One of the most dreaded moments for any iPhone user is running out of storage space. When you dive in to see what’s hogging your precious gigabytes, you might find it’s not your photos or videos taking up all that room — instead, it’s the mysterious System Data. Apple doesn’t provide a clear explanation of what exactly this entails, leaving many users puzzled about how to manage and clear it. On top of that, a lot of advice floating around online is either ineffective or misleading.
Fear not! After thorough research and hands-on testing, here are 19 genius tips that will help you clear out system data and regain valuable storage space on your iPhone. Whether your system data is a few gigabytes or a whopping 20GB, these steps can make a significant difference.
What Is System Data?
System Data (previously called “Other" in older iOS versions) includes cache files, logs, settings, Siri voices, dictionaries, mail attachments, and various other operating system data that apps and iOS itself generate. While some of it is essential for smooth performance, a lot can accumulate unnecessarily over time.
19 Genius Tips to Clear System Data on Your iPhone
1. Clear Safari History and Website Data
Browsers accumulate cache and cookies, which use up space.
- Go to Settings > Safari
- Tap Clear History and Website Data
- If prompted, choose Close Tabs
2. Clear Chrome Browsing Data (If You Use Chrome)
Don’t forget third-party browsers.
- Open Chrome
- Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner
- Select Clear Browsing Data
- Confirm by tapping Clear Browsing Data again
3. Clear the App Store Cache
Surprisingly, you can clear App Store cache by:
- Opening the App Store
- Tap any icon at the bottom 10 times in a row
- The cache clears silently in the background
4. Manage Message Retention
Old messages and attachments can quickly swell.
- Go to Settings > Messages
- Tap Keep Messages
- Change from Forever to 30 Days or 1 Year
- Remember: this permanently deletes older messages, so backup important info!
5. Clear Reading Goals in Books App
Your iPhone saves reading progress and goals.
- Go to Settings > Books
- Scroll down and tap Clear Reading Goals Data
6. Delete Unused Voices for Accessibility
Downloaded voices can take up space.
- Go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content > Voices
- Select each language and delete any voices you no longer need
7. Remove Large Mail Attachments
Attachments in your mail increase system data without obvious warnings.
- Open the Mail app
- Tap the filter button (bottom left)
- Choose to filter mail with attachments
- Delete large or unnecessary emails
8. Disable Unused Dictionaries
Dictionaries can be surprisingly large.
- Go to Settings > General > Dictionary
- Uncheck dictionaries you don’t need
9. Remove Unnecessary Preferred Languages
Extra languages consume space.
- Go to Settings > General > Language & Region
- Remove languages you rarely use (Note: Your iPhone will restart)
10. Delete Siri and Dictation History
Clear stored voice data from Apple servers.
- Go to Settings > Siri & Search
- Tap Siri & Dictation History
- Select Delete Siri & Dictation History
11. Remove Unwanted Fonts
Fonts you don’t use still take up storage.
- Go to Settings > General > Fonts
- Swipe left on unnecessary fonts and tap Remove
12. Turn Off Significant Locations
iOS tracks significant locations which take up storage and battery.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services
- Tap Significant Locations and toggle it off
13. Disable App Privacy Report
While insightful, the privacy report stores a lot of data.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > App Privacy Report
- Turn Off App Privacy Report to delete stored data
14. Close Background Apps
Sometimes, background apps cache data temporarily.
- For iPhones with Home button: double press the Home button
- For iPhones without: Swipe up from the bottom center and pause
- Swipe up on app previews to close them
15. Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart sometimes clears caches and system data.
16. Offload Unused Apps
This removes the app but keeps documents.
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Enable Offload Unused Apps
17. Delete and Reinstall Apps with Large Caches
Apps like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok can hold huge caches.
- Delete the app
- Reinstall from the App Store
18. Update to the Latest iOS
New iOS versions often include storage optimizations and bug fixes.
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
19. Reset All Settings (Last Resort)
Won’t delete your data but resets system configurations, sometimes freeing storage.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings
Final Thoughts
System Data might seem like a mysterious, uncontrollable storage hog at first, but with these detailed steps, you can significantly reduce its size and reclaim your iPhone’s storage space. Remember that some system data is essential for your iPhone’s functionality, so don’t try extreme deletion methods that could lead to data loss.
Take your time working through these tips and make it a routine every few months to maintain your iPhone’s storage health. With just a little effort, you’ll unlock valuable space and keep your device running smoothly.
Got your own tips for managing system data or want to share your results? Drop a comment below!
—————————————————-
Are you tired of the 9-to-5 grind? Unlock the secrets to online income generation. GetIncomeNow.com is your roadmap to financial freedom. We reveal proven methods, insider tips, and cutting-edge strategies to help you achieve your income goals. Start your journey to financial independence today!