How to reduce system data storage on iPhone?

My iPhone storage of (128 GB) is almost full, and the thing that is taking most of the space is my system data (39 GB)

I have tried to clear up all cache from my apps and resetting my phone constantly but the system storage bar always stays the same. Is there any thing I can do to free up my system data?


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: System data Storage 




iPhone 16 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 9:05 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 15, 2025 10:55 AM

there is only one way to get system data back down to 6GB or so…


Back up the phone, Erase all content & settings, Set up the phone again, restoring the backup.

Resources:

Back up iPhone - Apple Support

Erase iPhone - Apple Support

Set up your iPhone or iPad – Apple Support (UK)

Then add back credit cards, sign back into accounts etc.

 

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 15, 2025 10:55 AM in response to Browntony

there is only one way to get system data back down to 6GB or so…


Back up the phone, Erase all content & settings, Set up the phone again, restoring the backup.

Resources:

Back up iPhone - Apple Support

Erase iPhone - Apple Support

Set up your iPhone or iPad – Apple Support (UK)

Then add back credit cards, sign back into accounts etc.

 

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How to reduce system data storage on iPhone?

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