How to Clear System Data on iPhone: A Tutorial Guide

August 20, 2024 By Janne Smith No Comments 5 minutes

iPhones reign for their seamless performance, owing to system data’s efficiency. However, the latter takes enough iPhone storage space, leaving limited space for your files. And that’s where you might consider finding out steps on how to clear system data on iPhone.

That said, this article will walk you through a brief introduction to what is System Data, a short explanation of why system data iPhone storage is always high, and the general method for how to clear system data on iPhone.

Let’s dive in!

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What Is System Data on iPhone?

Remember the silver bar in your device storage? That’s system data. It’s all data that your system can’t classify. Still, it’s mostly cache files that ensure a smoother phone operation since the device already has your preferences saved as a cache in system data. When you clear it up, you’ll notice a significant drop in the system data bar in device storage.

While Apple doesn’t classify all data stored in System data, generally, it’s only temporary files, Safari browsing cache, non-Apple apps file backups, and much more. However, it can take a significant portion of your device storage, and that’s where you might want to clear system data iPhone out.

How to Check System Data on iPhone

You can check the system data iPhone storage via your phone settings. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial explaining how you can clear system data iPhone:

• Navigate and open Settings > General.
• Select iPhone Storage.
• You’ll see a multi-colored bar displaying bars of different categories. The silver one is for System Storage.

As per the key, you’ll now see the storage space System data is taking.

Why Is My iPhone Data System Data So High?

Did checking your iPhone’s System Data feel like a bolt coming out of the blue? Whenever you use new apps on your device, it piles up the system data. For example, if you use the Maps and if you save that location for offline viewing, then that will fall under System Data’s category. Following this, you’ll see a drop in the iPhone storage. However, clearing up the system data can save the storage space.

How to Clear System Data on iPhone

You can’t completely wipe off system data from your iPhone, but you can clear other data that piles up into System data. Doing so will ultimately make further space in the device storage. For example, you can clear cache and cookies on your iPhone. That said, there are 5 ways you can clear the system data on your iPhone.

1. Clear iPhone Cache

Browsers save caches and cookies; the same goes for the Safari browser. Following this, all caches are added to the system data. For this, it’s best to clear browser cookies and cache. Moreover, you must remember that clearing the cache won’t delete your browsing history. Here’s how to clear iPhone cache:

• Go to device Settings > Safari.
• Select Advanced > Website Data > Remove all website data.

2. Clear Local iPhone Backups

A few apps create local backups on your device, which also contribute to the overall system data on your phone. Here’s how you can clear the local iPhone backup:

• Go to device Settings.
• Write your name or go to your profile picture.
• Navigate to iCloud > Manage Account Storage > Backups.
• Select the device that you want to clear the backup data of.
• Tap on Delete Backup > Turn off & Delete.

3. Delete All Large Attachments

Sending images, voice notes, and videos via Messages may look creative, but that will also take ample storage. However, to clear up some space, it’s best to delete the large attachments:

• Go to phone Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
• Scroll down and tap on Messages.
• You’ll see different categories under the Documents section.
• Select any categories and clear the data as preferred.

4. Change Settings for Messages

Like all iPhone apps, all Messages data is saved on your device. The local storage will keep taking up space until you change the settings. Moreover, you can choose to keep messages for only 30 days. Doing so will delete all the unnecessary previous files. Here’s how to change the settings for Messages:

• Go to device Settings > Messages > Message history.
• Tap on Keep Messages and tap on the box for “30 days”.

5. Delete Local iPhone Backups

All apps have their local backup, which might be eating up your device’s storage space. You’ll notice this most if all your data is backed up on iCloud. We recommend clearing up the local backup to free up storage space.

Here’s how you can do that through iCloud:

• Go to device Settings.
• Tap on your iCloud profile.
• Go to Manage Account Storage/Manage Storage.
• Tap on Backups > Device name that you want to delete the backup of.
• Choose Delete Backup > Turn off & Delete.

Wrapping Up

iPhones always offer exceptional ease of use and smooth operations. However, the System data often takes up ample storage behind the scenes. That often leaves limited space for other files.

To reduce system data iPhone storage, you can try deleting the local backup, changing the Messages settings, deleting the local backup and large attachments, and clearing the browser cache. However, none of these steps to clear system data iPhone will completely delete all System data; they will only reduce the space it takes.

Moreover, some system data iPhone storage can be crucial for smooth performance. However, when browsing the web, this uncategorized data can be stolen if not connected to a reliable VPN, like FastestVPN. Connect to the VPN and leverage unmatched cybersecurity today!

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