Is your iPad running out of space? If you’ve noticed that “Other” storage is taking up a big chunk, you’re not alone. Clearing “Other” storage can free up significant space. Follow these steps to clean up your iPad and get it running smoothly again.
How to Clear Other Storage on iPad
Clearing “Other” storage on your iPad involves deleting cache files, old messages, and unused apps. These steps will guide you through the process, ensuring that your device has more free space and performs better.
Step 1: Go to Settings
First, go to your iPad’s Settings.
Navigate to the home screen and tap the Settings app. It looks like a gray gear icon. This is where you can adjust all the settings on your iPad.
Step 2: General Settings
Next, tap on General.
Once in Settings, scroll down and tap on “General.” This section holds various iPad settings, including storage.
Step 3: iPad Storage
Then, tap on iPad Storage.
Within the General settings, tap on “iPad Storage.” Here you will see a breakdown of what is taking up space on your device, including the “Other” category.
Step 4: Review and Delete Apps
Now, review and delete apps you don’t need.
Look through the list of apps and see which ones you don’t use. Tap on an app, and then tap “Delete App” to remove it, freeing up space.
Step 5: Clear Safari Cache
Clear the Safari cache to free up more space.
Go back to the main Settings menu, scroll down, and tap on Safari. Then, tap “Clear History and Website Data.” This will remove cached files that could be taking up space.
Step 6: Delete Old Messages
Delete old messages and attachments.
Go to the Messages app and delete old conversations. You can also go to Settings > Messages and set messages to delete automatically after a certain period.
Step 7: Reboot Your iPad
Finally, reboot your iPad.
Hold down the power button until you see the option to slide to power off. Turn off your iPad and then turn it back on to ensure all changes take effect.
After completing these steps, you’ll notice a significant reduction in the “Other” storage category. Your iPad should now have more free space and run more efficiently.
Tips for Clearing Other Storage on iPad
- Regularly clear your Safari cache to keep “Other” storage low.
- Delete unused apps frequently to free up space.
- Set messages to delete automatically to prevent old conversations from piling up.
- Offload unused apps instead of deleting them, which frees up space without losing data.
- Back up your iPad regularly so you can restore it if you accidentally delete something important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is “Other” storage taking up so much space on my iPad?
“Other” storage consists of caches, logs, temporary files, and other system data. Over time, these can accumulate and take up significant space.
How often should I clear my Safari cache?
It’s a good idea to clear your Safari cache every few weeks or whenever you notice your iPad slowing down.
What happens if I delete an app?
When you delete an app, it removes the app and its data from your iPad, freeing up storage space.
Can I get back deleted messages?
Once you delete messages, they are gone for good unless you have a backup stored in iCloud.
Is it safe to delete “Other” storage?
Yes, it’s safe to clear out “Other” storage as it mainly consists of temporary files and cache. Just be cautious not to delete important data.
Summary
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Tap on iPad Storage.
- Review and delete apps.
- Clear Safari cache.
- Delete old messages.
- Reboot your iPad.
Conclusion
Clearing “Other” storage on your iPad is not just a one-time task but a routine maintenance job, much like cleaning out a cluttered room. By following these steps, you’ll free up valuable storage space, making your iPad run smoother and more efficiently. It’s amazing how much space you can reclaim by just clearing out old files and caches.
For further reading, you might want to explore more about iCloud storage options or ways to optimize your device’s performance. Keeping your digital life organized can be as satisfying as a tidy room. So, make it a habit to clear your iPad’s “Other” storage regularly. Your device will thank you for it!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.