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Error messageFor the iPhone device-storage alert Storage Almost Full. This guide covers device space, not the iCloud quota. A category total does not identify files that are safe to delete without reviewing their contents.

iPhone shows Storage Almost Full

Storage Almost Full

Identify local storage use and distinguish offloading an app while retaining data from deleting it with its data.

Try this first

1 quick checks · ~3 min

  1. Review actual iPhone storage useDo not treat an iCloud quota as device space.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Review actual iPhone storage use

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Do not treat an iCloud quota as device space.

  1. Review apps and storage use. Open an app to distinguish its size from its data.

    1. Settings
    2. General
    3. iPhone Storage

  2. Read each recommendation before enabling it. If it proposes deleting content, review what will be removed and preserve what you need first.

Sources:
02

Consider offloading an app while retaining its data

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Easy
  • Low risk

Compare the options for that app before confirming.

  1. In the storage details of an app you do not need now, choose Offload App, the option that retains documents and data.

  2. Apple distinguishes this from Delete App, which also removes related data. Check free space afterward before changing another app.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

If space remains insufficient, review storage categories and content you can back up with support. Do not use third-party cleaners or delete saves, messages or photos without understanding their sync and backup state.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.