Why do messages take up more space on the iPad?

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Why do messages take up more space on the iPad?

I did search Community and see that this question has been asked MANY times, but there's never been a satisfactory answer. I got a free iPad from my phone company and didn't bother springing for extra storage because it's got a cellular connection, but between Photos and Messages, I no longer have enough space to even update iOS. I refuse to delete my message history--I've needed to go back as far as ten years for legal reasons--and I've cleaned up as much Photo storage as I could. Messages currently takes up 21.74 gb on my 64gb iPad, and only 7 gb on my 256gb iPhone. Please explain the discrepancy?

And yes, both devices are up to date, and yes, both have been rebooted, we all know that's not a solution.

iPad (9th generation)

Posted on May 4, 2023 6:42 AM

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Answer 1

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afeland Author

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May 10, 2023 6:23 AM in response to ShannonM1

Look, Messages is using around 7gb of data on my iPhone. I bought a brand new iPad, set it to use iCloud for Messages, and it started syncing with iCloud. When it was done syncing, it had downloaded 21.74 gb of data for Messages. I just checked my Mac, and my Messages datastore there is 30.01gb. Why isn't Apple using the same compression method on the iPad as they obviously use on the iPhone?

There shouldn't be any difference between these two systems, but the exact same messages that only take up 7gb on my phone are taking three times as much space on the iPad.

Ultimately I'm probably just going to erase the iPad and start over, and not use it for Messages, but it's really irritating that the developers have chosen to treat iOS devices so differently.

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Answer 2

UTBadger

Community Specialist

May 10, 2023 8:17 AM in response to afeland

Hey afeland,

It wouldn’t be normal for Messages to take up more local space on one device than another. If this behavior continues, you’ll need to work with Apple Support on the matter and they can be reached using this link: Get Support

They’ll be best equipped to address this concern.

We hope this helps out.

Take care!

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Answer 3

ShannonM1

Community Specialist

May 9, 2023 10:29 AM in response to afeland

Hello afeland,

Something to consider with messages is that things such as attachments, photos, and videos all contribute towards that number. So if someone is texting you those or you are sharing them to others, that added file contributes to the size of Messages.

You may find some benefit in taking screenshots of critical message threads and then printing them - or transferring them - for safekeeping and so you can clear space. You can find information on how to do that through Forward and share messages on iPad - Apple Support. This also helps save them in the event anything happens to your data.

Cheers!

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Why do messages take up more space on the iPad?

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