I have three devices in my iCloud, one being an iPad with limited storage space. To safe space on this iPad, can I set this device as such that the used space for instance the photo’s app, largest data storage space consumer, is deleted completely?
just to add I don’t need access to photos on this iPad at all
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
iPad Air 2
For your iPad that doesn’t need access to your photos, simply disable iCloud photos; should you then choose to do so, you can delete the locally stored photos from the iPad - therefore releasing space for other purposes. After your have disabled iCloud Photos, local deletion will not be synchronised with other devices.
To disable iCloud Photos on the iPad:
iPadOS 15.x and earlier
Settings > [Your Name / AppleID] > iCloud > iCloud Photos - set to OFF
iPadOS 16.x
Settings > [Your Name / AppleID] > iCloud > Photos > Sync This iPad - set to OFF
For your iPad that doesn’t need access to your photos, simply disable iCloud photos; should you then choose to do so, you can delete the locally stored photos from the iPad - therefore releasing space for other purposes. After your have disabled iCloud Photos, local deletion will not be synchronised with other devices.
To disable iCloud Photos on the iPad:
iPadOS 15.x and earlier
Settings > [Your Name / AppleID] > iCloud > iCloud Photos - set to OFF
iPadOS 16.x
Settings > [Your Name / AppleID] > iCloud > Photos > Sync This iPad - set to OFF
The way iCloud helps you save storage space on your device is by utilizing the OPTIMIZE iPad STORAGE feature for Photos and Videos. What this does is store the actual resolution photos on iCloud and keeps a low resolution version of the same photos on your iPhone. It will only download the high/actual resolution picture when you demand it or when you double click on it to see it. If Photos and Videos take up most of the storage space on your device then this is the way to go. As you may know, if you delete a photo on your iPad then it will be deleted on ALL your devices that are logged on to that Apple ID.
You may set Optimzie iPad Storage to ON by opening the Settings app ➡️ Photos ➡️ Optimize iPad Storage: Ensure that this feature has a Check Mark with it.
Axel F.
It’s it and that’s that.
You can, however, use third party apps such as Google Photos or Amazon Photo that allow you to archive the photos on their cloud service and delete the photos on your iPhone. In the end, I am not sure, how much overall space is saved vs using Apple’s iCloud method.
Axel F.
You’re very welcome.
The Photos App main Library folders don’t have a Select All option.
Instead, tap the Select button - then slowly swipe with a finger top-bottom (or bottom-to-top) allowing the screen to scroll. Once selected, tap the Delete button to move the photos to Recently Deleted.
To finally clear your photos, releasing space, you’ll need to delete them from the Recently Deleted folder. Here you will find a button to delete them all.
Go to Photos, Library, tap Select and then drag your finger over many photos, dragging down row by row and then tap the trash can. Repeat.
Thanks LotusPilot, this is excactly what I was hoping for. I have now switched off the ‘iCloud photos’ setting and indeed I can start deleting the larger video’s individually.
Would you have a suggestion to delete all local photos in one go!
This is a great help much appreciated
Hi Axel yes I am aware of this ‘optimise iPad storage’ function. I was hoping for something stronger. But if this is what it is, it’s what it is ;-)
Good Point. This is because the photos will be there on iCloud and the Author’s other devices that are signed on to the same iCloud (Apple ID) account. Thanks.
Axel F.
Thanks LotusPilot, very helpful
Again, you are very welcome. I’m delighted that your need was easy and straightforward to resolve.
Can I set this iPad so the used space is deleted completely?
