Used storage calculation on iPhone

Question

Level 1

8 points

Used storage calculation on iPhone

Dear Experts,

I am using iPhone6 with 16GB storage. My phone works perfectly fine but I am usually struggling with no or very less free storage.

I want to understand how is used storage calculated on iPhone. The summary says I have total 12GB storage (4GB is already taken out for OS and system related files I presume) out of which only 100MB is remaining. So it means I am using 11.9GB storage trough apps/pictures/videos/other files. On the same page there is a detailed usage displayed for each app I have on my phone. If I add up the storage consumed by all the apps, it hardly adds up to 8GB. So where is the remaining 3.9GB used?

Posted on Mar 4, 2018 9:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Sachin661 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 5, 2018 2:51 AM in response to MrBill3

Thanks MrBill3 for the useful links.

But my question is why the storage used by all my apps do not add up to the used space shown on phone (under Settings-> General-> Storage & iCloud Usage)?

For example, I have 10 apps and the total storage used by all those apps is 8GB, then why total used space shown is 11.9GB? Go to settings and add the space used by all apps in your phone and check if this matches with the space used shown on top.

BR,

Sachin

Reply

Answer 2

Sachin661 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 5, 2018 1:03 PM in response to MrBill3

I connected to iTunes and surprisingly it showed 4.1GB space available. There is also an old discussion regarding the same topic. I tried most of these options but nothing worked so far. Looks like I would need to factory reset my phone to recover that secret 4GB space.

Re: Storage data different on iPhone and iTunes

Reply

Answer 3

Mar 5, 2018 3:14 AM in response to Sachin661

Here's a tip. Next time you replace your phone, get either a 64GB, 128GB or 256GB model if you have the scratch for it. The 64GB model you might run into this. Unlikely for awhile but possibly. The 128 and 256GB models you will never run into this problem. I have a 128GB iPhone 6S Plus and a 256GB iPhone 8 Plus. Both were bought specifically to avoid this kind of stuff.

That's just my opinion. But I can't answer you on the space question having never experienced it for myself, and probably never will.

Reply

Answer 4

MrBill3

Level 10

103,660 points

Mar 5, 2018 5:22 AM in response to Sachin661

Sachin661,

Oh, I forgot to mention: have you checked the "other" category? It is used for cache space and temporary work space for various internal functions. A restart will many times free up the space.

Also, try connecting to iTunes on your computer and check it there. Sometimes an iTunes sync to recapture the space as well.

Let us know how it goes.

Reply

Answer 5

Sachin661 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 5, 2018 5:25 AM in response to MrBill3

Thanks MrBill3.. I did not find the other category but this is exactly what I am looking for, the cache space and temporary work space. Would be surprised it those are using 2-3 GB.

I will check the details by connecting to iTunes and hope it will give some clarity.

Reply

Answer 6

Sachin661 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 5, 2018 5:44 AM in response to Driver8666

Thanks for your inputs Driver8666.

I completely agree with you. 16GB is too less and this is my spare phone too. But If I can use only 8GB out of 16GB then this is something which is not good and that is why I am just looking for a clarification on this.

Reply

Answer 7

Mar 5, 2018 7:23 AM in response to Sachin661

Next phone you get follow my advice. But don't get the 128GB or 256GB models unless you have the scratch or can subsidize it through your carrier if possible. 16GB, I know you're trying to figure it out but on 32 and 64GB models you might run into that. 128GB you won't and 256GB models you're likely to die before the phone ever runs out of space. Or you get a warning like that. And that's for light to moderate users.

This is of course keeping in mind your photos, apps, all that fun stuff. Anything backed up to iCloud. You get the idea.

Such is the bane and the blessing.

Reply