iPhone (iOS) · Storage & Backup
Automatically Free Space From Rarely Used Apps
Offload 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.
How to open Offload Unused Apps
- Open Settings → App Store.
- Turn on the toggle for Offload Unused Apps.
- Let iOS automatically manage offloading during low-storage moments going forward.
- Tap a greyed-out, offloaded app icon anytime to redownload it instantly.
What you should know
- Only triggers automatically when the device is genuinely low on available storage.
- Keeps app data, documents, and settings intact even after the app itself is offloaded.
- Offloaded apps show a small cloud-download icon on their Home Screen icon.
- Individual apps can also be offloaded manually anytime from iPhone Storage, regardless of this toggle.
Offloading isn't the same as deleting — but if you manually delete an app instead of letting it offload, its local data is removed too, unless backed up elsewhere.
Why it matters
This single toggle quietly prevents the classic 'my phone is full and I don't know what to delete' scenario by letting iOS handle app cleanup automatically and safely, without you losing game progress, documents, or settings. It's one of the lowest-risk storage optimizations available on iPhone.
Best practices
- Turn this on and largely forget about it — it's designed to only act when storage is genuinely tight.
- Manually offload a specific rarely used app from iPhone Storage if you want the space back right away rather than waiting.
- Redownload an offloaded app over Wi-Fi when possible to avoid using cellular data unexpectedly.
Common problems and fixes
- An app was offloaded and now shows as needing to be redownloaded
- This is expected behavior — tap the app's greyed-out icon to redownload it from the App Store, and its data will be restored automatically.
- Offloading doesn't seem to free as much space as expected
- Offloading only removes the app binary, not any documents or media the app stored separately — check iPhone Storage for what specifically is still using space.
Tips and tricks
- Offloaded apps still show their icon and name on the Home Screen, so you won't lose track of where they were.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose my game progress or app login if it gets offloaded?
No, offloading is specifically designed to preserve app data and documents, so progress and logins are restored automatically when you reinstall.
Can I choose exactly which apps are eligible for automatic offloading?
Not individually — the automatic system decides based on usage patterns, but you can always manually offload or exempt an app from iPhone Storage yourself.
Related settings
- 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.
- App Store SettingsApp Store settings control automatic app updates and downloads, whether purchases require a password or Face ID confirmation, and content restrictions that limit which apps and in-app purchases are accessible.
- 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.
More Storage & Backup guides for iPhone (iOS)
- 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.
- 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.