If you’re wondering how to clear other storage on iPhone, you’re not alone. Many iPhone users are surprised to see a mysterious “Other” category taking up a significant portion of their device’s storage. This can be frustrating—especially when you’re running low on space and trying to install a new app, download an update, or save photos and videos.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about what “Other” storage is, why it exists, and most importantly, how to clear other storage on iPhone safely and efficiently. By the end, you’ll have actionable steps to reclaim valuable space and optimize your iPhone’s performance.
What Is “Other” Storage on iPhone?
Before diving into how to clear other storage on iPhone, it’s important to understand what this mysterious category actually includes.
The “Other” storage, now labeled as “System Data” in more recent iOS versions, encompasses various types of data that don’t fall into predefined categories like Photos, Apps, or Media. Here’s what typically gets lumped under this label:
- System caches
- App caches
- Safari browser data
- Messages and attachments
- Logs and temporary files
- Siri voices
- iOS updates in progress
Over time, this category can swell to several gigabytes if left unchecked, especially if you regularly use apps like Safari, Messages, and streaming services.
Why Does “Other” Storage Grow So Large?
Understanding why “Other” storage builds up helps clarify how to clear other storage on iPhone effectively. Some of the main reasons include:
- Frequent streaming of music and videos (apps store temporary files)
- Accumulated website data and cookies from Safari
- Long text threads with images, GIFs, or videos in iMessage
- App data not being purged properly after updates or crashes
- Cached data that remains even after deleting an app
Luckily, there are several ways to reduce or eliminate this space-hogging data.
Check Storage Usage First
Before trying to clear other storage on iPhone, you should first see how much space it’s using. Here’s how:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap iPhone Storage.
- Wait a few moments for your device to analyze the storage.
You’ll see a color-coded bar graph showing categories such as Apps, Photos, Media, and Other/System Data. This gives you a sense of how serious the issue is and helps track your progress as you clear space.
Restart Your iPhone
A simple but surprisingly effective trick when learning how to clear other storage on iPhone is to restart your device. Restarting your iPhone clears some temporary files and caches automatically.
To restart:
- Press and hold the power button and either volume button (on Face ID devices) until you see “slide to power off.”
- For devices with a home button, press and hold the power button only.
- Slide to power off, then turn it back on after a few seconds.
While this won’t drastically reduce the “Other” category, it can shave off some megabytes or even a gigabyte in some cases.
Clear Safari Cache
Safari is one of the biggest contributors to “Other” storage. Clearing the browser cache is an effective step in how to clear other storage on iPhone.
To clear Safari cache:
- Open Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Safari.
- Tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm your action.
This removes cookies, history, and cached files, which can significantly reduce “Other” data.
Delete Old Messages and Attachments
Messages with lots of images, GIFs, and videos can pile up in the “Other” storage category. One important part of how to clear other storage on iPhone is managing Messages.
Ways to reduce Messages storage:
Enable Auto-Delete for Messages:
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Tap Keep Messages.
- Choose 30 Days or 1 Year instead of Forever.
Manually Delete Message Attachments:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Tap Messages.
- Check Photos, Videos, and Documents.
- Tap Edit to delete large files.
These actions can instantly free up several gigabytes, depending on your usage.
Offload or Delete Unused Apps
Another smart approach when figuring out how to clear other storage on iPhone is to manage apps. Some apps cache a large amount of data in the background, especially social media, video editing, or streaming apps.
You have two options:
Offload Unused Apps:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Tap any app you rarely use.
- Tap Offload App (the app will be removed but documents and data will stay).
Delete and Reinstall Apps:
If an app is using too much space in the “Other” category, deleting and reinstalling it can be more effective.
- Press and hold the app icon.
- Tap Remove App > Delete App.
- Reinstall it from the App Store.
This clears cached data without losing your account information (for most apps).
Remove Downloaded Media from Streaming Apps
Music, video, and podcast apps often store downloaded files and temporary streaming data. These files contribute heavily to “Other” storage. A major part of how to clear other storage on iPhone involves removing this unused media.
Here’s how:
- Spotify/Apple Music: Open the app, go to downloaded playlists, and remove them.
- Netflix/Prime Video: Open the app and delete offline videos.
- Podcasts: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Podcasts, then remove played or downloaded episodes.
Also, within the apps themselves, you may find options to clear their cache directly.
Update iOS Software
Sometimes, bugs or temporary files from failed iOS installations can cause the “Other” storage to spike. Updating to the latest version of iOS may help.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings > General.
- Tap Software Update.
- Download and install any available updates.
This may reset certain system files and optimize your storage.
Use a Backup and Restore Method (Advanced)
If you’ve tried everything and still can’t get the “Other” category under control, a more advanced method is to back up and restore your iPhone. This is a drastic but effective option when learning how to clear other storage on iPhone completely.
Steps:
- Back up your iPhone via iCloud or Finder/iTunes.
- Erase all content:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Set up your iPhone and restore from backup.
This method wipes the device clean, removing all residual system data that may be clogging “Other” storage.
Avoiding “Other” Storage Buildup in the Future
Prevention is just as important as cleaning. After learning how to clear other storage on iPhone, take steps to avoid unnecessary buildup:
- Clear Safari data regularly.
- Delete or manage message attachments.
- Avoid hoarding offline content from streaming apps.
- Offload unused apps periodically.
- Reboot your iPhone at least once a week.
- Avoid beta iOS versions unless necessary, as they may store more logs.
When to Seek Apple Support
In rare cases, “Other” storage may be unreasonably large and unresponsive to all cleanup methods. If your iPhone continues to show 10–20 GB of “Other” storage with no clear reason, contacting Apple Support might be the best step. They can perform diagnostics or offer solutions not available to general users.
Summary: Regain Space and Performance
Learning how to clear other storage on iPhone is all about understanding where the data comes from and systematically removing it. Whether you’re clearing Safari cache, deleting old messages, or even restoring your device, each step contributes to a faster, more efficient iPhone.
Recap of Best Methods:
- Clear Safari browser data.
- Delete old messages and large attachments.
- Offload or reinstall heavy apps.
- Remove downloaded media.
- Restart your device regularly.
- Backup and restore for a fresh start.
By staying proactive and aware, you’ll keep your iPhone running smoothly—and with plenty of space to spare.
