Is your iPad full of apps? Here's how to clean it up smartly
Your iPad is full. Dozens of apps you never use. The screen is a mess, and your storage space is running low. But here's the thing: most people delete the wrong apps. They keep the space-hogging apps they rarely use and throw away the small, handy tools that take up minimal space.
The problem isn't the number of apps on your iPad , but which ones you keep . The biggest culprits—think old games and forgotten photo-editing apps from the App Store —often remain untouched. While you might delete that one handy 10MB note-taking app because you think you're freeing up space. In this article, you'll learn not only how to delete apps, but also which ones to keep. And which ones are secretly draining your battery without you even realizing it.
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Identifying the Right Apps for Removal
Cleaning up your iPad doesn't start with randomly deleting apps. Start by checking your storage space in Settings > General > iPad Storage. This will show you exactly which apps are taking up the most space. Surprisingly often, these are apps you haven't opened in months.
Games often top the list of space hogs. A single game can easily take up 2 to 4 GB. Compare that to useful productivity apps, which usually stay under 100 MB. That old racing game you quit last year? It probably takes up as much space as twenty smaller apps combined.
Photo and video editing apps are the second biggest user category. Apps like iMovie or GarageBand already take up a lot of space by default, but they also store project files locally. If you don't use these tools weekly, it's best to delete them and redownload them later when needed.
How to remove apps step by step
There are several ways to remove apps from your tablet. The classic method works like this:
- Press and hold an app icon until all icons start to wiggle
- Tap the minus (-) in the corner of the app
- Confirm with 'Delete app' in the pop-up window
- Choose whether to keep the app data or delete it completely
An alternative method uses the aforementioned storage settings. This has the advantage of immediately seeing how much space you're freeing up. Navigate to the app in the list, tap it, and select "Remove app." This method also shows when you last used the app.
Unloading vs. deleting apps
iPadOS offers a clever workaround: offloading apps. When offloading, the system automatically deletes the app but retains all its documents and data. The icon remains visible on your screen with a small cloud symbol. Tap it, and the app will automatically redownload.
This feature is ideal for seasonal apps. Think of tax return apps you use annually, or vacation apps for specific destinations. The data is retained, but the app doesn't take up unnecessary space.
Enable automatic offloading in Settings > App Store > Offload unused apps. The system will then automatically determine which apps are used least and offload them when storage space becomes low.
Which apps should you keep?
Some apps seem unnecessary but are essential for your device's proper functioning. System apps like Settings, App Store, and Safari simply can't be deleted. But apps like Files, Find My, and Shortcuts also have more value than you might think.
The Files app provides access to all your cloud storage and local documents. Without it, file management becomes much more difficult. Find My not only helps you find your lost devices but is also crucial for sharing your location with family.
Widget apps take up little space but offer a lot of functionality. A 20 MB weather app provides instant information on your home screen. Don't delete them to free up space; the gains are minimal, while the usability decreases significantly.
Organization after cleaning up
After removing unnecessary apps, it's time to reorganize. Group remaining apps into logical folders. For example, create a "Work" folder for all your productivity tools and an "Entertainment" folder for streaming apps.
Drag your most frequently used apps to the dock at the bottom of the screen. This area remains visible, no matter what page you're on. Place up to fifteen apps you use daily here.
Also consider using the App Library, introduced in iPadOS 14. It automatically groups all your apps into categories. Hide apps you rarely use from your Home screen; they'll still be accessible through the library.
Preventive space management
Prevent future storage problems with smart settings. Turn off automatic app updates and only update when you have Wi-Fi and enough space. This prevents updates from unexpectedly using up your remaining storage space.
Check your downloads folder monthly in apps like Safari and file managers. Forgotten files often accumulate here, taking up unnecessary space. A PDF you've viewed once doesn't need to remain on your tablet permanently.
Set streaming apps to a lower download quality if you usually watch at home using Wi-Fi. Standard-quality Netflix downloads take up half the space of HD versions, and the difference is barely noticeable on the iPad screen.
Making smart choices when tidying up
Decluttering your iPad is all about making smart choices . The problem isn't the number of apps, but which ones you keep. By identifying the real space hogs and keeping the handy little tools, you'll create a tidy workspace without sacrificing functionality.
With features like offloading apps and automatic space management, your refurbished iPad practically keeps itself clean. Check your storage space monthly to prevent a full tablet from ever running out again.
