iPad storage full, update fails: System Data & Music app

Regrettably, you may struggle with an iPad that has so little internal storage. The 32/64GB devices are primarily intended for use in Educational settings, or in environments where the ability to store local data on the device is not required.

It is generally recommended that you maintain at least 4-6GB of free space at all times - as your iPad needs some temporary space to complete many tasks. When performing system software updates, you may temporarily require more...

A system software update requires sufficient space to be downloaded, unpacked and verified prior to installation - major version updates requiring considerably more space than an incremental point-update. The required space, to perform an OTA update, is typically double the stated space for the installed update; after the update is successfully completed, temporary files are automatically deleted - returning free space.

If your internal storage is full, or is insufficient for the task that you need to perform, 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

External storage options can often help with managing limited internal storage. Depending upon your iPad model, the iPad will either have a Lightning or USB-C port - and may therefore require either an Adapter or USB hub to connect the USB Storage device. If your iPad has a Lightning port, you’ll need an Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter:

• Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter

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

Using a Mac computer or Windows PC can help with system software updates - as the update package is initially downloaded to the computer, unpacked and verified by the computer, prior to the computer installing the updated system software on the target device.

As is, perhaps a workable remedy is to ensure that you have either an iCloud or iTunes backup of your iPad - and then completely erase the iPad. With no user-data present, you should be able to update the iPad; once updated, you can restore your backup to the iPad.

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

Erase all content and settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Erase All Content & Settings

After the reset, set-up the iPad with your AppleID - but do not restore the backup. Perform the system software update using whichever method works for you.

Finally, restore the backup to your iPad:

Restore all content to iPad from a backup - Apple Support

This is a common issue on iPads with limited storage (64 GB). Here is how to address each problem:

1. Music app taking 5 GB with no downloads: The Music app stores cached streaming data, album artwork, and iCloud Music Library metadata even without downloaded songs. To clear it, go to Settings > General > iPad Storage > Music, then swipe left on "All Songs" to delete. If that does not work, delete and reinstall the Music app.

2. Photos taking 10 GB with Optimise Storage on: Optimised versions stay on device even when originals are in iCloud. 10 GB is normal. Make sure iCloud Photos is enabled at Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos ON.

3. System Data being large: Restart the iPad, then revisit Settings > General > iPad Storage to let it recalculate. Check streaming apps like Netflix or YouTube for large caches.

4. To install the update without clearing space on device: Connect your iPad to a Mac or PC and update via Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). This method does not require free space on the device itself and is the fastest solution in your situation.

You are quite correct in your observation that Apple does not explicitly state that devices with low internal storage capabilities are aimed at Educational environments, Enterprise or Point-of-sale applications. However, the fact remains that low cost devices are most often used managed environments where the need for local storage is limited.

For the consumer, the lower-cost iPads initially appear attractive, at least until their storage limitations become clear - added to which, as Operating Systems inevitably make greater demands upon system hardware, less of the internal storage will be available to the User. In the longer term, while initially attractive, purchase of the lower cost models may be false economy.

Whichever iPad model you choose, you would always be well advised to purchase as much internal storage as your budget might reasonably allow - as internal storage (and other hardware) cannot be changed, upgraded or extended. The available internal storage is fixed for the entire life of the device. If you run out of internal storage for your documents, photos and other data, you will forever struggle and become a source of frustration. It is far better to have more storage than you need, than to need more storage than you have.

A good rule of thumb is to quantify how much data storage you will need - add a healthy margin - then double it. If you are unable to quantify your data storage needs, it becomes more difficult. Whilst I and others cannot make definitive recommendations for your personal needs, objectively I would council against purchase of any iPad with any less than 256GB storage, 512GB and higher having a greater margin for growth as your needs and the demands of the installed OS and Apps develop.

Within the Apple Support Communities we see regular tales of woe and disappointment when storage requirements are exceeded, necessitating replacement of the device; by contrast, we never see complaint of having too much available storage. It is relatively easy to fill limited internal storage space; perhaps consider higher tiers of storage as providing room for growth as your needs develop or mature - potentially extending the useful usable life of the device. 

Deleting an App will remove the App along with any data/files associated with it. By contrast, offloading an App will remove just the App - while preserving the associated data/files. Reported System Data is largely cached and temporary data that, while saved, significantly improves device performance - particularly when switching open Apps. System Data will vary over time - but, for devices with little internal storage, will represent a significant proportion of your total available internal storage.

If the "Music" to which you refer is accessed using the native Music App, this can be selectively deleted from your iPad settings. Once deleted, these music/media files can only be recovered if they are again downloaded from the original source.

Settings > General > iPad Storage > [Show All] Music > [Music] All Songs - select Edit

jakudo wrote:

Hi, thanks for reply,

I cannot delete the songs because there is non of them. I don't use music app on iPad, so there is no songs stored. I even tried to delete the music app and hoped that the 5 GB will be freed, however, that didn't happen.

Photos - iCloud photos are on and also Optimize iPad storage on.

I've restarted the iPad several times with no difference. I don't have any of those app (Netflix, HBO, etc). I only have youtube installed and it takes 380 Mb.

I've also tried to install the update via Finder, however, it showed error 4000 :-/

4000-series errors are often associated with the host computer having difficulties contacting Apple’s servers. Communication difficulties of this nature are often linked with Anti-Virus and/or firewall software running on the host computer.

iOS update and restore errors - Apple Support

While you do so entirely at your own risk, try temporarily disabling your AV/Firewall software - and then repeat your attempt to restore your iPad.

Otherwise, you may need to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom left of this page. Alternatively you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to provide hands-on assistance:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple