An iPad (10th generation) or iPad mini (6th generation) with full storage is a common one, because Wikipedia lists only 64 GB and 256 GB tiers for both, and there is no slot to add more. Start at Apple's storage screen: Settings, General, iPad Storage shows what uses the space. Apple's iPad guide lists the sources and the fix for each: back up photos and videos to iCloud and remove local copies, delete Messages attachments, remove downloaded videos, delete files in the Files app, clear offline files in Pages, Numbers and Keynote, and delete apps you no longer use. It notes that some iPad apps are larger than their iPhone versions, and offers Offload Unused Apps to remove apps but keep their data.
Differential
Likely causes of “Apple iPad and iPad mini storage is full or the device cannot install updates”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
Photos and videos on a 64 GB tablet
What separates it Photos leads iPad Storage and there is little free space
How to confirm iPad Storage lists sizes by app; Apple says to back up to iCloud and remove local copies
- 2
Large apps and games
What separates it A few apps dominate the list because of large apps and games
How to confirm Apple says some iPad apps are larger than their iPhone versions; delete or offload the ones you do not use
- 3
Downloaded videos
What separates it The TV and streaming apps hold hours of offline video
How to confirm Remove watched downloads and offline videos, as Apple says, since they can be downloaded again whenever needed
- 4
Messages attachments
What separates it Messages is in the top five categories on the Storage list and holds a large amount
How to confirm Delete old conversations and attachments you no longer need to free the space they occupy
- 5
Offline app files
What separates it Pages, Numbers, Keynote and Files hold offline copies because of offline app files
How to confirm Remove what you do not need and keep the files you always want
- 6
System Data that will not shrink
What separates it System Data is large after an update because it is System Data that will not shrink
How to confirm Restart, update and recheck; contact Apple if it stays large
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Storage size (64 GB or 256 GB) and free space
- The top five items in Settings, General, iPad Storage
- How much iCloud storage remains and whether the plan is nearly full
- Whether Offload Unused Apps is on
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedOpen iPad Storage
ReversibleOpen iPad Storage, by going to Settings, General, iPad Storage, and reading the largest items.
Back up photos and videos
ReversibleTurn on iCloud Photos, wait for the upload to finish completely, and only then remove local copies from the device to free space.
Clear downloaded video
ReversibleClear downloaded video, by deleting watched videos in the TV app and the streaming apps.
Delete Messages attachments
ReversibleRemove old threads and large attachments from Messages, which can add up to a surprising amount of space over the years.
Turn on Offload Unused Apps
ReversibleOpen Settings, Apps, App Store and turn on Offload Unused Apps, which removes rarely used apps but keeps their documents and data.
Remove apps you do not use
ReversibleRemove apps you do not use, by deleting the apps and their data from the iPad.
Restart and recheck
ReversibleRestart and recheck, since a restart lets the system clear temporary data, then look at storage again.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Storage tiers
- 64 GB or 256 GB on both the iPad (10th generation) and the iPad mini (6th generation), per Wikipedia. Storage is not expandable.
- Memory
- 4 GB of RAM on each, per Wikipedia.
- Part numbers
- No part number is needed. iPad Storage in Settings gives the numbers that the advice depends on.
- Tools and supplies
- A flashlight to read the model number on the back, stable Wi-Fi for iCloud uploads, and iCloud space or an external drive for a backup. Do not delete photos before the upload finishes.
- Repair cost
- Storage is managed, not repaired. If hardware service is needed, Apple's battery fee is $119 for the iPad (10th generation) and every iPad mini per SlashGear and MacRumors.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If System Data stays huge after a restart and update, contact Apple Support
- !If the tablet cannot update for lack of space, back up and ask Apple about erasing and restoring
- !If files vanish after offloading, check iCloud and the Files app before assuming loss
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Checking iPad Storage, sources of use, Offload Unused Apps and keeping selected files.
Photos and videos in iCloud and on the device.
A14 Bionic, 4 GB RAM, 28.6 Wh battery, USB-C at USB 2.0 speed, Wi-Fi 6, Touch ID in the top button, storage tiers and weight.
A15 Bionic, 4 GB RAM, 19.19 Wh battery, 8.3-inch display, USB-C, Wi-Fi 6, 5G without mmWave, no Smart Connector.
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I see which app is biggest?+
Settings, General, iPad Storage lists apps from largest to smallest, and tapping an app shows its size and documents. Delete or offload from the top of that list first, since that frees the most space for the least effort.
Will offloading an app remove my saved games?+
Apple says offloading keeps the app's documents and data, and reinstalling restores it. A game that saves only inside its own storage is the exception, so check that it syncs to an account before you delete it.
Can I move photos to a computer instead of iCloud?+
Yes, and the USB-C port lets you connect the tablet. Apple's photo article describes iCloud, so confirm the copies on the computer open before removing the originals from the tablet.
How much storage do these tablets have?+
Wikipedia lists 64 GB or 256 GB for both. There is no card slot, so the choice at purchase is final.
Is it enough to have 64 GB on an iPad 10?+
It depends on use; iPad Storage shows yours.
Is deleting different from offloading?+
Yes. Deleting removes local data; offloading keeps documents and data, per Apple's guide.
How do I keep files downloaded?+
Apple's guide says you can mark selected files to stay downloaded so they are not removed.
Why is System Data big?+
It includes caches and temporary files. Restart and update, and if it stays large, contact Apple.
Does an external drive help with iPad storage?+
Wikipedia says both use USB-C and the Files app can read an external drive, but the drive is not the tablet's own storage.
Will removing photos from the tablet delete them from iCloud?+
With iCloud Photos on, deleting one deletes it everywhere. Read Apple's Manage photo storage article first.
Should I restore the tablet to free space?+
Only as a last resort. Apple's storage guide does not recommend it, and a restore needs a good backup.
Do the tablets have enough RAM to matter?+
Wikipedia lists 4 GB on both. RAM is separate from storage and cannot be freed by deleting files.
Would a bigger tablet be better?+
Only by buying a different tier. Storage cannot be added to these models.
Can I update if storage is full?+
An iPadOS update needs free space. Clear space with Apple's steps first.