How to Free Up Storage on iPhone (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Running out of space on your iPhone can be frustrating, especially when you want to download apps, take photos, or install updates. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to free up storage without losing important files. In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to reclaim space and keep your iPhone running smoothly.

Why iPhone Storage Fills Up So Fast

Before fixing the problem, it’s important to understand what’s taking up space.

Common causes include:

• Photos and videos (especially 4K videos)
• Apps and their cached data
• WhatsApp and social media media files
• System data and temporary files
• Downloaded music, movies, and podcasts
• Old backups and unused apps

Apple devices manage storage automatically, but over time, unused data piles up.

How to Check Free Up Storage on iPhone Usage on iPhone

Before deleting anything, check what’s using the most space.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap General
3. Tap iPhone Storage

You’ll see:

• Total storage used
• A color bar showing categories (Photos, Apps, System Data)
• App-by-app storage breakdown

Low storage can also cause boot problems, including situations where an iPhone gets stuck during startup, which we explain in our guide on how to fix iPhone stuck on Apple logo.

This section is your storage control center.

Enable Apple’s Built-In Storage Recommendations

Apple provides smart suggestions to free up space.

Common recommendations include:

• Offload Unused Apps
• Optimize Photos
• Review Large Attachments

Turn them on:

• Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage
• Follow on-screen suggestions

These features work automatically in the background and are safe to use.

Delete Unnecessary Photos and Videos

Photos and videos usually take up the largest amount of storage.

Tips to clean photos:

• Delete duplicate screenshots
• Remove old videos (videos use more space than photos)
• Check Recently Deleted folder and empty it

Don’t forget:

Photos stay in Recently Deleted for 30 days unless you remove them manually.

Optimize iPhone Photos (Without Deleting Them)

If you use iCloud, this option is very powerful.

Enable Optimize Storage:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Photos
3. Select Optimize iPhone Storage

This keeps smaller versions on your device while storing full-quality photos in iCloud.

Saves a lot of space
No photo loss
Best for users with limited storage

Remove Large Apps You Don’t Use

Some apps quietly take up several gigabytes.

What to do:

• In iPhone Storage, sort apps by size
• Delete games, editing apps, or tools you rarely use

Or enable Offload Apps:

• Settings → App Store
• Turn on Offload Unused Apps

This removes the app but keeps its data, so you can reinstall it anytime.

Clear Safari Cache and Website Data

Browser data builds up over time.

Clear Safari cache:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Safari
3. Tap Clear History and Website Data

This frees space and may also improve browser speed.

Clear App Cache (WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube)

Many apps don’t have a “clear cache” button, but there’s a workaround.

WhatsApp:

• Open WhatsApp → Settings → Storage and Data
• Tap Manage Storage
• Delete large videos and files

Other apps:

• Delete the app
• Reinstall it from App Store

This resets cached data and frees storage.

Delete Old Messages and Large Attachments

Messages with photos and videos can silently fill your storage.

Set messages to auto-delete:

1. Go to Settings → Messages
2. Tap Keep Messages
3. Choose 30 Days or 1 Year

Review large attachments:

• Settings → General → iPhone Storage
• Tap Messages
• Delete large media files

Remove Downloaded Music, Movies, and Podcasts

Offline content uses a lot of space.

Check:

• Apple Music downloads
• Netflix / YouTube offline videos
• Podcasts episodes

Delete what you no longer need. You can always download again later.

Reduce System Data on iPhone

“System Data” (previously “Other”) can be confusing.

To reduce it:

• Restart your iPhone
• Update iOS to the latest version
• Clear Safari cache
• Delete and reinstall heavy apps

System Data can’t be deleted completely, but these steps help reduce it.

Back Up and Remove Old Files

If storage is still low:

Use iCloud or Computer Backup:

• Back up photos and videos
• Then delete them from your device

You can safely restore them later if needed.

What NOT to Do When Freeing Storage

Don’t use random “cleaner apps”
Don’t delete system files
Don’t jailbreak your iPhone
Don’t reset your phone without backup

Stick to official Apple methods for safety.

How to Prevent Storage Problems in the Future

• Enable Optimize Photos
• Review storage once a month
• Delete unused apps regularly
• Avoid keeping unnecessary videos
• Keep iOS updated

Small habits prevent big storage issues.

If your device becomes slow or unstable after storage cleanup, follow this guide to reset iPhone without losing data safely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is my iPhone storage full even after deleting files

Because files stay in Recently Deleted, cached app data, and System Data. Restart and clear cache.

Is it safe to delete system data on iPhone

You can’t delete it directly, but restarting and updating iOS is safe.

Does deleting apps remove all data

Yes, unless data is stored in iCloud. Back up before deleting.

How much free storage should an iPhone have

At least 5–10 GB free for smooth performance and updates.

Explore more step-by-step solutions in our how-to guides section to fix common iPhone and software problems.

Final Thoughts

Freeing up storage on iPhone doesn’t require technical skills or expensive tools. With the right steps, you can recover several gigabytes of space in just a few minutes.

By managing photos, apps, messages, and cache regularly, your iPhone will stay fast, responsive, and ready for updates.