iPhone 11 system data taking up excessive storage

My iphone 11 keeps saying storage is full. I have already deleted text attachments and texts, deleted and off loaded apps, cleared web history and cache. I've done all the things. I think the real culprit is system data that is taking up 38.83gb. I am updated to the latest update, I have cleared out photos, emptied all the recently deleted folders and I still cannot get it down. Any suggestions? (I have deleted all large attachments. When you tap on it, it is empty, but yet keeps saying there is attachments.)


[Edited by Moderator]

Original Title: Can't clear out storage

iPhone 11, iOS 26

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 5:36 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 7, 2025 5:41 AM

The only way to reduce it is to backup and restore


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

Resources:

Backing Up: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

 Restoring: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

 

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

 

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 7, 2025 5:41 AM in response to Alicialeanne

The only way to reduce it is to backup and restore


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

Resources:

Backing Up: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

 Restoring: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup - Apple Support

 

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

 

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iPhone 11 system data taking up excessive storage

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