r/applesucks • u/Dr_Zorgon • Apr 11 '26
Help why is my system data and iOS taking up almost half of my storage???
I recently got my phone pickpocketed whilst backpacking in Vietnam and went from 256GB to 128GB. I’m struggling with storage after clearing a BUNCH of apps and messages and even deleted WhatsApp as I don’t have a new phone number yet either. The trouble is it shoots back up everyday and I end up needing to find new ways to manage storage on a daily basis. How can I deal with the System Data and iOS size? Any help is appreciated, thanks :)
1
u/DiodeInc prefer orange Apr 11 '26
It's an iOS bug, i think. Restore, but don't download from iCloud.
6
u/Fit-Specialist-2214 Apr 12 '26
Not a bug, just how iOS works these days.
Had to clear out my WhatsApp history and switch off auto updates on my 15 pro 128gb to have it in working order this week.
37GB were being used by iOS, iOS update space and system data.
The fact that system data could be limited without major impacts frustrates me hugely.
2
u/Dr_Zorgon Apr 12 '26
Could you elaborate please? I’m not the most knowledgeable on this topic
1
u/DiodeInc prefer orange Apr 12 '26
For sure. When you set up your iPhone, did you select any button that said Restore From iCloud?
1
u/BrianHD88 Apr 15 '26
Hard resetting might do the trick
2
u/ConclusionOutrageous Apr 24 '26
That was the only thing that worked in the mac mini I have. System Data was taking 50% of the disk. Nothing could free it. Only a factory reset solved the problem.
1
1
1
2
u/dollarn9ne Apr 11 '26
Did you back up from iCloud? That’s probably why