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My phone says storage is full. When I check to see what is using the most space, there is a category called other and that category is using the majority of my storage

In settings under general then iPhone storage what is in the category “other”? And how do I view or edit what is in it?

iPhone 7, iOS 13

Posted on Oct 13, 2020 11:53 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 13, 2020 11:59 PM

Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad

If you have iOS or iPadOS 13, your iPhone or iPad storage is full, and the storage is mostly taken up by "Other" storage, update your device to iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.


Update your device

An issue in iOS or iPadOS 13 might prevent the system from freeing up storage for you. To fix this issue, update your iPhone or iPad to iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.

If you don’t have enough available storage to update wirelessly, update your device using a computer.

If there’s not enough space to update using a computer

  1. Back up your device with iCloud* or a computer.
  2. When the backup is complete, go to Settings > General > Reset. Then tap Erase All Content and Settings. If asked, enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
  3. Follow the instructions on your screen to set up your device. When asked how you want to transfer apps and data to this device, tap Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC, and choose the backup you just made. Continue setting up your device.
  4. Wait for the restore process to finish. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update, and install iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.
    • If you restored from an iCloud backup, you might see your Home screen before the restore is complete. Wait for the restore to complete before you update your iPhone or iPad. You can check the restore progress in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
    • Don't install new apps, or download or stream music or videos, until you've installed iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 13, 2020 11:59 PM in response to Tedkinney

Clear Other storage on your iPhone or iPad

If you have iOS or iPadOS 13, your iPhone or iPad storage is full, and the storage is mostly taken up by "Other" storage, update your device to iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.


Update your device

An issue in iOS or iPadOS 13 might prevent the system from freeing up storage for you. To fix this issue, update your iPhone or iPad to iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.

If you don’t have enough available storage to update wirelessly, update your device using a computer.

If there’s not enough space to update using a computer

  1. Back up your device with iCloud* or a computer.
  2. When the backup is complete, go to Settings > General > Reset. Then tap Erase All Content and Settings. If asked, enter your passcode or Apple ID password.
  3. Follow the instructions on your screen to set up your device. When asked how you want to transfer apps and data to this device, tap Restore from iCloud Backup or Restore from Mac or PC, and choose the backup you just made. Continue setting up your device.
  4. Wait for the restore process to finish. Then go to Settings > General > Software Update, and install iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.
    • If you restored from an iCloud backup, you might see your Home screen before the restore is complete. Wait for the restore to complete before you update your iPhone or iPad. You can check the restore progress in Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
    • Don't install new apps, or download or stream music or videos, until you've installed iOS or iPadOS 13.6.1 or later.


Oct 13, 2020 11:56 PM in response to Tedkinney

Update to latest iOS available.


iOS 13.6.1 --> Addresses an issue where unneeded system data files might not be automatically deleted when available storage is low


  • Other: Non-removable mobile assets, like Siri voices, fonts, dictionaries, non-removable logs and caches, Spotlight index, and system data, such as Keychain and CloudKit Database. Cached files can't be deleted by the system.
  • System: Space taken by the operating system. This can vary based on your device and model.


About cached files in "Other"

Finder and iTunes categorize cached music, videos, and photos as Other instead of actual songs, videos, or photos. Cached files are created when you stream or view content like music, videos, and photos. When you stream music or video, that content is stored as cached files on your device so you can quickly access it again.


Your device automatically removes cached files and temporary files when your device needs more space.


If storage on your device differs from what you see in Finder or iTunes

Since Finder and iTunes categorize cached files as Other, reported usage for Music or Videos might differ. To view usage on your device, go to Settings > General > [Device] Storage.


If you want to delete the cached files from your device

Your device automatically deletes cached files and temporary files when it needs more space. You don't need to delete them yourself.


In short --> IGNORE, if you are not convinced, Restart the device. You will see that Others Storage will reduce but total storage will remain more or less the same.


Watch the demo in the GIF below made on my iPhone 6 iOS 12.4.7


In short --> IGNORE, if you are not convinced, Restart the device. You will see that Others Storage will reduce but total storage will remain more or less the same


You may watch the same GIF in the form of Video on YouTube --> Others Storage consuming lot of space on an iPhone


My phone says storage is full. When I check to see what is using the most space, there is a category called other and that category is using the majority of my storage

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