Phone storage
My phone says storage is full. What can I delete safely?
A storage warning does not mean the phone is broken. Usually a few categories - photos, videos, downloads, messages, or unused apps - are taking up most of the room.
The short answer
Check the storage screen first, remove unused apps and large downloads, move or delete duplicate videos, and avoid deleting anything you do not recognize.
Now try it on your device
Choose your path
Pick the device or situation that matches the screen in front of you.
Steps for iPhone
- 1Open Settings, General, then iPhone Storage.
- 2Wait for the list to finish loading.
- 3Start with large apps you recognize and no longer use.
- 4Review Photos and Messages for large videos before deleting documents or system items.
iCloud storage and iPhone storage are different. Buying iCloud storage does not automatically make the phone itself have more room.
One safety note
Do not delete contacts, password apps, authenticator apps, or banking apps just to make space.
Before you change settings
What to know first
What this usually means
- Videos and message attachments are taking up more space than expected.
- Downloaded podcasts, movies, or music were saved for offline use.
- Old apps are keeping large caches.
- The phone has many duplicate photos or screenshots.
Do not do this yet
- Do not delete contacts, password apps, authenticator apps, or banking apps just to make space.
- Do not erase all photos until you know they are backed up somewhere you can access.
- Do not click pop-ups claiming they can clean your phone instantly.
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