Deleting large files on your iPhone can feel confusing, but there are several reliable ways to free up a lot of storage quickly. Here’s a clear, easy guide based on what experienced users recommend.
1. Clear Recently Deleted Items
Messages
Even after deleting messages, they stay in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days unless you clear them.
How to clear it:
Messages → Filters → Recently Deleted → Delete All
Photos
Photos and videos you delete don’t free storage until you empty the Recently Deleted album.
How to clear it:
Photos → Albums → Recently Deleted → Select → Delete All
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2. Offload Unused Apps
iPhones can automatically remove apps you don’t use while keeping their data safe.
How to enable it:
Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Offload Unused Apps
This instantly frees space without losing your app data.
3. Manage Photos and Videos
Optimize iPhone Storage
This keeps smaller versions of your photos on your phone and stores full-resolution versions in iCloud.
How to turn it on:
Settings → Photos → Optimize iPhone Storage
Use Cloud Backup Services
Move your photos and videos to a cloud provider like iCloud or Google Photos to reclaim space.
4. Delete Large Attachments in Messages
Messages can store huge videos and photos.
How to remove them:
Settings → General → iPhone Storage → Messages → Review Large Attachments
You’ll see a list of heavy files that you can delete instantly.
5. Clear App Cache
Reinstall Apps
Many apps save extra data under “Documents and Data.”
The fastest way to clear it is to delete and reinstall the app.
This works especially well for:
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- SpotifyClear Safari Cache
If you use Safari often, clearing its cache can reclaim space.
How to clear it:
Settings → Safari → Clear History and Website Data
6. Use Third-Party Cleaner Apps
Clever Cleaner
A free tool that finds and removes:
- Duplicate photos
- Screenshots
- Large videos
- Unused similar imagesSwipeClean
Another popular app for cleaning unwanted images and videos quickly.
7. Reset and Restore (Advanced Fix)
If your storage issue is severe, backing up your phone, resetting it, and restoring from backup can dramatically reduce hidden files and caches.
This removes leftover “system junk” that normal methods can’t clear.
8. Extra Helpful Tips
Restart Your iPhone
A simple restart can clear temporary data, especially after deleting big files.
Use Shortcuts to Find Large Videos
You can create a Shortcut that lists your biggest video files so you can delete them easily.
FAQ
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How do I find and delete the largest files on my iPhone?
Go to Settings → General → iPhone Storage to see which apps use the most space. You can also use a Shortcut to list your biggest videos or use cleaner apps like Clever Cleaner to scan for large files.
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Why is my iPhone storage still full even after deleting photos?
Deleted photos remain in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days. You must clear this folder to free up space. App caches and Messages attachments may also still be taking storage.
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What is the fastest way to free up a lot of storage?
The quickest methods are:
- Clearing Recently Deleted in Photos and Messages
- Offloading unused apps
- Reinstalling heavy apps like TikTok or Instagram
- Deleting large video attachments in Messages
- Clearing Safari cache
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How can I clear app cache on iPhone?
iPhones don’t provide a direct cache-clear option for most apps. The best solution is to delete and reinstall the app, which removes cached data under “Documents and Data.”
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Does offloading apps delete my app data?
No. Offloading removes the app but keeps all your documents and settings. When you reinstall the app, everything comes back exactly as before.
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How do I permanently delete videos and photos from my iPhone?
You must remove them from both the Photos library and the Recently Deleted folder. Until you empty Recently Deleted, the files still take up storage.
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Why is “System Data” taking so much space?
System Data includes cache, logs, temporary files, Siri data, and leftover app files. Restarting your iPhone, reinstalling apps, or doing a backup + reset can help reduce it.
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Is using a cleaner app safe?
Cleaner apps like Clever Cleaner and SwipeClean are widely used and can safely remove duplicates, large videos, and extra screenshots. Just download reputable apps only from the App Store.
