My iPhone storage is using 226gb for system data, how come

This is frequently caused by an interrupted sync to a computer. The best thing to do is to contact Apple support using this link—>https://getsupport.apple.com/. They may be able to fix it remotely. Ask for a senior advisor; not all of the tier 1 advisors are familiar with this problem.

You can try fixing it yourself:

• Back up your phone to your computer, iCloud or both (for belt-and-suspenders added security)—>How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support
• Restore the backup you have just made—>Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

Tap on the System Data. What do you see? Other System Data?

Keep your iPhone updated to the latest iOS. As of now, it is iOS 15.0.1 for iPhone 6S and above.

• 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.

Have you updated your iPhone to iOS version 15.0.1? If not, then do so.

Have you Force ReStarted your iPhone? If not, then Try and Force Restart your iPhone EXACTLY as shown below and see whether that resolves the issue:

• Press and quickly release Volume UP button
• Press and quickly release Volume DOWN button
• Press and Hold the SIDE button until an Apple logo appears and then release the Side button (Can take up to 20 seconds. (DO NOT release Side Button when invited to Slide Power OFF). 

Axel F.

Did you update to the latest iOS version? How did the update work out for you?

Axel F.

You stated iOS 15.1. That version is not released as of yet. The next version to update is iOS version 15.0.1

Axel F.