How to Clear iPhone System Data in 2025 | A Complete Guide

Pradeep KumarApril 1, 2025

Is your iPhone running out of storage? Many users delete photos and apps but overlook the hidden system data, which gradually fills up storage and slows down device performance. Managing this accumulated system data is essential to keep your iPhone running smoothly.

In this Technewztop guide, we will walk you through how to clear iPhone system data in 2025 using simple and effective methods. Follow these steps to free up space and enhance your iPhone’s performance.

What is iPhone System Data?

Table of Contents

Understanding System Data on iPhones

Apple’s iPhones store temporary files, cache, and logs under System Data (previously called “Other” in storage settings). This category includes:

Cached files from apps and browsers.
System logs that record background activities.
Temporary files generated by the iOS system.
Failed downloads from apps or websites.
Offline content from streaming services.

Apple does not allow users to clear system data directly, but you can manage it by following the steps outlined below.

How to Check iPhone System Data Usage

Before deleting system data, you should check how much space it occupies. Follow these steps:

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Go to General > iPhone Storage.
Wait for the storage breakdown to appear.
Locate System Data at the bottom of the list.

If system data is taking up too much space, it’s time to clear iPhone system data in 2025 using the methods below.

Methods to Clear iPhone System Data in 2025

1. Clear App Cache to Free Up Storage

Many apps store cache to improve performance, but this data accumulates over time, taking up unnecessary space.

How to Clear Cache in Apps Like Spotify

Open Spotify and tap your profile icon.
Go to Settings and Privacy > Storage.
Tap Clear Cache to free up space.

For apps that don’t offer cache clearing, you have two options:

Offloading – Removes the app but keeps its data.
Deleting – Removes both the app and its data.

How to Offload Unused Apps Automatically

Go to Settings > App Store.
Enable “Offload Unused Apps.”

This feature helps save storage while keeping your app data intact.

2. Delete Browsing History and Website Data

Web browsers like Safari and Chrome store cache, cookies, and site data, which contribute to system data. Clearing them helps improve speed and free up space.

Clear Safari Data

Open Settings > Safari.
Tap Clear History and Website Data.
Confirm by selecting Clear History and Data.

Clear Chrome Data

Open Chrome and tap the three-dot menu.
Select History > Clear Browsing Data.
Choose a time range and tap Clear Browsing Data again.

Regularly clearing browser data prevents unnecessary storage consumption.

3. Delete Large Message Attachments

Your Messages app may contain photos, videos, and documents that take up storage. To delete them:

Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Tap Messages under Documents & Data.
Select Photos, Videos, or Top Conversations.
Delete unnecessary attachments to free up space.

4. Reduce Message History

Old messages can take up significant storage. You can set your iPhone to automatically delete old messages by:

Go to Settings > Messages.
Scroll to Keep Messages.
Choose 30 Days or 1 Year instead of Forever.
Confirm deletion when prompted.

This ensures messages do not accumulate over time.

5. Remove Offline Content from Streaming Apps

Apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Apple Music allow you to download content for offline viewing. However, these files contribute to system data.

How to Delete Offline Content

Open streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, or Spotify.
Go to the downloads section.
Delete unwanted videos and songs manually.
Check app settings for auto-delete options to remove watched content.

Keeping offline storage in check ensures your iPhone doesn’t store unnecessary files.

6. Update iOS to Remove Temporary Files

Apple frequently releases updates to enhance performance and security. These updates often clear temporary system files automatically.

How to Update Your iPhone

Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
If an update is available, tap Download and Install.
Restart your iPhone after updating.

Updating your iPhone regularly helps keep system data optimized.

7. Restart Your iPhone to Clear Temporary Files

Restarting your iPhone can automatically remove temporary files stored in system data.

How to Restart Your iPhone

Hold the power button.
Swipe to power off.
Wait for a few minutes, then turn it back on.

Regular restarts keep your device running smoothly.

8. Disable Unused Features to Reduce System Data

Some background features generate unnecessary system data. Disabling them can help free up storage.

Turn Off Background App Refresh

Open Settings > General.
Tap Background App Refresh and select Off.

Disable Unused Location Services

Open Settings > Privacy > Location Services.
Turn off location services for apps you don’t use.

Stop Auto-Downloading Software Updates

Open Settings > App Store.
Turn off Automatic Downloads for updates.

Disabling these features prevents unnecessary system data buildup.

9. Factory Reset (Last Resort Option)

If none of the above methods work, performing a factory reset will erase everything and restore your iPhone to its original state.

Backup Your Data First

Before resetting, back up your data using iCloud or iTunes.

How to Reset Your iPhone

Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
Enter your passcode and Apple ID password.
Tap Erase iPhone.

After resetting, you can restore your data from a backup or set up your iPhone as new.

Conclusion

Clearing iPhone system data in 2025 is essential for maintaining optimal performance and freeing up storage. By following these steps, you can prevent system data from accumulating and slowing down your device.