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Storage

Whenever my phone says storage full a majority of it is because of “other” and “system”. After clearing tons of stuff from my phone I watch the bars increase for “other and “system” and it makes no sense… I am confused on how over 20 GB is dedicated to this.

iPhone X, iOS 12

Posted on Apr 27, 2022 9:33 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 27, 2022 10:18 PM

I would ignore that because this system data will make room when you need more space on your iPhone. These are some cache and temporary files that will be erased by the system whenever you try to save more files.


You may --> Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)


Tap on System Data it will take you to "Other System Data"

Now the question is what is the "Other System Data" storage. Read on...


  • Other System Data: 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 System Data"

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.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 27, 2022 10:18 PM in response to StorageIsMessedUp

I would ignore that because this system data will make room when you need more space on your iPhone. These are some cache and temporary files that will be erased by the system whenever you try to save more files.


You may --> Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)


Tap on System Data it will take you to "Other System Data"

Now the question is what is the "Other System Data" storage. Read on...


  • Other System Data: 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 System Data"

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.


Apr 27, 2022 10:22 PM in response to StorageIsMessedUp

StorageIsMessedUp Said:

"Storage: Whenever my phone says storage full a majority of it is because of 'other' and 'system'. After clearing tons of stuff from my phone I watch the bars increase for “other and “system” and it makes no sense… I am confused on how over 20 GB is dedicated to this."

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Clear this Space:

Is the iPhone not booting? If so, then clear "System Data" (Formerly called "Other"). It is the light-colored grey. Perform as I've instructed here: How to Clear "Other" in your iPhone's Storage - Use Backup - User Tips.

Storage

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