Easy Steps to Clear “Other” Storage on Your iPhone Quickly

iPhone storage can sometimes fill up unexpectedly, especially with a category labeled as “Other.” This “Other” storage holds various system files, caches, and temporary data. Clearing it can help free up space and improve your device’s performance.

Many users find “Other” storage confusing because it doesn’t show detailed information. Fortunately, there are simple ways to reduce this storage quickly. You don’t need to be an expert to follow these easy steps.

This guide will walk you through straightforward methods to clear “Other” storage on your iPhone. Each step is explained clearly to help you understand why it’s important.

By following these instructions, you can free up valuable space and keep your iPhone running smoothly.

Quick Note Before You Start

Make sure your iPhone is charged or connected to power during the process.
Back up your important data using iCloud or iTunes to avoid accidental loss.
Check your iOS version in Settings > General > About to ensure your phone is up to date.
Understand that “Other” storage includes caches, logs, system files, and some app data.

Step 1: Restart Your iPhone

Restarting your iPhone is the simplest way to clear temporary files and caches that take up “Other” storage. It refreshes the system and often reduces this storage automatically.

Press and hold the side button and either volume button until the power off slider appears.
Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone.
Wait 30 seconds, then press and hold the side button again until the Apple logo appears.

Why this helps: Restarting clears temporary files stored in memory, which can reduce “Other” storage significantly without any complex steps.

Step 2: Clear Safari Cache

Safari browser data like cookies and browsing history contribute to the “Other” storage. Clearing this cache helps free space safely.

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Scroll down and tap Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm by tapping Clear History and Data.

Why this helps: Browsing data can build up over time and take a large part of “Other” storage. Clearing it removes cookies, cached images, and website data.

Step 3: Review and Delete Large Message Attachments

Messages and their attachments like photos, videos, and files are stored under “Other” storage. Removing unnecessary large attachments can free up significant space.

Open the Settings app.
Tap General > iPhone Storage.
Scroll down and select Messages.
Under Review Large Attachments, browse through photos, videos, and documents.
Delete the files you don’t need by swiping left and tapping Delete.

Why this helps: Large message attachments can occupy a surprising amount of storage. Removing them reduces “Other” storage without deleting whole conversations.

Step 4: Offload Unused Apps

Offloading apps removes the app itself but keeps your data. This helps reduce “Other” storage by clearing app caches and temporary files.

Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Look for apps with large storage usage.
Tap an app and select Offload App.
Confirm offloading. The app icon remains but the app is removed.
You can reinstall the app later from the App Store without losing data.

Why this helps: Offloading clears out cached data and temporary files that apps store, helping reduce “Other” storage.

Step 5: Delete Old Voice Memos, Podcasts, and Downloads

Multimedia files like voice memos, podcasts, and downloaded files often add to “Other” storage. Regularly deleting unwanted files saves space.

Open the Voice Memos app and delete recordings you no longer need.
Open the Podcasts app and remove played or old episodes.
Check the Files app for downloads or documents you can delete.

Why this helps: These files are stored outside of standard app data and can accumulate in “Other” storage over time.

Step 6: Update Your iOS to the Latest Version

Apple regularly improves iOS storage management with updates. Installing the latest iOS can optimize system files and reduce “Other” storage.

Open Settings.
Tap General > Software Update.
If an update is available, download and install it.

Why this helps: System updates often fix bugs and improve storage handling, which can reduce unnecessary “Other” storage usage.

Advanced Option: Reset All Settings

If “Other” storage remains very high, resetting all settings can clear system configurations without deleting your data.

Open Settings.
Tap General > Reset (or Transfer or Reset iPhone on iOS 15+).
Select Reset All Settings.
Enter your passcode and confirm.

Note: This resets preferences like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpapers, but does not delete apps or files.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is “Other” storage on iPhone?

“Other” storage includes system files, caches, logs, Siri voices, fonts, and some app data that doesn’t fit into standard categories like Apps, Media, or Photos.

Why does “Other” storage keep growing?

It grows as apps create caches, logs build up, and temporary files accumulate. Some apps store data that isn’t visible in regular app storage.

Can deleting “Other” storage delete my personal data?

Most methods to clear “Other” storage remove temporary files or caches and won’t delete your personal photos, messages, or apps. However, always back up before trying advanced steps.

How often should I clear “Other” storage?

Restart your iPhone regularly and clear caches every few weeks to maintain free space and smooth performance.

Is it safe to reset all settings?

Yes, it only resets system preferences without deleting your data, but you will need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords and adjust some settings afterward.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and “Other” storage is still unusually large, you can try these final options:

Backup and Restore: Use iCloud or iTunes to create a backup, then erase your iPhone (Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) and restore from the backup. This often clears hidden caches.
Contact Apple Support: Visit Apple Support for professional help.

Conclusion

The “Other” storage on your iPhone can take up valuable space but is manageable with simple steps. Starting with a restart and clearing Safari cache often helps. Reviewing large message attachments and offloading apps further reduces storage. Regular maintenance like deleting old media and updating iOS keeps your device optimized.

Remember to back up your data before trying advanced methods, and if problems persist, restoring your iPhone or seeking official support is the best choice. Following these easy steps will keep your iPhone storage lean and performance smooth.