What data is stored in the "Other Data" section on the iPhone 4s?

"Other" data is real data that you put on your phone by using the built in apps. It is not music, not videos, not pictures and not App Store app data. It is "OTHER" meaning everything that does not fall into these categories. Such as:

• email messages and attachments
• Reminders
• Calendar entries
• Contacts
• Text messages
• MMS messages and attachments
• Genius data
• Music cover art
• Operating system settings
• Safari cache
• bookmarks
• Game Center status
• Music catalog

Probably a few I've missed. There was a problem in an earlier version where deleted MMS messages left behind their attachments, but that has been fixed as of 6.1. However, old images were not deleted from Other; its just that new images were being correctly removed when you delete an MMS message.

You will find posts from people who said they recovered over 3 GB of space by just deleting old text messages.

If you want Other to be smaller you will have to keep less data on your phone; delete old MMS and texts, delete old email (especially from the "deleted" folder), clear the cache, eliminate cover art.

Sometimes "Other" includes data corruption. If you suspect this is a possibility try connecting to iTunes and click the Restore iPhone button. First restore from backup; the Other doesn't get any smaller you can Restore again and set up as New, then add your content back separately from your backup.

I'm happy it was helpful. You can always click it for this message, but I wouldn't worry to much about it. 🙂 If you text a lot and/or don't empty your email trash it can add up quickly.