How to free up storage space on your iPhone or iPad

Last reviewed: 18 August 2026. If your iPhone or iPad is running low on space, start with Apple’s built-in storage recommendations before deleting anything important. This guide explains the safest order to free up storage, what “System Data” means, and when offloading an app is better than deleting it.

Check what is using your storage

Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage or iPad Storage. Wait a few moments for the coloured storage chart and app list to calculate. Apps are normally listed from largest to smallest, so the biggest opportunities appear near the top.

Apple may show recommendations such as reviewing large attachments, optimising photos or offloading unused apps. Review each recommendation before accepting it; a large video library may save far more space than removing several small apps.

The quickest safe ways to free up space

1. Remove downloaded videos, music and podcasts

Streaming apps often keep offline downloads that are easy to forget. Check Apple TV, Music, Podcasts, Netflix, Spotify and similar apps. Remove downloads you can stream again later instead of deleting personal files.

2. Review photos and large videos

Videos usually consume more storage than photos. In Photos, review long videos, screen recordings, duplicates and unwanted screenshots. Deleted items remain in Recently Deleted for up to 30 days, so empty that album only when you are certain you no longer need them.

If you use iCloud Photos, Optimise iPhone Storage can keep smaller device-sized copies while full-resolution originals remain in iCloud. This requires enough iCloud storage and a reliable connection. Device storage and iCloud storage are separate, so buying iCloud storage does not directly increase the physical capacity of your phone.

3. Offload apps you rarely use

Offloading removes the app itself but keeps its documents and data. The icon remains on the Home Screen with a cloud symbol, and you can reinstall it later. Deleting an app removes both the app and its local data, so check whether the information is synced or backed up first.

4. Clear large message attachments

Photos, videos and files in Messages can accumulate over time. In iPhone Storage, select Messages and review large attachments. Delete only items you no longer need, particularly if Messages in iCloud is not enabled.

5. Check Files and Safari downloads

Open the Files app and inspect the Downloads folder and files stored under “On My iPhone” or “On My iPad”. Also remove old Safari downloads. Files stored only on the device are not automatically recoverable unless they are backed up elsewhere.

What do the storage categories mean?

• Apps: installed apps and their documents, downloads and caches.
• Photos: photos and videos stored locally.
• Media: downloaded music, films, podcasts, ringtones and voice recordings.
• Messages and Mail: conversations, email and their attachments.
• iCloud Drive: cloud files that have also been downloaded to the device.
• System Data: caches, logs, voices, fonts, indexes and other resources used by iOS or iPadOS.

Should you use a cleaning app?

Be cautious with apps promising one-tap system cleaning. Third-party apps cannot freely erase protected iOS system files. Apple’s Storage screen, Photos tools and individual app settings provide the most reliable controls. Never install an unknown profile or share your Apple Account password with a “cleaner”.

If System Data is unusually large

1. Restart the device and allow the storage chart to recalculate.
2. Install the latest compatible iOS or iPadOS update.
3. Remove completed downloads and review apps with unusually large Documents & Data totals.
4. If the device remains nearly full, make a verified backup before considering a reset and restore.

Back up before a major clean-up

Before deleting a large photo library, message history or app data, confirm that you have a recent backup. See our guide to iPhone and iPad backup methods for the differences between iCloud and encrypted computer backups.

Official Apple guidance

• Check storage on an iPhone or iPad
• Manage photo and video storage
• Understand device storage and iCloud storage

Bottom line: begin with large downloads and videos, use offloading for apps you may need again, and verify your backup before deleting irreplaceable data. Keeping several gigabytes free also gives iOS and iPadOS more room for updates and temporary files.