My iPad has run out of storage and I can't run any apps. I have deleted a bunch of apps and data but the free space disappears within a day. I guess this is something that iOS is doing, maybe writing logs or something. Is there anything I can do to get some space back? (There's really not much on here but a few games that I like to play.)
Thanks for any guidance.
iPad 2, iOS 9
RoseBertin Said:
"iPad has no storage left.: My iPad has run out of storage and I can't run any apps. I have deleted a bunch of apps and data but the free space disappears within a day.[...]"
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Clear "System Data" AKA "Other":
See if "System Data", formerly called "Other" is taking up all this space. You backup your iPad, and then restore your iPad from the backup you've just created. It's be performed similar as I've instructed here in my User Tip: How to Clear "Other" in your iPhone's Storage - Use Backup - User Tip
RoseBertin Said:
"iPad has no storage left.: My iPad has run out of storage and I can't run any apps. I have deleted a bunch of apps and data but the free space disappears within a day.[...]"
-------
Clear "System Data" AKA "Other":
See if "System Data", formerly called "Other" is taking up all this space. You backup your iPad, and then restore your iPad from the backup you've just created. It's be performed similar as I've instructed here in my User Tip: How to Clear "Other" in your iPhone's Storage - Use Backup - User Tip
There are no movies here. This is not only an old iPad but a 16GB iPad. So, when I say it is out of storage, I mean that available storage is zero.
So, I'm going to erase all content and settings -- kaboom! -- and restore from the backup.
"Step 1... 'Welcome to your new iPad!' :^)"
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Setting this Up Anew:
You should have set this up anew, as if you were to sell it. Perform as instructed here, including the backup: What to do Before you Sell, Give Away, or Trade In your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support . Once complete, receiver items back from a backup you created.
RoseBertin Said:
"So, I'm going to erase all content and settings -- kaboom! -- and restore from the backup."
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Sounds like a plan! Report back the results.
RoseBertin Said:
"OK, the backup was successful but the restore failed. It said there was not enough room on the device. I guess I can reset it, as I have a fresh backup?"
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Rid of Large Files:
iTunes Movies can take upto 4GBs of data -16 of those would be 64GB. So, if you have have lots of videos installed, trash them.
Thank you, TheLittles, for the quick reply!
Alas, I have tried to do a backup and it fails with no message. It is also unable to show me when the last backup was. (It was probably a month ago or so, which would be OK for me.)
Also, this is a really really really old iPad... it is iOS 9.3.5 and can no longer be upgraded.
Perhaps I will try holding down both the buttons?
I have now been able to connect the iPad to iTunes on my Windows laptop. It says the last iCloud backup was yesterday. I am trying to do a full backup (to the laptop) now.
iTunes' analysis of the iPad's storage keeps changing?
Yes, that is what I have done.
The restore, officially, is done and the pad has a ton of space back!!! (I only have about 20 apps left, after my earlier bouts of scavenging for bytes, so Used Space is about half a gig and there is 12GB free.)
The apps are now re-installing themselves. (A good trick as it's hard to find iOS9-compatible anything in the App Store.)
RoseBertin Said:
"Yes, that is what I have done. The restore, officially, is done and the pad has a ton of space back!!! (I only have about 20 apps left, after my earlier bouts of scavenging for bytes, so Used Space is about half a gig and there is 12GB free.) The apps are now re-installing themselves. (A good trick as it's hard to find iOS9-compatible anything in the App Store.)"
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Thanks for the update. Excellent job troubleshooting.
"Other" Storage:
12GB is little capacity in today's world. So, what happened when you saw the storage? Was "Other" taking up any space?
OK, final installment... The apps are all back, with their respective data. Final storage tally is 1.5GB used, 11.1GB free.
To TheLittles, thank you very Very VERY much for the timely guidance and the encouragement.
RB
PS. Yes, it was all "other".
RoseBertin Said:
"iPad has no storage left."
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You are welcome.
Despite being an old iPad, try this, seeing if this works.
Report back the results. Works just fine on my iPad 2.
OK, the backup was successful but the restore failed. It said there was not enough room on the device.
I guess I can reset it, as I have a fresh backup?
Step 1... "Welcome to your new iPad!" :^)
You are welcome.
iPad has no storage left.
