How to Remove 'Other' Storage on iPhone (2026)

That mysterious "Other" category — now labelled System Data — can quietly eat 10GB or more. Here's what it is and how to reduce it.

What is System Data?

It includes Safari cache, app caches, Siri voice data, streaming buffers, and old iOS update files. There's no single delete button — but you can cut it significantly.

How to check your storage

Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage and wait for the bar to load.

How to reduce it

1. Clear Safari cache

Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data. Can free several GB on heavy Safari users.

2. Offload unused apps

Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Enable Offload Unused Apps.

3. Clear app caches

Spotify, Netflix, Google Maps, Podcasts — open each app's settings and clear downloads or cache.

4. Delete and reinstall large apps

Long-press → Remove App → Delete App, then reinstall from the App Store.

5. Restart your iPhone

Clears temporary files immediately.

6. Back up and restore (most effective)

Back up to iCloud, factory reset (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content), then restore. Takes 30–60 minutes but gives the best result.

What's normal? Under 5GB is fine. Over 15GB — do the backup and restore.