iPhone 15 Pro System Data consuming excessive storage

I’m experiencing a storage issue with my iPhone 15 Pro (256 GB).

According to iPhone Storage settings, System Data is taking up 132.48 GB, while iOS itself only takes up 13.52 GB.

I don’t understand why System Data is using such an unusually large amount of storage. Restarting my iPhone several times has not helped. I have less than 2 GB of free storage left, which also makes it difficult to update iOS. (I have 26.0.1)

Could you please help me understand what might be causing this issue and how I can safely reduce the System Data storage without losing my personal files, photos, or videos?

Is there a way to diagnose and fix this issue without having to erase my iPhone and restore it to factory settings?

Thank you!

Posted on Nov 6, 2026 10:50 AM

1 reply

Lawrence Finch

Level 10 (244,490 points)

Nov 6, 2026 11:56 AM in response to amsoa999

System Data includes caches and data for built-in apps, not just iOS itself. The only way to clear it is to back up your iPhone, then restore the backup you just made:

While you have a choice, backing up to your computer is the better way, rather than iCloud.