iPhone users worldwide are frequently facing a common yet concerning issue: the "System Data" category unexpectedly consuming a significant portion of internal storage. This issue has sparked discussions on platforms like Reddit, where one user reported that System Data took up 86.96GB of their 128GB iPhone, which is about 68% of the device's total storage.
This long-standing problem has caused frustration among users who are left to find solutions on their own. A Reddit user named TakenToTheRiver expressed that this is not something ordinary iPhone users should have to deal with, noting that this "bug" has persisted for years, indicating a need for resolution.
Similar cases have been shared by others, with users like laszlotuss losing 100.62GB and DanscoRed reporting a staggering 150.56GB consumed. This clearly shows that there is an underlying issue with how System Data is managed in iOS.
Why Does System Data Expand?
System Data is a storage category in iOS that includes temporary files, application caches, system logs, and various other data that do not fall under primary categories like Apps, Photos, or Messages. Ideally, its size should remain relatively small. However, bugs or issues in cache management can lead to an unusual accumulation of this data.
While Apple has not officially acknowledged or provided a permanent fix for this issue, there are several solutions that have proven effective for many users. These solutions range from simple fixes to more drastic measures, such as performing a full restore.
Solutions to Free Up Storage Space
Here are several methods you can try to address the problem of bloated System Data on your iPhone:
1. Backup, Reset, and Restore
This is one of the most commonly recommended solutions with a high success rate. The process involves backing up your iPhone data, either to iCloud or to a computer, performing a factory reset, and then restoring the data from the backup.
The steps are straightforward:
- Backup your iPhone to iCloud or a computer.
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- After the reset is complete, follow the on-screen instructions to restore your data from the backup.
A Reddit user, jg61600, suggested performing the restore in DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode for optimal results. DFU mode installs a completely new copy of iOS and clears all system caches that might be causing the issue.
This backup and restore method has also been effective in addressing similar problems in the Apple Maps app, which can consume excessive storage. However, since this is quite a drastic technique, it's advisable to try simpler solutions first.
2. Enable Offload Unused Apps
This method is simpler and does not require you to delete all your data. This feature allows iOS to automatically remove apps that are rarely used while retaining user documents and data.
To enable it:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to App Store.
- Scroll down and enable the Offload Unused Apps option.
Reddit user Dapper_Contest_5695 mentioned that enabling this feature "seemed to fix their extra system storage issue." This is a good initial step before trying more complex methods.
3. Clear Application Cache
Some applications, especially web browsers and podcast apps, can accumulate a large amount of cache that contributes to the bloating of System Data. Clearing this cache can help free up storage space.
User EffectiveEquivalent shared this solution: "Clear the cache for your web browser and podcast apps." They also mentioned deleting games that have additional downloads inside. They suspect that this last step might be a common issue for many users.
To clear Safari's cache, you can go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. For other apps, you may need to delete and reinstall them.
Impact on iPhone Users
The issue of bloated System Data can be very disruptive, especially for users with limited storage capacity. Losing tens of gigabytes of storage without clear reasons can hinder users from taking new photos, downloading apps, or even performing system updates.
Although Apple has not provided a permanent fix, the solutions outlined above have been helpful for many users. By following these steps, you may be able to recover lost storage space and alleviate concerns about a full iPhone.
For more information on Apple products, you can check out the latest leaks on the iPhone 18 Pro.
Source: https://telset.id/how-to/iphone-storage-penuh-bug-system-data-ini-cara-mengatasinya
