Jump to Key Sections
The storage capacity of an iPhone is a significant feature that determines the number of applications, photos, and videos you can store on your device. Typically, the storage capacity of an iPhone ranges from 64GB to 512GB. However, the amount of storage space you can access may reduce over time due to the accumulation of system data. This system data, which includes cache, logs, and other temporary files, can occupy significant storage space on your device, and this reduces the space available to store your precious photographs, music, and videos.
If you are experiencing a shortage of storage space on your iPhone, then this article is for you. Here, we will explore several methods to help you delete system data on your iPhone storage. With these methods, you can regain storage space and better manage your device’s storage capacity.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Delete System Data on iPhone Storage
Once your iPhone storage space gets filled up, it can cause several problems, including slowing down your device, making it difficult to install new applications, and much more. So, deleting system data on your iPhone storage is a critical process to reclaim storage space and optimize your device’s performance. When you delete system data, you free up storage space on your device, which makes it possible to store more files without lagging or slowing down the device’s operations.
Here are some reasons why you should delete system data on your iPhone storage:
- System data takes up a significant amount of storage space on your device, which can cause lags, freezing, or low performance.
- Deleting system data frees up space, which helps to enhance your device’s performance and speed.
- Deleting system data increases storage space, which allows you to store additional files, including videos, photos, documents, and music.
- Managing system data helps to optimize and ensure that you are fully using your device’s storage capacity.
Method 1: Clearing Cache and History on Safari Browser
Clearing the cache and history of your safari browser can help you reclaim a significant amount of storage space on your iPhone. Safari browser is the default application for browsing the internet on your iPhone, and it stores website data as cache and history on your device. Over time, this data accumulates on your device and takes up valuable storage space.
Here’s how to clear cache and history on Safari browser to free up storage space on your iPhone:
- Open the Safari browser application on your iPhone.
- Tap on the "Bookmarks" icon, located at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the "History" tab, located at the top of the bookmarks page.
- Tap on "Clear History and Website Data" located at the bottom of the history page.
- Tap "Clear History and Data" in the pop-up window.
Pros:
- Clearing cache and history on Safari browser is an effective way to reclaim a significant amount of storage space on your iPhone storage.
- The process is quick and easy to carry out, and it doesn’t require any technical skills.
- It is a safe and secure way of clearing unwanted data from your iPhone storage.
Cons:
- Clearing cache and history deletes all the website data you’ve stored on your Safari browser, including login credentials and form data. Hence, you will have to re-enter your login information when you visit websites whose data has been deleted.
Method 2: Delete Large Files and Applications
Another method for clearing system data on iPhone storage is to delete any large files and applications that you may no longer need or use. Large files, including videos, documents, and music, can consume a significant amount of storage space on your device. Similarly, applications that you no longer use can accumulate and take up substantial storage space that you need for more important files.
Here’s how to delete large files and applications on your iPhone:
- Go to "Settings".
- Tap on "General".
- Select "iPhone Storage".
- Scroll through the list of installed applications and find the application(s) you want to delete.
- Tap on the application and select the "delete app" option.
- To delete large files, go back to the iPhone storage page.
- Scroll to the bottom and select "Review Large Attachments".
- Select the files you wish to delete and click on the trash bin icon to delete the file.
Pros:
- Deleting large files and applications that you no longer need can reclaim significant storage space on your iPhone device.
- The process is quick and easy to carry out and does not require any technical skills.
Cons:
- You may find it challenging to delete large files and applications that you deem important or still required.
- Deleting an application will result in the loss of all its data, which you may not be able to recover in the future.
Method 3: Remove any Unwanted Photos and Videos
Photos and videos are significant contributors to storage space consumption on your iPhone. As the size and resolution of photos and videos continue to increase, it is vital to manage them effectively to conserve space. By removing any unwanted photos and videos, you can significantly free up storage space on your device.
Here’s how to remove unwanted photos and videos:
- Open the "Photos" application on your iPhone.
- Select the "Albums" tab located at the bottom of the screen.
- Select the "All Photos" album, where you will find all of your photos and videos in one place.
- Select the photos and videos you wish to delete.
- After selecting, click "Delete" to remove the unwanted items on your iPhone storage.
Pros:
- The process is simple and easy to understand.
- Managing your photos and videos helps to clear storage space on your iPhone device.
Cons:
- Deleting photos or videos may result in the loss of precious moments if you accidentally remove an essential file by mistake.
What to Do If You Can’t Delete System Data on iPhone Storage
If you can’t delete system data on your iPhone storage, you may need to consider getting additional storage space by purchasing a new device with more storage space or purchasing additional iCloud storage space if required. However, before considering these options, ensure to review your storage usage to determine if any of the above three methods or a combination of them can work for you.
Bonus Tip
A bonus tip for managing system data on iPhone is to regularly back up important files to a cloud storage service, such as iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive. Backing up critical data to the cloud ensures that you have access to your files from anywhere and at any time. Additionally, backing up files on the cloud gives you peace of mind that you won’t lose your important files if you accidentally delete them from your iPhone storage.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I delete system data without affecting my device’s performance?
A: Yes, deleting system data would not affect your device’s performance but, in most cases, would enhance it. Remember that your device uses system data to store temporary files, cache, and logs, which it no longer needs. Deleting this data frees up storage space that can be used to store crucial files, thus enhancing your device’s performance.
Q2: Will resetting my device erase system data?
A: Yes, resetting your device will delete all system data, including user data and settings. Resetting is usually a last resort or troubleshooting tip when your device becomes unresponsive or has severe performance issues. However, always back up your important data before resetting your device to avoid losing them entirely.
Q3: What is system data, and why is it important to delete it?
A: System data includes cache, logs, and other temporary system files. Deleting them frees up storage space on your device and optimizes its performance, which enhances its speed and responsiveness. System data is also important to delete because it can accumulate and take up significant storage space, making it difficult to store other important files on your device.
Q4: Can I delete system data without backing up my data?
A: Yes, deleting system data won’t affect your data stored on the device, but it’s always best to back up your data before performing any maintenance activity on your device. Backing up your data ensures that you don’t lose crucial files due to data loss or error during maintenance.
Q5: What should I do if my device has run out of storage space?
A: If your device has run out of storage space, you can consider deleting large files and applications, removing unwanted photos and videos, or clear the cache and history of Safari browser to free up space. Additionally, purchasing a new device with more storage space, or purchasing additional iCloud storage space may be necessary in extreme cases.
Final Thoughts
Effective management of system data on an iPhone device is crucial to ensure that it runs smoothly and speedily. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can easily remove unwanted files, clear your browser cache, and manage your storage space effectively. Remember to back up your important data before performing any maintenance activity on your device. With proper maintenance and adequate storage management, you can take full advantage of your iPhone’s features and functionalities.