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User profile for user: bazapple
bazapple Author
User level: Level 1
49 points

iOS Other Storage Bug?

Hello -


I've been noticing an array of Other Storage issues on multiple devices, all 14.4.2 at this point.


My iPhone was sitting between 24-25 GB of Other Storage for at least 1-2 years. When I first updated to iOS 14, it went up to over 40GB, then back down to 24-25GB over a couple of weeks with no action on my part. I deleted a ton of apps, but it won't go lower than 19-20GB, no matter what I do. (I've erased / restored from Mac, Restored from iCloud, etc.).


A backup / separate iPhone signed into the same iCloud account only, and then set up as a "New phone" originally showed 30+ GB of Other Storage for few weeks, then went down to Zero kb.


My iPad showed 22 GB of Other Storage, then went down to Zero kb. Powered cycled, showed 32GB, then went back down to Zero kb minutes later.


I checked the iphone of another family member...22 GB of Other, then went down to Zero minutes later.


My main phone still sits at 19-20GB no matter what.


Any insight to this? A software bug of some kind to hopefully be addressed in a future update?


Thanks for your time and input...it's appreciated.

Posted on Apr 21, 2021 8:12 AM

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User profile for user: SravanKrA
SravanKrA
Community+ 2024
User level: Level 10
418,866 points

Apr 21, 2021 8:22 AM in response to bazapple

Update to iOS 14.4.2, if not done


iOS 13.6.1 --> Addresses an issue where unneeded system data files might not be automatically deleted when available storage is low


  • Other: Non-removable mobile assets, like Siri voices, fonts, dictionaries, non-removable logs and caches, Spotlight index, and system data, such as Keychain and CloudKit Database. Cached files can't be deleted by the system.
  • System: Space taken by the operating system. This can vary based on your device and model.


About cached files in "Other"

Finder and iTunes categorize cached music, videos, and photos as Other instead of actual songs, videos, or photos. Cached files are created when you stream or view content like music, videos, and photos. When you stream music or video, that content is stored as cached files on your device so you can quickly access it again.


Your device automatically removes cached files and temporary files when your device needs more space.


If storage on your device differs from what you see in Finder or iTunes

Since Finder and iTunes categorize cached files as Other, reported usage for Music or Videos might differ. To view usage on your device, go to Settings > General > [Device] Storage.


If you want to delete the cached files from your device

Your device automatically deletes cached files and temporary files when it needs more space. You don't need to delete them yourself.


In short --> IGNORE, if you are not convinced, Restart the device. You will see that Others Storage will reduce but total storage will remain more or less the same.


Watch the demo in the GIF below made on my iPhone 6 iOS 12.4.7

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iOS Other Storage Bug?

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