Update Phone or iPad users upgrading to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 will be satisfied to see useful, new features, as well as security patches and better performance. Nevertheless, one of the most common issues users experience while trying to update their devices is insufficient available storage. In case you have seen the “More Storage Required” mistake, rest assured that you are not the only one. Further down, we’ll discuss the precise storage requirements, describe why so much space is needed, and give practical tips for clearing out storage effectively for an easy installation.
Required Storage for Installing iOS 18 or iPadOS 18
Make sure you are equipped with 20GB of free storage to conduct the whole operation of the iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 installation. Even though the update itself might ask for fewer gigabytes ({Approx}. 16.5GB), it is better to have extra space considering device and app deviations.
Minimum Storage Needs
- Typical Requirement: ~16.5GB of free space
- Recommended Space for Safety: 20GB
However, this storage recommendation is subject to be modified because of the current iOS version, installed apps, and device configuration. Thanks to low storage configurations and app caching, it might be that some devices need even less, while others would require more room. Making sure that you have the necessary 20GB of space guarantees that you will not run into any issues while updating.
Why So Much Storage Is Needed for iOS/iPadOS Updates
The storage demand for the iOS update is high because of various reasons. Here is why so much space is needed for updates:
- Update Files: The update file itself is required to be quite large, especially for general updates, and as such the system most likely will be updated. These files need to be fully downloaded and unpacked during the installation process.
- Temporary Files: The iOS and iPadOS require temporary storage for the decompression, file transfer, and various processes that take place during the installation. This temporary space requirement is fundamental to the stability of the update.
- System and Backup Requirements: Sometimes, without even being aware, the system occupies some of its space to perform periodic backups creation of important files and data integrity assurance in incorrect cases.
How to Free Up Storage for iOS 18/iPadOS 18 Update
To achieve the 20GB storage, hold fast to these steps of deleting unnecessary files without losing vital data.
1. Offload Unused Apps
Offloading is an easy procedure to save space without losing your actual app data. The beauty of iOS is that you can delete the app files, without getting rid of the related documents or settings, which will be restored if you reinstall the app next time. Here are the steps to take to offload unused applications:
- Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll and find the apps you barely use and pick Offload App.
2. Remove or Archive Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are usually the largest storage consumers on any iOS device. You might want to upload your media files to cloud storage like iCloud, Google Photos, or an external hard drive.
- Use iCloud Photos: Go to Settings > Photos > iCloud Photos and turn it on to save space on the gadget.
- Delete Duplicates and Screenshots: Eliminate redundant pictures, series of images, and captured screen clips. Instead, you may also use third-party apps to declutter your photo library.
3. Clear Safari and App Cache
Browser caches and app data build up over time and can take up significant space.
- Safari Cache: Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data to remove unnecessary files.
- App Cache: Individual apps often have cache-clearing options within their settings, or you can delete and reinstall the app to clear its cache.
4. Optimize System Storage
Storage needs can expand gradually over time due to updates and unused data files. Here are a few tricks you can use:
- System Data Reset: Powering off and then on the device could result in “System” storage being reduced, especially if old updates and app files have been retained.
- Other Data Clearing: Use third-party cleaning software that is specially designed for iOS to delete temporary files and infrequently used system data. Nevertheless, be careful because these apps may not be dependable.
5. Remove Large Media Files from Messaging Apps
Large media files from messaging apps, especially apps like WhatsApp, could capture space in a short time. In these apps, you can check for and delete large files:
- WhatsApp: Navigate to Settings > Storage and Data > Manage Storage and get rid of the not-necessary media files.
- Messages: Go to Settings, then show the entire media gallery to delete the media, and then delete our media after a while (e.g., 30 days) to keep storage clear.
Final Steps Before Updating
Once you have gotten enough storage, almost ready to update to iOS 18 or iPadOS 18. Before starting, do the following steps to avoid any problems:
- Back-Up Your Device: Create a backup using either iCloud or iTunes in case something goes wrong while updating the software.
- Connect to a Stable Wi-Fi Network: You will need a stable connection because updates are huge and an unstable connection could cause interruptions.
- Charge or Connect to Power: It makes sure that at least 50% paged battery is activated or is connected to power during the updating process.
Troubleshooting Common Installation Errors
These last resort troubleshooting steps include and are not limited to storage errors and other problems:
- Reset All Settings: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. What’s more, it leaves data intact. It’s probably the settings throwing the problem.
- Use iTunes for Update: In case of a failure of the direct update to the device procedure, connect the iPhone/iPad to your computer and use iTunes or Finder (in macOS systems of Catalina or later) to do the iOS 18 installation.
As a result of adhering to this advice, you will be prepared to install iOS 18 or iPadOS 18, unlocking a range of new features while avoiding storage-related frustrations.