a software update can be found here:

If you need more space for an update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


If your needs are such that you are unable to use such a space-constrained device, you would be well advised to consider replacing your current iPad with a device with considerably more internal storage.


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 7, 2022 8:37 AM in response to kendrick265

A 16GB device is always going to struggle. 16GB is the total internal storage - and this space must accommodate the Operating System (iPadOS15 can require +9GB alone) plus space for running processes and caches (the later being included with the “other” category).






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 a software update.

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


Additional information about creating sufficient space for installation of a software update can be found here:

If you need more space for an update on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support


If your needs are such that you are unable to use such a space-constrained device, you would be well advised to consider replacing your current iPad with a device with considerably more internal storage.


Why does “other” and “iPadOS” take up pretty much all of my storage?

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