How To Clear System Data On iPhone?

If you don’t know how to clear system data on iPhone and iPad devices, we’ve got you covered. In the ever-evolving world of technology, our trusty companions, like our iPhones, consume vast amounts of data over time. From apps and photos to messages and settings, our devices become virtual storehouses of information, and sometimes they might cause issues.

So, whether you’re preparing for a fresh start or simply aiming to free up some valuable storage space on your iPhone, learning how to clear system data on your iPhone will be useful. This guide will tell you about the best methods to declutter your device, ensuring a smoother and more streamlined mobile experience.

What Does System Data Mean On iPhone?

System data refers to the behind-the-scenes information and settings that keep your device running smoothly and efficiently. This data contains various essential components, including system files, caches, logs, preferences, etc.

Users cannot see this type of data directly, but it can affect the performance of your device. Sometimes it might interfere with the working of apps and services, so it is always best to eliminate it.

How To Clear System Data On iPhone?

Don’t worry; you can always restore your device to its optimal performance and gain those extra GBs of data being consumed in the name of “System Data” by your device. The method of clearing that data depends on the type of device you are using and the OS version too.

Based on the feedback from real iPhone users, we have prepared this comprehensive list of methods that will work for everyone.

1. Delete Large Message Attachments:

The first and best method to clear system data is by deleting those hefty message attachments that have been lying on your device for a long. Remember that media attachments are calculated as system data, and you must remove only those no longer required. If you want, then instead of deleting them, you can also move them to PC.

  • First, open the Settings of your iPhone/iPad.
  • Now, click on General -> Storage.
iPhone Storage
  • A list of all available options will appear.
  • Find and click on the Messages option from the list.
  • Under the Documents section, see categories like Top Conversations, Photos, etc.
  • Click on the category from which you want to delete the files.
  • A list of all attachments will appear.
  • You can long-press and select Multiple Files to delete them.
  • Finally, click on the Bin Icon in the top-right corner to delete the selected media attachments.
Delete Message Attachments

2. Review Downloaded Videos:

While having a collection of videos at your fingertips is delightful, they can take up a significant chunk of storage space. If you use apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc., and have downloaded video files, they might consume a lot of space. You can review these videos right from the iPhone Storage page.

  • Open the iPhone Settings and go to General.
  • Then, click on the iPhone Storage option.
  • Under the Recommendations, you will see the Review Downloaded Video option.
Review Downloaded Videos
  • Click on it, and you will be taken to a new page.
  • Here, you can see a list of all the downloaded video files.
  • Click on the Edit option in the top-right corner.
  • Start tapping the Red Minus Sign on the left of each video file you want to delete.
  • Now, click on the Delete button that appears from the right.
Delete Downloaded Videos
  • When you are done, click on the Done option in the top-right corner.
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NOTE: The Review Downloaded Video option will only appear in the iPhone Storage section if you’ve downloaded eligible video files using the apps. Sometimes, all downloaded files do not appear in this section.

3. Clear App Cache:

IPhone and every major operating system out there save cache from apps to launch them faster. App caches increase over time, which might consume precious storage of your iPhone device and potentially affect app performance. It is very easy to clear the cache of apps, and you can follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First of all, open the Settings app and click on General.
  • Scroll down and click on the iPhone Storage option.
  • Again, scroll down, and you will find a list of apps.
Offload iPhone Apps
  • Now, see the apps consuming the most storage on your device.
  • Click on any app you choose, and a new page will open.
  • Now you can see the available actions for this particular app.
  • You can click on the Offload App or Delete App based on your preferences.
Offload Or Delete App

NOTE: Offload App option will remove the app from your device, but the data and information associated with it will stay on the device. When you use the Delete App option, everything related to the app gets removed from your device. The Offload option is handy when you want to get more space on your iOS device urgently but plan to install the app again and get your data too.

4. Clear Browsing History/Data:

While browsing the web on our iPhones brings us endless information and entertainment, it also leaves behind a lot of browsing history and data. If you want to maintain your privacy and wish to clear the clutter, you can follow the steps mentioned below. While every browser has different options, we will tell you how to do it with Safari.

  • Open the General Settings -> iPhone Storage.
  • Scroll down the list of installed apps.
  • Find Safari and click on it.
  • Now tap on the Clear History and Website Data options.
Clear History and Website Data
  • Finally, click on the Remove All Website Data option.

You can do this from that app if you use Chrome, Edge, or Opera browser on your iOS device. Open your browser and click on its Menu. Tap on Settings/History and click on Clear Browsing Data. Select the time range as All Time and click on the Clear Browsing Data option again.

5. Reduce Message History:

If you find yourself running low on storage space or prefer a more streamlined messaging experience, you can remove the message history you don’t care about. Since we’ve already removed unnecessary attachments and files from messages, it will be really good to delete older messages from the device.

  • Open Settings and click on the Messages option.
  • Scroll down and click on the Keep Messages option under the Message History section.
Keep Messages iPhone
  • You will be taken to a new page.
  • Select among the 3 options: 30 Days, 1 Year, or Forever.
  • We recommend setting this as 1 year.
iPhone Keep Messages
  • Now, you will be asked if you want to Delete older messages immediately.
  • Click on the Delete option, and messages older than the selected range will be deleted.

6. Turn Off iCloud Photos:

iCloud Photos is the best way to secure your cherished moments from accidentally getting deleted. But this comes with the consequence of sacrificing a few GBs of your storage. Don’t worry; you can turn off iCloud Photos on iPhone and iPad devices to stop photos from iCloud from syncing with your device, hence saving the system storage.

  • Open Settings and tap on [Your Name] at the top of the screen.
  • Now, click on the iCloud and wait for new options to appear.
  • Under the Apps Using iCloud option, click on the Photos option.
  • Find the option named iCloud Photos and use the Toggle Button to turn it OFF.
  • If you want, then you can also Turn Off the My Photo Streams option too.

7. Disable Background App Refresh & Location Data:

In iPhone apps, some are more active behind the scenes than others, consuming valuable resources and impacting performance. You can disable the Background App Refresh and Location Data which allows you to regain control over your device’s battery life, storage, and Privacy. Here’s how you can do that on iPhone.

1. Disable Background App Refresh

  • Open the Settings app and click on General.
  • Scroll down and click on the Background App Refresh option.
  • On the new page, select the Off option.
Disable Background App Refresh

2. Disable Location Services:

  • Open the Settings app and click on Privacy.
  • On the top, use the Toggle Button to Turn Off Location Services.
  • This will disable location sharing for all apps.
Disable Location Services

8. Review Notes & Voice Memos:

While tools like Notes and Voice Memo help us capture ideas and reminders, they can also consume significant storage over time. When you create a note or voice memo, it consumes some storage space. Unfortunately, when you delete these apps, the storage remains there for that particular note or memo, and you will have to delete the notes and memos manually to regain space.

  • Open the Voice Memos or Notes app on your device.
  • Find the recordings or notes you want to delete.
  • Swipe Left on that particular file.
  • Click on the Delete option, and the file will be deleted.
  • You can also click on the Edit option in the top-right corner and select multiple files to delete at once.
Delete Note Or Voice Memo

9. Update Your Software:

Keeping the software up to date is essential to ensure your iPhone operates without any issues. The process of updating your iPhone’s installed OS version is pretty simple. We have mentioned the steps below, and you can follow them to update your software, ensuring you have the latest enhancements, bug fixes, and security patches.

With the release of iOS 13, many iPhone users worldwide faced a rare issue where their iPhone or iPad device’s storage was showing full. “Other” storage consumed a lot of space, and Apple had to release a new update to fix this bug. Not only iOS 13, but this problem can occur on any version, so you can try updating your software to the latest version.

  • Open the Settings app and click on General.
  • Now, tap on the Software Update option.
iPhone Software Update
  • Wait for your device to check for available updates.
  • If an update is available, it will appear there.
  • Just click on the Download and Install option.
Download And Install iOS Update
  • Wait for your device to be updated to the latest version.
  • Head over to the iPhone Storage section again to see if that helped free up the space.

10. Restore The Entire Device:

Restoring your entire device to its factory settings can be a powerful solution to troubleshoot issues or reclaim storage space. Remember that restoring your device might cause data loss, and you must take a backup of your entire device before following this method. You can take the help of third-party tools and services to back up your device. When you are ready, follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, open the Settings app and go to General Settings.
  • Scroll down and click on the Reset iPhone option.
  • On the next page, click on Erase All Content and Settings.
Erase All Contents And Settings
  • Follow the instructions shown on the screen to reset your device.
  • After resetting, use iTunes or any other tool to restore the backup.
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Frequently Asked Questions:

Why Is System Storage So High On iPhone?

System storage includes essential components like the operating system, system files, caches, and more, all working tirelessly to keep your iPhone running smoothly. Over time, these files can accumulate and result in high system storage. There are certain files that you can remove from your device to clean up the storage.

How To Delete System Data On iPhone Without Resetting?

There are certain ways available to clear system data on iPhone without resetting or formatting. We have shared the best ways on this page, and if you are struggling to keep up the storage free on your device, then you can follow these methods on all types of iPhone and iPad devices.

What Happens When iPhone Storage Is Full?

As your device’s storage starts filling, less storage and space will be available for running apps and services. This can affect your device’s overall performance, which is why you must clear your storage from time to time for optimal performance of the entire device.

Why Does My iPhone Storage Keep Filling Up After I Delete Things?

The storage of iPhones and even other mobile devices keeps filling because of hidden caches, residual data, and iCloud settings. You may want to review every setting related to storage and then perform the necessary action to stop them from saving their data to the storage.

How To Clear Other System Data On iPhone 8, 7 Plus, or 6s Plus?

The best way to regain storage space on iPhone is by deleting the system data and user data. If the system data is consuming a lot of space, then you can stop iCloud syncing, delete attachments from Messages, review downloaded videos, and clear the cache of apps.

Final Words:

Understanding how to clear system data on iPhone can be a game-changer in optimizing the device’s performance and freeing up valuable storage space. Instead of going with third-party tools, apps, and services, we recommend following the methods mentioned on this page, as they are working and will help you clear the required space.

Remember, regular maintenance and clearing of system data can contribute to a smoother user experience, allowing you to enjoy the capabilities of your iPhone fully. We hope you can get the job done and now you’ve got more space on your device. If you have any questions about any method listed here, please contact our experts.

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