Knowing how much storage your iPad has left helps you decide whether you can install an update, download a movie, or need to clear space. This guide shows where to check available storage on current iPadOS versions and on older iOS 9, how to read the storage bar, what “System Data” means, and quick ways to free up space.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > General > iPad Storage. The bar at the top shows used and available space, and the list below shows which apps take the most. On iOS 9, go to Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage.
Check Storage on iPadOS (iOS 11 and Later)
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then iPad Storage.
- Wait a few seconds while the bar calculates. It shows, for example, “41.8 GB of 64 GB Used.”
- Scroll the list to see each app’s size. Tap an app to see its app size and its documents and data.
Check Storage on iOS 9 and iOS 10
- Open Settings > General.
- Tap Storage & iCloud Usage.
- Under Storage, see Used and Available.
- Tap Manage Storage for a list of apps by size.
The same screen shows your iCloud storage separately. iCloud space is online storage and doesn’t free up room on the iPad itself.
Other Quick Ways to See Free Space
- Settings > General > About lists Capacity and Available.
- On a Mac: connect the iPad and select it in Finder; the storage bar appears at the bottom of the window.
- On a Windows PC: use iTunes or the Apple Devices app; the bar appears on the Summary or General page.
What the Storage Categories Mean
| Category | What’s included |
|---|---|
| Apps | Installed apps and their data |
| Photos | Photos and videos in the Photos app |
| Media | Music, movies, podcasts and books |
| Messages | Texts and attachments |
| iPadOS | The operating system itself |
| System Data | Caches, logs, temporary files and downloaded voices or fonts; it grows and shrinks on its own |
How to Free Up Space
- Follow the recommendations at the top of iPad Storage, such as Offload Unused Apps or reviewing large attachments.
- Offload or delete apps: tap an app in the list, then Offload App (keeps its data) or Delete App.
- Remove downloaded videos: streaming apps often store downloads; delete them inside each app.
- Optimize photos: turn on Settings > Photos > Optimize iPad Storage if you use iCloud Photos, and empty Recently Deleted.
- Clear old messages: set Settings > Messages > Keep Messages to 1 year or 30 days.
- Clear browser data: in Settings > Safari, tap Clear History and Website Data.
How Much Free Space Do You Need?
Keep at least a few gigabytes free for smooth performance. Major iPadOS updates can need 5 GB or more of temporary space to install; if there isn’t enough, the iPad asks you to free some up or lets you update from a computer instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my available storage less than the advertised capacity?
The operating system and preinstalled apps use part of it, and storage makers count a gigabyte as 1,000 megabytes while the iPad counts in slightly larger units.
Why does the storage bar keep calculating?
It can take a minute after a restart or big change. Leave the screen open or come back later.
Can I add storage to an iPad?
Not internally. You can use iCloud or other cloud storage, or connect a USB-C or Lightning flash drive and manage files in the Files app.
Summary
- Settings > General > iPad Storage on current iPads.
- Settings > General > Storage & iCloud Usage on iOS 9.
- Check Settings > General > About for a quick Available number.
- Offload apps, remove downloads and optimize photos to free space.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.