iPhone (iOS) Storage & Backup settings
Manage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.
- iPhone StorageiPhone Storage shows exactly what's using space on your device and offers one-tap recommendations — like offloading unused apps or reviewing large attachments — to free up room.
- iCloud BackupiCloud Backup automatically saves a copy of your photos, app data, device settings, and more, so you can restore everything on a new or reset device.
- Manage iCloud StorageThis screen breaks down exactly what's consuming your iCloud storage plan — Backups, Photos, individual apps, Mail — so you can free up space, buy more, or change your iCloud+ plan without guessing.
- Offload Unused AppsOffload Unused Apps is a toggle in App Store settings that automatically removes an app's binary — not its documents or data — when the iPhone is low on storage, so you can reinstall and pick up right where you left off.
- Optimize iPhone Storage (Photos)When iCloud Photos is on, 'Optimize iPhone Storage' keeps smaller, space-saving versions of your photos and videos on the device while the full-resolution originals stay safely stored in iCloud, downloading full quality only when needed.
- Back Up via Finder or iTunesiPhone can be backed up to a computer's local storage using Finder on macOS or iTunes on Windows, as an alternative or supplement to iCloud Backup.
- Music & Podcast DownloadsSongs, albums, and podcast episodes downloaded for offline listening take up local storage separate from Photos and app data, and can be managed or automatically cleared to save space.
- Keep Messages DurationThe Keep Messages setting controls whether Messages retains conversations forever or automatically deletes messages, photos, and attachments after 30 days or one year, directly affecting how much storage Messages consumes.
- iCloud+ Storage PlaniCloud+ is Apple's paid storage subscription, offering tiers beyond the free 5 GB along with extra features like Private Relay, Hide My Email, and HomeKit Secure Video support.
- Quick Start Device TransferQuick Start uses a direct device-to-device connection to transfer settings, apps, and data from an old iPhone to a new one during setup, without necessarily relying on an iCloud or computer backup.
Other iPhone (iOS) categories
- SystemKeep your device current and configure core system behavior.
- Privacy & SecurityControl which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.
- Network & InternetWi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.
- Display & SoundScreen, audio, and alert preferences.
- Accounts & FamilyAccount sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.
- AccessibilityAssistive features, input, and language & region settings.
- TroubleshootingReset, restart, and diagnose common issues.
- PersonalizationThemes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.
- DevicesMice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.
- AppsInstalled apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.
- System InfoDevice details, advanced settings, and activation status.