6 Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your iPad
Despite their 14-year presence in the market, iPads remain some of Apple’s more enigmatic devices. Their peculiarity doesn’t stem from their functionality or usage, but rather from their lack of integration into daily routines compared to other Apple products.
While the iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch have become indispensable tools for many, the iPad often feels like an accessory reserved for specific tasks such as watching movies on flights, creating digital art, or enjoying digital comic books.
As a result, many users might not be making the most out of their iPads, and more crucially, they might not be maintaining these expensive gadgets as well as they could. In this article, we’ll explore common ways people underutilize their iPads or engage in unnecessary practices particularly when they own other Apple devices.
Common iPad Mistakes
1 iPad Security is Overrated
Most users think that the iPad, like other Apple products, is completely secure. Yes, their security level is higher than that of Android devices, but it is far from ideal. Accordingly, iPad users often neglect additional security measures and simple precautions.
We would recommend that you do not ignore these threats; it is better to protect yourself using VeePN. Moreover, the service has VPN apps for all platforms. You can download MacOS VPN and also install a VPN on your TV, router or iPad. This way you can protect your iPad storage, secure your connection and reduce the risks of data interception.
2 Ignore iCloud
If you’re looking for a cost-effective storage solution without hefty upfront fees, iCloud is an excellent choice. While some prefer third-party services like Dropbox, the seamless integration of iCloud into your Apple ecosystem offers unparalleled convenience.
Moreover, it works flawlessly across all your Apple devices. For even greater value, consider the Apple One subscription, which not only provides expanded iCloud storage but also bundles Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Fitness+, and more.
Given the large file sizes often associated with iPad content, leveraging this storage option is highly recommended to avoid potential storage issues.
3 Buying an iPad Too Good
My last iPad was an iPad Pro, purchased mainly because I desired one and couldn’t resist the impulse. While that decision wasn’t the most practical, I can acknowledge that the iPad Pro offers numerous benefits.
However, for my specific needs, it was undoubtedly excessive. Nowadays, I use an iPad Air as my daily device. Even that might be more than I actually require.
4 Considering iPads Like Multi-user Devices
Many schools face financial constraints, leading them to share a single set of iPads among different classrooms. However, this approach often proves inefficient because numerous tools and services necessitate individual student accounts and the storage of personal information.
The shared use of iPads undermines the personalized learning experiences that these devices, along with their associated apps and tools, can provide.
5 You Haven’t Sorted Applications For A Long Time
One of the most frustrating ways your iPad’s storage can fill up is by downloading apps you didn’t intend to install on it. How does this happen? It occurs when you download an app on a different device.
There’s a setting that allows apps to be downloaded universally across all your Apple devices, even if you only want the app on one specific device. Some apps may work perfectly on an iPhone but not as well on an iPad, and vice versa.
To prevent this automatic download, open the Settings app on your iPad and scroll down to the App Store tab. You’ll find a toggle labeled “App Downloads.” If this is turned on, every app you download will automatically be installed on all your devices. You should turn this off, even if there are some apps you want on multiple devices.
Customizing each Apple device with specific apps and their arrangement enhances your daily experience. By doing this, you’ll not only avoid unwanted storage consumption on your iPad but also ensure it’s tailored exactly to your preferences.
6 You Have Not Activated Tracking
The iPad stands out among Apple devices for its unique usage pattern. Unlike iPhones, which are usually with us around the clock, or Apple Watches that stay on our wrists, the iPad often gets used intermittently. MacBooks are large enough that we typically know their exact location, whether on a desk or in a laptop bag.
iMacs and Apple TVs, on the other hand, remain stationary. The iPad, however, is used sporadically, sometimes going days without being picked up as other, more readily accessible devices take precedence.
Having a dedicated place for your iPad is crucial. Not only does this make it easier to find and use when needed, but it also helps in protecting the device. Leaving your iPad in an unknown location can expose it to unsuitable temperatures or environments that might cause damage.
It could inadvertently end up in a situation where it gets damaged. Considering the iPad’s cost, it’s important to take measures to ensure its longevity and safe-keeping.
Conclusion
You may not consider all of these to be errors, but from my point of view, they are misuses of the iPad. Many people either underestimate their need for iCloud or buy devices that are too powerful for trivial tasks like watching videos. You can get more if you fix the listed errors.

Jim’s passion for Apple products ignited in 2007 when Steve Jobs introduced the first iPhone. This was a canon event in his life. Noticing a lack of iPad-focused content that is easy to understand even for “tech-noob”, he decided to create Tabletmonkeys in 2011.
Jim continues to share his expertise and passion for tablets, helping his audience as much as he can with his motto “One Swipe at a Time!”