How-to Guides
Free Up Storage on iPhone (2026): Easy Tips to Get Space Back
Running out of space on your device? Learning how to free up storage on iPhone is essential to keep your phone running smoothly. Over time, apps, photos, videos, and temporary files can take up valuable space, slowing down performance and limiting storage for new content. Fortunately, there are easy ways to reclaim memory, from deleting unused apps and clearing cache and junk files to managing iCloud backups and offloading large files. This 2026 guide provides practical, step-by-step tips to optimize your iPhone storage, boost device performance, and ensure you have enough space for apps, photos, and updates without any hassle.
Why Is My iPhone Stuck on the Apple Logo?
Before fixing the issue, it’s important to understand why it happens.
Common Causes
- Failed or interrupted iOS update
- Corrupted system files
- Low storage space
- App conflicts
- Jailbreaking issues
- Hardware problems (rare cases)
In most situations, the issue is software-related, which means it can be fixed without data loss.
Is iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo a Serious Problem?
Not always.
In many cases:
- The iPhone is just caught in a boot loop
- The system needs a refresh
- Settings or files are corrupted
Only if none of the software fixes work should you consider hardware repair.
Things to Do Before Fixing iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo
Important Preparation Steps
- Charge your iPhone to at least 50%
- Use a stable Wi-Fi connection
- Know your Apple ID password
- If possible, connect to a computer
These steps reduce the risk of further issues.
Method 1: Force Restart iPhone (Most Effective First Step)
A force restart is the fastest and safest fix for an iPhone stuck on the Apple logo.
How to Force Restart iPhone
- Quickly press Volume Up
- Quickly press Volume Down
- Press and hold the Power button
- Release when the Apple logo appears again
This clears temporary system glitches without deleting data.
Method 2: Check iPhone Storage (If It Boots Sometimes)
Low storage can cause boot issues.
If your iPhone boots occasionally:
- Go to Settings
- Tap General
- Select iPhone Storage
- Delete unused apps or files
Low storage is a common cause after iOS updates.
Method 3: Update iOS Using Recovery Mode (No Data Loss)
If force restart doesn’t work, updating iOS via recovery mode can fix system errors without erasing data.
How to Enter Recovery Mode
- Connect iPhone to a computer
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
- Force restart but keep holding buttons until recovery screen appears
Choose “Update”
- Select Update (not Restore)
- Let iOS reinstall system files
This method fixes corrupted software safely.
Method 4: Restore iPhone Using Recovery Mode (Data Loss Possible)
If updating doesn’t work, restoring is the next step.
Warning: This will erase data unless you have a backup.
Steps
- Connect iPhone to computer
- Enter recovery mode
- Choose Restore
- Set up iPhone after completion
- Restore from iCloud or iTunes backup
Only use this if other methods fail.
Method 5: Use DFU Mode (Advanced Solution)
DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode fixes deep system problems.
When to Use DFU Mode
- iPhone stuck on Apple logo for hours
- Recovery mode didn’t work
- Update failed repeatedly
Important Notes
- DFU mode erases data
- Use only if you understand the steps
For beginners, recovery mode is safer.
Can Resetting Settings Fix Apple Logo Issue?
Sometimes, yes.
If the iPhone boots:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Choose Reset All Settings
This removes system settings without deleting data.
You can also read our guide on how to reset iPhone without losing data for safe reset options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these errors:
- Interrupting updates
- Using damaged cables
- Choosing “Restore” instead of “Update”
- Resetting without backup
- Ignoring storage warnings
Most iPhone boot issues happen because of rushed actions.
How Long Should iPhone Stay on Apple Logo?
- Normal startup: 10–30 seconds
- After update: up to 5 minutes
If it’s stuck for more than 10 minutes, action is needed.
When Is Hardware Repair Needed?
Seek professional help if:
- iPhone was dropped
- Water damage occurred
- Device overheats
- None of the software fixes work
Hardware issues are less common but possible.
How to Prevent iPhone From Getting Stuck Again
Best Practices
- Keep storage space free
- Update iOS with stable internet
- Avoid jailbreaking
- Back up regularly
- Restart iPhone weekly
Prevention saves time and stress.
Conclusion
Running out of space? Knowing how to free up storage on iPhone is essential to maintain smooth performance and prevent slowdowns. By deleting unused apps, clearing cache and temporary files, managing photos and videos, and offloading large files, you can reclaim valuable space. Using iCloud storage or other cloud services also helps keep your iPhone storage optimized. Following these simple tips ensures your device runs efficiently, apps load faster, and you never miss important updates. Take control today and enjoy a clutter-free iPhone experience with more space for what matters.
FAQs
Why does my iPhone keep showing the Apple logo?
This usually happens due to software corruption or failed updates.
Will force restart delete my data?
No. Force restart is completely safe.
Can I fix Apple logo issue without a computer?
Yes, force restart works without a computer. Other methods require one.
Does updating iOS fix boot loop issues?
In many cases, yes especially if system files are corrupted.