System Data storage on an iPhone often includes caches, logs, temporary files, and other system-related files that iOS uses to operate smoothly. You can’t delete it all directly, but you can clear up significant space by following these steps:
1. Clear Safari Cache and Website Data
- Go to Settings > Safari.
- Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data.
- Confirm to delete data. This will clear Safari’s cache, history, and cookies.
2. Offload Unused Apps
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Scroll down to see the apps using the most space. Tap on an app and select Offload App to delete it without losing the data, which will stay in your storage if you reinstall the app.
3. Clear App Cache and Data
Some apps, like social media apps, build up large caches. You can clear these by:
- Going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Tapping on the app and then selecting Delete App to remove it entirely, then reinstalling it to clear the cache.
4. Remove Old Messages and Attachments
- Go to Settings > Messages.
- Under Message History, you can choose to keep messages for 30 days or 1 year instead of “Forever,” which will delete old conversations and attachments.
5. Restart Your iPhone
- Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone can clear some temporary system data and free up a bit of space.
6. Update iOS Regularly
- Ensure you have the latest iOS update, as system updates can sometimes optimize and clear out old system files.
After taking these steps, check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see if your System Data has decreased. However, System Data can fluctuate, so don’t be surprised if it doesn’t reduce significantly right away.