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Tech Experts Reveal 2 Hidden iPhone Settings That Free Up Storage Fast—Without Deleting Your Photos

February 26, 2026 by Abigail Connolly
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There are many iPhone users who have gone through the same struggle -periods of full storage.

When your phone’s storage is full, it can cause a myriad of issues. Not only is it frustrating because it can prevent you from taking new photos or downloading new things, but it can also easily cause your device to slow down, affecting your day-to-day activities. When people’s storage runs out, sometimes their first instinct is to delete photos and videos they might not be ready to let go of, but there are actually some ‘hidden’ settings tech experts suggest you adjust before doing so. Read more about them below.

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iPhone screen displaying available storage options

1. Offload Unused Apps

When people first get their iPhones, it can be super common to download a bunch of apps that you might not use after a while. Then, instead of sorting through those apps and deleting them, they sit on your phone, taking up storage. Using the 'offload unused apps' feature can help take care of that issue.

 

"Use the offload unused apps feature," suggests tech pro Steven Athwal. "Even if you're not using an app, it's storing large files, patches, and cached data, which is just growing and growing. Offloading apps lets you remove the heavy data, but keep your settings. Essentially, cut the dead weight but keep all you need. It's perfect for people who keep apps 'just in case.'"

Man using an iPhone for everyday tasks

2. Clear Website Data

Most iPhone users spend a lot of time on Safari, the built-in browsing app. Subsequently, there are a lot of websites browsed and logged into, which can end up causing your device to store a lot of extra data, taking up more storage over time.

 

"Data is stored in the local drive of websites to load faster, yet this starts accumulating to hundreds of megabytes over time," explains tech expert Paul DeMott. "Deleting it liberates space and can even make Safari faster as the corrupted cache files slow page rendering."

Author:

Editorial Assistant

Abigail is a journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. As an Editorial Assistant for SheFinds, she covers topics ranging from celebrity news and fashion to wellness. She has written for other publications, including Chip Chick, Bandsintown, BroadwayWorld, and more. When she isn't writing, Abigail loves spending time in the city with her friends, being a 'dog mom' to her Chihuahua, and singing along to some of her favorite music.

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Ariana Grande at the Golden Globes, glamorous red carpet look.
Vitamins and supplements displayed with water for healthy skin.
Russell Crowe front row at Armani fashion show, stylish appearance.
Stylish beauty products displayed on a table
Brad Pitt and Ines de Ramon at F1 World Premiere event.
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Person holding an iPhone 17 in hand
Julia Roberts at the premiere of "After The Hunt."
Prince Harry at the 3rd Annual Project Healthy Minds Gala
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Ariana Grande at the Oscars, showcasing stunning red carpet style.
Kathy Griffin and Jimmy Fallon at an event
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Tori Evans with Taylor Swift at an event.
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