HOW TO Create storage space on your iOS device

Check storage

Tap Settings, then General, and iPhone (or iPad) Storage. You’ll see a display of how your device storage is being used and how much is free. Tap a Recommendation to see details and review what’s taking up space there.

Offload or delete

In the Storage section of Settings > General, review the apps listed. Tap an app, then tap Offload App or Delete App, depending on whether you want to remove just the app or its documents and data too.

Automatic offload

Tap Settings, then iTunes & App Stores. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and turn on Offload Unused Apps. Now, when you haven’t used an app for a relatively long period of time, iOS will offload it but keep its data.

iCloud Photo Library

In iCloud, go to Settings > Photos. Turn iCloud Photos on, then tap Optimize iPhone (or iPad) Storage. Full–res pics and videos will be replaced with low–res, with the originals stored in iCloud.

Messages attachments

In Settings > General > (iPad/iPhone) Storage, select Messages. Tap Review Large Attachments. Tap Edit, select the attachments to delete, tap the bin. Or swipe left over attachments to delete.

Delete app data

This varies, depending on the app. In Podcasts, tap Library, then Downloaded Episodes. Swipe left over an episode to delete it. In Overcast, tap Settings, then Storage, then Delete All Downloads; or tap a podcast to delete.

Netflix downloads

Netflix downloads are great for offline viewing but take up lots of space. Launch Netflix, tap Downloads. Tap the pencil icon at the top right of the screen, then tap the “X” next to any download you want to delete.

Compress files

Launch the Files app and tap On My iPhone (or iPad). Tap and hold on a folder and tap Compress. When it’s finished, long–tap the original and pick Delete. You’ll need to Uncompress before using the folder with an app.

Move files in Files

In Files > On My iPhone, tap and hold on a folder or file then tap Move. Choose a location, such as a connected USB device or NAS, that doesn’t keep files on your device. Tap it. Tap Copy. Delete the original when it has copied.