Messages storage issue, 4.59 GB used despite deleting my messages

16 Pro max..Messages is using 4.59 GB of unexplained storage after deleting my messages Recently Deleted is completely empty,

the breakdown only shows:

• Top Conversations: 255.4 MB

• Photos: 104.6 MB

• Videos: 132.9 MB

• GIFs and Stickers: 79 KB

• Other: 17.8 MB

Messages in iCloud is OFF

However, Messages still uses 4.59 GB in total!!!!!

Posted on Sep 26, 2026 10:18 PM

1 reply

brbo

Level 8 (45,179 points)

Sep 27, 2026 9:51 PM in response to Melinanr

Re: "Messages storage issue, 4.59 GB used despite deleting my messages"

"Recently Deleted is completely empty"

Seems you must have permanently deleted the messages.

Delete messages and attachments in Messages on iPhone

Eg: says:

"Deleted messages and attachments remain in the Recently Deleted folder for 30 days, but you can permanently remove them before that.

Go to the Messages app on your iPhone.
In the conversation list, tap the (three lines icon), then tap Recently Deleted.
Select the conversations whose messages you want to delete permanently, tap bin icon, then tap Delete.
Important: This can’t be undone.

_________________________________________________

Re: " ... ... However, Messages still uses 4.59 GB in total!"

You might want to try restarting your iPhone, (ie: deletes temporary files, re-establishes connections, may update recent setting changes etc, and often restores order if something is not working as expected.)

If needed: See how to: Restart your iPhone – Apple Support

and

How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support