Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To free up space on an iPhone, start at Settings > General > iPhone Storage, then use the recommendations and storage breakdown to choose what to offload, transfer, or delete. Check what an item contains before removing it: offloading an app preserves its documents and data, while deleting the app removes related data. Photos and videos need special care because iCloud storage and iPhone storage are separate.
Check what is using your iPhone storage
- Open Settings.
- Tap General, then iPhone Storage.
- Review the available-space figure, the category and app breakdown, and any recommendations shown for your device.
The labels and recommendations can vary by iOS version and device. Follow the options displayed on your iPhone. You can also review storage by connecting the phone to a Mac and using Finder, or to a PC using Apple Devices. iTunes applies to some older setups. Apple’s iPhone storage guide describes these options.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose a cleanup action that matches what you want to keep
| Option | What it does | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Offload an app | Removes the app but keeps its documents and data; its icon remains available for reinstall. | You do not need the app right now, but may want its data later. |
| Delete an app | Removes the app and its related data. | You no longer want the app or the data associated with it. |
| Remove selected downloads or attachments | Deletes only the items you choose. | You recognize specific videos, files, or message attachments you no longer need. |
To offload or delete an app, select it in the iPhone Storage list and choose the corresponding action shown on screen. Read the confirmation before proceeding. If preserving an app’s documents and data matters, choose offload rather than delete. Apple explains the distinction in its storage guidance.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Review large downloads, messages, and files
- Message attachments: Review large conversations and remove only attachments you recognize and no longer need.
- Downloaded video: Check the TV or streaming apps where you saved videos for offline viewing; remove downloads you have finished watching.
- Files: In the Files app, review stored content and delete only items you no longer need. If a file is valuable, make a copy before removing it.
- Unused apps: Use the iPhone Storage breakdown to identify apps taking space, then offload or delete based on whether you need their data.
These targeted actions let you decide exactly what is removed. The amount of space recovered depends on what is stored on your phone and which items you choose.
#1 Best Overall
- MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive: This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 256GB capacity, easily free up space on your device
- 256GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick: The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces for USB/Usb C pcie port card compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry
- One Click Backup and One Click Sharing: You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- Automatic Storage and On-the-Go Playback: All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip
- High Speed Transfer and Data Encryption: This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience
Reduce the space photos and videos use on the iPhone
Photos and videos are stored on the device in their original, high-resolution form by default. If you use iCloud Photos and have enough available iCloud capacity, Optimize iPhone Storage can keep the full-resolution originals in iCloud and smaller, space-saving copies on the phone when needed.
- Open Settings and tap your name.
- Tap iCloud, then Photos.
- Turn on Sync this iPhone if it is not already on, then select Optimize iPhone Storage if that option appears.
Apple says an iCloud account automatically includes 5 GB of free storage when you sign up. That capacity is shared with iCloud services, so check available space before relying on photo optimization. See Apple’s photo and video storage guidance for the current settings and options.
Rank #2
- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
If you do not want selected media in iCloud
Apple also describes transferring photos and videos to a computer as an alternative. Make sure the transfer is complete and the copies are accessible before deleting anything from the phone. Apple’s guidance also covers merging duplicate photos and videos and reviewing Recommended for You on supported software versions.
Keep iPhone storage and iCloud storage separate
iPhone storage is the device’s built-in capacity; iCloud storage is cloud capacity. Free space in one does not mean free space in the other. Optimizing photos can reduce local storage use but requires room in iCloud.
Rank #3
- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
When iCloud storage is full, iCloud backups stop, new photos and videos do not upload to iCloud Photos, and iCloud Drive and other iCloud apps may not stay up to date across devices. Before deleting content from iCloud, consider making an archive or copy. Apple explains the effects and storage-management options in its iCloud storage guide.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What not to delete or worry about clearing manually
- Do not delete photos or files you want to keep until you have confirmed they are safely copied or backed up. With iCloud Photos, changes can sync across devices, so deleting a photo is not simply a way to remove its local copy while keeping it in the library.
- Do not assume every cached, temporary, or system item has a manual delete control. iOS removes cached and temporary files as space is needed; not every storage category is intended for manual cleanup.
- Do not expect one fixed amount of space to be reclaimed. Results depend on the contents of your phone and the actions you take.
For the safest sequence, inspect storage first, use offload when you want to preserve app data, remove only recognized downloads and attachments, and verify a separate copy before deleting important media or files.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
Rank #4
- 【High Capacity & Effortless Backup】This Compatibility iPhone USB storage flash drive easily handles today’s larger 4K videos, high-resolution photos, and contacts. Easy backup frees up space instantly, so you’ll never miss capturing important moments. Perfect for iPhone, iPad, Android and PC users. (Note: For iPhone/iPad No App Required; For Android only Needs OTG Enabled, No Extra App.)
- 【Universal Compatibility with Dual Interfaces】Featuring USB, USB-L, Micro USB and USB-C independent ports, this iPhone photo storage stick connects seamlessly with iPhone/iPad, Android OTG phones, laptops and tablets. No iCloud fees, no internet required—just plug in and transfer files freely between your phone, computer and other devices.
- 【Blazing Fast Transfers Anywhere】Featuring upgraded high-speed chips, this portable phone external storage drive enables instant mass file transfers—up to 30 MB/s read speed and 15 MB/s write speed—no WiFi or data cables required. Save time sharing photos, moving large video projects, whether you’re traveling, working, or creating content on the go.
- 【Easy Backup, Enjoy Anytime Anyplace】Plug-and-play & simple to operate—quickly back up videos, photos, contacts and documents without tedious copying or pasting. No third-party apps required; just plug the drive into your iPhone, iPad or Android device and operate via the "Files" app. You can also share files directly from the iPhone photo stick to social media, instantly sharing wonderful moments with friends and family.
- 【How to Transfer in iPhone iPad】Requires iOS 13 and Higher: Simply insert the flash drive into your iPhone iPad, then go to the "Files" app, Click back to “Browse” and find the flash drive named “Untitled”, Move photos videos and files to your iPad or iPhone as needed.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors
