DB LabsDB Labs

Updated March 16, 2026

By Jack Smith, iOS Developer at DB Labs

Question

Why Does My iPhone Storage Say "Other"?

That mysterious "Other" category (now called "System Data") can take up 5-15 GB or more. Here is what it is and how to shrink it.

March 16, 2026  ·  5 min read

The Direct Answer

"Other" storage (renamed to "System Data" in iOS 15 and later) is a catch-all category that includes caches, logs, Siri voices, system files, fonts, and temporary data. It typically uses 5-15 GB but can balloon much larger if caches accumulate over time. You cannot browse this data directly. To reduce it: clear Safari data, offload and reinstall cache-heavy apps, restart your iPhone, or as a last resort, do a backup-and-restore.

What Is in "Other" / System Data

  • Safari caches: Browsing history, website data, offline reading lists
  • App caches: Streaming apps (Spotify, Netflix, YouTube), social media (Instagram, TikTok), and messaging apps cache data locally
  • Mail caches: Attachment previews and downloaded email data
  • Siri voices: Downloaded voice packs (can be 100-500 MB each)
  • System logs: Crash reports, diagnostic data, analytics
  • Fonts and dictionaries: Downloaded keyboards and fonts
  • Keychain data: Saved passwords and certificates
  • Update files: Partially downloaded or residual iOS update files

How to Reduce Other/System Data

Step 1: Clear Safari Data

Go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This alone can free up 500 MB to 2 GB.

Step 2: Offload Cache-Heavy Apps

Apps like Instagram, TikTok, Spotify, and Netflix accumulate large caches. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, find the app, and tap Offload App. Then reinstall it from the App Store. This clears the cache while keeping your login and settings.

Step 3: Restart Your iPhone

A simple restart clears temporary system files and can reduce Other storage by 500 MB to 1 GB. Hold the side button and volume button, slide to power off, then turn back on.

Step 4: Review Email Accounts

Delete and re-add email accounts that have been active for years. This clears accumulated mail caches and attachment previews.

Step 5: Backup and Restore (Nuclear Option)

If Other storage exceeds 15-20 GB and nothing else works, back up your iPhone to a computer or iCloud, then erase and restore. This clears all accumulated caches and typically brings System Data back to 5-8 GB.

Normal Range: System Data between 5-15 GB is normal. Do not worry unless it exceeds 15 GB or is growing steadily. iOS manages most of this data automatically and will clear caches when storage runs low.
Tip: While you cannot directly control System Data, you can control your photo library. Cleaning up unnecessary photos with Swype Photo Cleaner frees space for the system data your iPhone actually needs.

For more details, see our in-depth guide on what Other storage is on iPhone or the System Data storage guide.

Free Up the Storage You Can Control

You cannot directly delete System Data, but you can easily clean your camera roll. Swype Photo Cleaner helps you free up space that matters.

Free · iPhone · iOS 16+ · 100% on-device, zero uploads

Download on theApp Store

Free · iPhone · iOS 16+

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Other storage on iPhone?

Other (now called System Data) includes caches, logs, Siri voices, system files, fonts, and temporary data. It typically uses 5-15 GB and is managed automatically by iOS.

How do I reduce Other storage on iPhone?

Clear Safari data, offload and reinstall cache-heavy apps, restart your iPhone, and delete/re-add email accounts. A backup-and-restore is the most thorough fix.

Why is Other storage so large on my iPhone?

Streaming apps, Safari, and email accumulate caches over time. iPhones that have not been restarted or restored in a long time tend to have the largest Other storage.