What is "other" under usage data and how do I get rid of it?

Question

Level 1

0 points

What is "other" under usage data and how do I get rid of it?

I was recently given a used iPad 3rd generation 16GB A1416 with IOS 7.1.2. I set up my own Apple ID and then I deleted all existing apps, photos, movies, messages, reminders, etc to make room in storage and then downloaded 4 new apps for my granddaughter that total about 1.7GB. Usage data shows that I now only have approximately 4GB left. When I sync to iTunes to view usage info online it shows the 1.7GB used for apps and it then shows approximately 7.7
GB under "other." What is OTHER and how do I delete it? This is my first Apple product and my first tablet so I really need a little help here. Thanks for any info you can supply.

Posted on Jul 14, 2014 5:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 14, 2014 5:38 AM in response to GalemarieG

Help here.

Reply

Answer 2

Diavonex

Level 9

67,217 points

Jul 14, 2014 5:44 AM in response to GalemarieG

What is "Other"

1. Cache for apps, browser, mail, Messages, Reading List

2. Saved games

3. Documents and data

4. Notes

5. Voice Memos

You can backup and restore to reduce "other" but they will start building up over time.

Reply

Answer 3

GalemarieG Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 14, 2014 5:52 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Thanks for the speedy reply, Carolyn. I cleared all Safari cache and history but it didn't change the other field. This iPad belonged to my step-daughter and I think all of her nieces used it to watch movies and play games a lot. There are currently no games or movies on the iPad but reading some online it seems like these two activities leave stuff behind in the memory that you have a hard time removing. I am considering a factory fresh refresh but it scares me a little because I don't know how hard it will be for me to restore to where I am now. The good news is that I only have 4 apps for granddaughter that I really care about right this minute. Will use the tablet more for my purposes later I guess.

Reply

Answer 4

GalemarieG Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 14, 2014 5:53 AM in response to Diavonex

Thanks, Diavonex for the help. I need all I can get right now. Very new to tablets and to Apple specifically.

Reply

Answer 5

Jul 14, 2014 7:49 AM in response to GalemarieG

iPhone, iPad, and iPod: Understanding capacity

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1867

How much space is used by your Other? You may be able to reduce.

How Do I Get Rid Of The “Other” Data Stored On My iPad Or iPhone?

http://tinyurl.com/85w6xwn

How to Remove “Other” Data from iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

http://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-remove-other-data-from-iphone/

With an iOS device, the “Other” space in iTunes is used to store things like documents, settings, caches, and a few other important items. If you sync lots of documents to apps like GoodReader, DropCopy, or anything else that reads external files, your storage use can skyrocket. With iOS 5/6/7, you can see exactly which applications are taking up the most space. Just head to Settings > General > Usage, and tap the button labeled Show All Apps. The storage section will show you the app and how much storage space it is taking up. Tap on the app name to get a description of the additional storage space being used by the app’s documents and data. You can remove the storage-hogging application and all of its data directly from this screen, or manually remove the data by opening the app. Some applications, especially those designed by Apple, will allow you to remove stored data by swiping from left to right on the item to reveal a Delete button.

What is “Other” and What Can I Do About It?

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-5142

iPhone or iPad Ran Out of Storage Space? Here’s How to Make Space Available Quickly

http://osxdaily.com/2012/06/02/iphone-ipad-ran-out-of-available-storage-space-ho w-to-fix-quick/

6 Tips to Free Up Tons of Storage Space on iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch

http://osxdaily.com/2012/04/24/6-tips-free-up-storage-space-ipad-iphone-ipod-tou ch/

Also,

How to Clear Message/iMessage Cache on iPhone & iPad And Reclaim Lots of Free Space

http://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-clear-message-imessage-cache-on-iphone-ipad/

What is Stored in iCloud and What is Not

https://sites.google.com/site/appleclubfhs/support/advice-and-articles/what-is-s tored-in-icloud

 Cheers, Tom 😉

Reply