Summary
How to check and manage storage space on a Bowdoin-issued iPad. Covers checking how much storage is used and what is using it, freeing up space by offloading or deleting apps, managing photos and videos, and clearing browser and app caches.
Body
Questions
- My iPad says storage is full — what do I do?
- How do I free up space on my Bowdoin iPad?
- How do I check how much storage my iPad has left?
- What is taking up all the space on my iPad?
- Can I delete apps from my Bowdoin-issued iPad to save space?
- My iPad won't let me download an app because there isn't enough storage.
- How do I move photos off my iPad to free up space?
Environment
This article applies to all Bowdoin College students and faculty using a college-issued iPad running iPadOS 18 or iPadOS 26. Storage management works the same as on a personal iPad, with one exception: apps installed by Bowdoin IT through Jamf cannot be deleted by the user.
Resolution
Check your storage usage
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General, then tap iPad Storage.
- The bar at the top shows total used and available storage. Below the bar, apps are listed by size — largest first — so you can quickly identify what is using the most space.
Free up space — apps
You have two options for reducing app storage:
- Offload App — removes the app but keeps its data. The app icon stays on your home screen with a cloud symbol. If you reinstall the app later, your data is restored. Best for apps you use occasionally.
- Delete App — removes the app and all its data permanently. Use this for apps you no longer need.
To offload or delete a specific app:
- In Settings > General > iPad Storage, tap the app you want to manage.
- Tap Offload App or Delete App.
To have your iPad offload unused apps automatically when storage gets low:
- Open Settings and tap Apps.
- Tap App Store, then turn on Offload Unused Apps.
Do not delete Bowdoin-managed apps. Apps installed by Bowdoin IT through Jamf — such as Self Service, GlobalProtect, and Microsoft Office apps — should not be deleted. Managed apps are marked with a small briefcase icon on the home screen. If a managed app is accidentally removed, it can be reinstalled from the Self Service app.
Free up space — photos and videos
Photos and videos are often the largest consumers of storage. A few options:
- Optimize iCloud Photos storage: If iCloud Photos is enabled, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Photos and make sure Optimize iPad Storage is selected. This keeps smaller versions on the device while full-resolution originals are stored in iCloud.
- Upload to Microsoft OneDrive: Upload photos and videos to your Bowdoin OneDrive account, then delete them from the iPad to free up local storage. OneDrive is available in Self Service.
- Delete unwanted photos and videos: Open the Photos app and delete content you no longer need. Deleted items move to the Recently Deleted album and remain there for 30 days. To free up space immediately, open Recently Deleted and tap Delete All.
Free up space — other sources
- Safari cache: Go to Settings > Apps > Safari and tap Clear History and Website Data.
- App data: In Settings > General > iPad Storage, tap any app to see its document and data size. Look within the app itself for options to clear downloads or cached content.
- Messages attachments: In Settings > General > iPad Storage, tap Messages to review and remove large attachments stored in your conversations.
Additional Help
If you need further assistance, you have several options:
- Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
- Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
- In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
- Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.
Additional Resources