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35GB of 'System Data'

I've been getting messages that my phone storage is full. On investigation I have 34.45GB 'System Data' on there. How can I reduce this?

My phone has been playing up on a few things recently, and I wonder if it's all related to this. I tried updating to the latest software but that hasn't helped.

iPhone XR

Posted on Sep 26, 2022 12:42 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 27, 2022 12:19 PM

Hi SravanKrA, thanks for the reply.


I turn my phone up most nights and have specifically reset it, and that hasn't resolved the issue.


When you say: "system data will make room when you need more space on your iPhone", this hasn't been what's been happening. I was getting messages saying I'd run out of space on my phone, and 35GB of this was system data.


The way I've resolved it is by deleting some audio files, so it would be great if there was another solution to the issue. The performance on my phone has definitely worsened recently, and I wonder if it's related.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Sep 27, 2022 12:19 PM in response to SravanKrA

Hi SravanKrA, thanks for the reply.


I turn my phone up most nights and have specifically reset it, and that hasn't resolved the issue.


When you say: "system data will make room when you need more space on your iPhone", this hasn't been what's been happening. I was getting messages saying I'd run out of space on my phone, and 35GB of this was system data.


The way I've resolved it is by deleting some audio files, so it would be great if there was another solution to the issue. The performance on my phone has definitely worsened recently, and I wonder if it's related.

Sep 26, 2022 2:31 AM in response to pjjohnston

If the above does not resolve the issue then...


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.


35GB of 'System Data'

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