How Much Storage Do I Need On My iPad?

Last Updated on April 14, 2023 by Ernests Embutnieks

Getting confused over iPad storage space is a common scene. Indeed, it rests among one of the most challenging decisions to make for many users while they plan to pick an iPad model. The price difference between 32GB iPad and 128GB iPad is quite significant.

It isn’t easy to evaluate just how much storage is required, making everything more tricky. Will it be enough if I want to watch movies? Will it be enough if I want to draw and take notes? Will it be enough if I want to play games? What if I want to download e-books and my Spotify playlists?

How Many GB Do I Need On My iPad?

Storage	Description	Usage
32GB	Limited	Few apps, few media files, web, streaming services(Netflix, Spotify, Disney+, etc.)
64GB	Basic	Apps, Media will still be limited. Streaming services(Netflix, Spotify) + web
128GB	Average User	Photos, Music(offline), Videos, Apps, Games, Web, Movies(offline) + Streaming services,
256GB+	Power User	Heavy Apps, Photos, Videos (4k), Web, Music(offline), Movies(offline), Heavy Games, Streaming services

Storage is one section that majorly depends on your own needs and how you plan to use the device. For instance, if you use your iPad to watch movies from streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Video, YouTube, do some occasional web surfing, social media, etc., the need for larger storage options is considerably low.

That’s how I use my iPad I watch movies. I watch courses; I take notes with Apple Pencil and Notability, I make plans with Notion, I create to-do lists with Reminders. And I occasionally will watch some TikTok and play some games like Clash of Clans and Among Us. I write and answer emails, I talk to my friends, and I use it for video calls. I have a lot of use cases for my device, but I’ve only spent 46GB of 128GB.

If I would clean it and deleted all the screenshots, unnecessary pictures, and unnecessary apps, I would probably have spent 40GB.

At the same time, if you’re going to store pictures or videos on your device or you’re a graphics designer or artist, you will probably need more space than I do.

Apps like: Procreate, Lightroom, and Photoshop are quite heavy. But there are always cloud storage.

Is 32 GB enough storage for an iPad?

If you keep light on games & apps and focus on streaming and the web, you might be able to get away with 32GB storage. It depends on the type of user you’re. Although it is enough for some people, the majority seem to prefer something more. You can manage with 32GB of storage, but eventually, you will have to make some sacrifices and delete some apps or media. The 32 GB option won’t disappoint those who’re willing to use their iPad only for streaming media and a couple of apps. If you want to travel with your iPad and download movies and music for offline use, it might be challenging but not impossible.

Is 64 GB enough storage for an iPad?

With 64GB, you have enough storage space for basic usage. Good choice for lightweight users. The fact that reaching the limit is unlikely to occur soon gives you the opportunity to use your iPad more flexibly. You can watch movies, take notes, take pictures, download apps and games, and you can even download movies & music for offline use in case you plan to travel. It will be limited but possible.

Is 128 GB enough storage for an iPad?

128GB is already comfortable for the average user. I personally have 128GB, and I was worried it might not be enough. Well, I was wrong. The way I use my device it’s more than enough.

With 128 GB, you’re looking at the spot where the storage solution starts getting flexible. You’ll now have more freedom to work around, seamlessly heavy games, store media files – photos, videos, music, movies(offline, locally), worrying less about running out of storage.

Enough space to do some photo-editing and picture storing as well.

Is 256 GB enough for an iPad?

You will be able to get the latest games and apps without worrying about storage. Download movies locally, playlists from Spotify, and store 4k videos, pictures, and other files.

No matter what kind of user you’re, 256 GB on an iPad is enough to get along with. From serving professional needs to managing heavy accumulating data of high-end games, you can expect your iPad to have a lot of room for all your apps and the corresponding files. App sizes will grow over time, and extra storage might help you and save you some money over time, which will give your iPad a longer lifespan.

Of course, if you are a professional photographer or a professional graphics designer and like to keep your work on an iPad, you will eventually run out of space, but that’s why there are bigger storage options for these types of people. Also, there are external storage and cloud storage in case you run out of space.

What Are The Storage Options?

These are the options you can get:

• 32GB
• 64GB
• 128GB
• 256GB
• 512GB
• 1TB
• 2TB

To be fair 32GB option isn’t available for the newest iPads anymore. the iPad 8th gen was the last one to offer 32GB storage. The 9th gen starts with 64GB, and the iPad Pro starts with 128GB.

How to Check Storage on iPad

Before proceeding with anything else, you must be familiar with the process involved in checking your iPad’s storage. Considering the fact that it is pretty rudimentary, I’m sure most of you are already aware of it. Still, sharing the step-by-step guide and helping you get along won’t be a bad idea.

• Step 1: On your iPad, launch the Settings app by tapping the Gear icon.
• Step 2: Under the Settings menu, look for “General” and tap on it.
• Step 3: Find and hit the option that says “iPad Storage.”
• Step 4: Once done, you’ll find your iPad displaying a visual representation of the storage section left for usage. The screen also showcases the list of apps taking up the most memory.

Can I expand the iPad’s Storage if it’s not enough?

Let’s get it straight; there is no way you can spell some magical words and upgrade your iPad’s storage from 32 GB to 512 GB unless you go and buy one. But in case you ask me if there is a way to expand the storage when it seems insufficient, the answer is yes.

Getting an External Storage

The best thing that you can do when your iPad’s storage starts feeling like it is below enough mark is to buy an external hard drive. Modern-day iPads are blessed with the support for external storage options and can flexibly help you store all your essential files without putting in much effort.

It might get a little uncomfortable if you want to use these files, then you will have to keep your external storage plugged in all the time, which makes it impossible to charge your device, and you will need to get a USB-C hub for your iPad.

Cloud Storage

As already mentioned, the storage mechanism has significantly evolved over the years, and cloud services have been an integral part of it. Those who aren’t willing to get themselves a physical storage option can go for cloud services. Which is honestly a better and more convenient option. Although the options are many, Apple itself features the iCloud service, and it is considered the best choice for iPad users, especially due to its deep integration with iOS.

If you want access to your Cloud storage all the time, you should consider getting an iPad with a cellular connection.

Final Verdict

If you’re still struggling – should I get 64GB over 32GB iPad, should I get 256GB over 128GB iPad, I suggest you do some math.

I suggest you make a list of things you want to do with your iPad, and I suggest you make a list of apps you plan to use – now go to an app store, check their size and calculate them all together.

Another thing you need is average sizes per file:

• Average movies size: 2GB-4GB
• Average song size: 3MB-4MB
• Average picture size: 2MB-4MB
• Average screenshot size: 1MB-2MB

Do some calculations, and it will be easier to make this decision.