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What to Do When iPhone or iPad Storage Is Full

Find large apps, photos, downloads, messages, and other content consuming device storage.

Quick Answer

Open Settings → General → iPhone/iPad Storage and review Apple's storage recommendations and the largest categories before deleting anything.

Step by Step

  1. Open the relevant Apple app or Settings section on the iPhone or iPad.
  2. Open Settings → General → iPhone/iPad Storage and review Apple's storage recommendations and the largest categories before deleting anything.
  3. Review the result before deleting data, removing an account, or changing synchronization settings.
  4. For important data, confirm a current backup exists before making a major storage, account, or device change.

If That Doesn't Work

  • Apple occasionally moves settings between iOS/iPadOS versions, so exact menu wording can differ by software version.
  • iCloud synchronization is not the same as a separate backup of every item; deleting synchronized content can propagate to other devices.