System stealing iPad storage

If iPad storage is almost full, offload as much app data as you can

QWhen I updated my iPad 2 16GB, it alerted me that it was almost full. Most of its storage is now used by the System. I originally bought it as a book reader, but have added apps since. What can I do? byDAVID SIMPSON

AThis is a well-known problem when keeping older devices with their smaller storage capacities up to date with the latest iOS/iPadOS they can run.

Offload as much as you can in the way of apps, their data, and everything else stored on your iPad. Revert it to its original role as a book reader, and keep only essential functions and features. An excellent starting point is in Settings > General > iPad/iPhone Storage.

At the top are recommendations to save significant space which work with just a single tap. Below those is a list of all installed apps with the storage space they’re currently using. Starting at the top, with the apps which are using most space, tap each in turn and consider what you need to keep. When you’ve done that, you may still be able to eke out more space by backing your iPad up, either to iCloud or your Mac, then erasing it using Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

Once complete, to restore it from iCloud, turn it on and follow its onscreen setup sequence until it reaches the Apps & Data screen, where you select the iCloud Backup option. Restoring from your Mac backup is performed by connecting it to your Mac, then either using iTunes or the Finder (Catalina) to Restore Backup.