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Other storage stuck at 40GB. It will not delete.

I have an iPhone 8. iOS 14.4.2. My storage is full. After doing all the standard clearing of caches, deleting photos and videos on Photos and on WhatsApp, resetting all contents and settings, all I managed to do is to delete 1GB of data. I’m still stuck with 40GB of other data. I have used 63 out of 64GB so phone is as good as useless.


a few months ago I had a similar problem as from what I recall the resetting and force start did the trick. Not this time. I’m unimpressed Apple.

iPhone 8

Posted on Apr 22, 2021 11:19 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Apr 22, 2021 11:36 PM

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

2 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Apr 22, 2021 11:36 PM in response to robyn anne

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

Apr 23, 2021 12:11 AM in response to robyn anne

robyn anne Said:

"Other storage stuck at 40GB. It will not delete.: I have an iPhone 8. iOS 14.4.2. My storage is full. After doing all the standard clearing of caches, deleting photos and videos on Photos and on WhatsApp, resetting all contents and settings, all I managed to do is to delete 1GB of data. I’m still stuck with 40GB of other data. I have used 63 out of 64GB so phone is as good as useless.a few months ago I had a similar problem as from what I recall the resetting and force start did the trick. Not this time. I’m unimpressed Apple."

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Visit this User Tip: How to Clear "Other" in your iPhone's Storage - Use Backup - User Tip

Other storage stuck at 40GB. It will not delete.

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