System Data Taking up 75.5 GB (does updating help or make it worse?)

System Data can grow extremely large when temporary files, update fragments, caches, and failed installs accumulate. When it reaches 75+ GB, it usually means the system is holding onto leftover update data or corrupted storage that normal cleanup methods cannot remove. Restarting, deleting apps, clearing Safari, and message cleanup won’t touch this type of storage because it lives in protected system partitions.

Updating can help, but only if the phone has enough space to unpack the update. If the update cannot fully extract, it may actually increase System Data temporarily because the partial update files get stuck. Since you’re already low on space, the update may not complete cleanly.

Reduce the 75.5 GB of System Data as follows:

• Open Settings ➡️ General ➡️ iPhone Storage ➡️ check if an iOS update is listed ➡️ delete it if present

• Force Restart iPhone (press Volume Up ➡️ press Volume Down ➡️ hold Side Button until the Apple logo appears)

• Open Settings ➡️ General ➡️ iPhone Storage ➡️ confirm System Data size again

• Connect to a computer and perform an Update using Finder/iTunes (Apple’s instructions: 👉 https://support.apple.com/HT201263

• If the computer update fails due to space, then back up the phone and then erase and restore from backup (Apple’s instructions: 👉 https://support.apple.com/HT204184

Axel F.

There are ONLY two ways to remove system data and I recommend ONLY ONE.

It was originally in Axel Foleys response but edited out due to a bad link

it is this

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

Resources:

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

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

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

Under iPhone Storage, tap on Show All. Do you see an iOS installation file(s)? 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.

App Offloading and System Data on iOS

When you offload an app on an iOS device, the app itself is removed from storage, but its associated data remains intact. This includes documents, preferences, and saved information linked to the app, so when you reinstall it, your progress and settings are restored seamlessly.

System data on iOS is a broader category that ensures the device runs efficiently and responsively. It typically consists of:

1. App Data: Information created and stored by both Apple’s native apps and third‑party apps.
2. App Caches: Frequently accessed files (like images, media, or search results) stored temporarily to speed up performance.
3. Temporary Files: Short‑lived files generated during updates, downloads, or background processes.
4. System Resources: Core data required for the operating system to function smoothly, including logs, indexes, and metadata that support fast access.

Dynamic Management of System Data

1. The system intelligently manages this storage footprint. When space is needed, iOS automatically clears temporary files and caches to free up room without affecting essential app or user data.
2. If you restore your device from a current backup, the system data may reset to the bare minimum, rebuilding only what is necessary for smooth operation. Over time, caches and temporary files will grow again as the device optimizes itself for speed and efficiency.

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.

Read more...

After iOS 18.3 Update Installation

This is what I had on iPhone 12 Pro

As of date, the system data looks as shown in the pic below

iOS 18.3

On January 28th, my iPhone's System Data was 19.41 GB. By February 8th (Shown in the pic below), it had decreased to 13.3 GB. I didn't intentionally try to reduce it—aside from clearing some storage, which may have unintentionally cleared cached data.

Axel Foley wrote:

LD, Thanks for catching those bad links. I have made the corrections on my side. Appreciate this.

Axel F.

My pleasure, I don't understand why the Top Reply is not updated automatically, has happened to me top.

LD, Thanks for catching those bad links. I have made the corrections on my side. Appreciate this.

Axel F.