iPhone Storage Full? Free Up Space Without Losing Your Data

Run out of space right before the holiday photos? Here is how to free storage on iPhone without deleting your photos or app data.

1. See what's using space

Open Settings, General, iPhone Storage.

2. Use the recommendations

The suggestions at the top usually give the biggest wins, such as reviewing large videos.

3. Offload a big app

Tap the app and choose Offload App. Apple says it frees the app's storage but keeps its documents and data.

4. Offload versus delete

Delete App removes the app and its data. Offload keeps the data so you can reinstall later.

5. Make it automatic

Settings, Apps, App Store, turn on Offload Unused Apps. The icon stays on your Home Screen.

Sources

Apple Support (Check the storage on your iPhone; Manage storage on iPhone).

FAQ

Will offloading delete my photos?

No. It only removes the app itself; documents and data stay.

Is iCloud storage the same thing?

No. iPhone storage is on the device; iCloud storage is online.