Running out of space on your iPhone 12? Don’t worry, clearing storage is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll free up space in no time. By deleting unnecessary files, offloading unused apps, and managing your photo library, you can optimize your iPhone’s storage and keep it running smoothly.
Step by Step Tutorial: How to Clear Storage on iPhone 12
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re trying to achieve here. Clearing storage on your iPhone 12 will help you get rid of clutter, free up space for new apps, photos, and updates, and improve the overall performance of your device. So let’s get started!
Step 1: Check Storage Usage
Go to Settings > General > [iPhone] Storage.
This step provides an overview of what’s taking up space on your iPhone. You’ll see a bar chart that breaks down the storage by category, such as apps, photos, and system data. This visual representation helps you quickly identify which areas you can target to clear up space.
Step 2: Offload Unused Apps
Tap on the ‘Enable’ option next to ‘Offload Unused Apps.’
Offloading apps you haven’t used in a while is a great way to free up space without losing any documents or data associated with those apps. Your iPhone will automatically reinstall the app when you open it again, so it’s a convenient way to manage your storage.
Step 3: Delete Unnecessary Apps
Tap on the app you want to delete, then select ‘Delete App.’
If there are apps you no longer use and don’t plan to use in the future, it’s best to delete them entirely. This will free up space and declutter your home screen. Remember that deleting an app also removes all its data.
Step 4: Manage Photos and Videos
Open the Photos app and review your library for unneeded photos and videos.
Photos and videos often take up a significant portion of your storage. Consider deleting duplicates, blurry photos, or any media you don’t want to keep. You can also use features like ‘Optimize iPhone Storage’ which stores the full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud and keeps only the thumbnails on your device.
Step 5: Clear Safari Cache
Go to Settings > Safari, then tap ‘Clear History and Website Data.’
Clearing your Safari cache can free up space and also improve your browsing experience by removing old data that might be slowing down your browser. Keep in mind that this will log you out of any websites you’re signed into through Safari.
After completing these actions, your iPhone 12 should have more available storage. You’ll notice that your device runs faster, apps open more quickly, and you have space for new content. It’s like giving your iPhone a fresh start!
Tips: How to Clear Storage on iPhone 12
- Regularly review your downloaded music and podcast episodes. Delete any that you’ve already listened to or no longer need.
- Look into storing files on cloud services like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox to keep your iPhone storage free.
- Utilize the ‘Auto-Delete Old Conversations’ feature in Messages to automatically remove messages and attachments sent and received over a year ago.
- If you receive a lot of email attachments, be sure to regularly clear them from the Mail app.
- Consider using the ‘High Efficiency’ camera setting to reduce the file size of photos and videos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clear storage on my iPhone 12?
You should review your storage at least once a month to ensure your device continues to run smoothly.
Will clearing storage delete my personal data?
No, clearing storage will not delete personal data like contacts or messages unless you specifically choose to delete that information.
Does offloading an app delete its data?
No, offloading an app does not delete its data. When you reinstall the app, its data will be restored.
Can I recover photos after I delete them?
Yes, deleted photos go to the ‘Recently Deleted’ album and can be recovered within 30 days.
What if I don’t have enough storage for an iOS update?
You can update your iPhone using your computer, or temporarily remove some content to make space for the update.
Summary
- Check Storage Usage
- Offload Unused Apps
- Delete Unnecessary Apps
- Manage Photos and Videos
- Clear Safari Cache
Conclusion
Clearing storage on your iPhone 12 is not only about creating space for new apps and photos. It’s about ensuring your device operates at its peak performance. With less clutter, your iPhone can run more efficiently, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, quicker user experience. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your device organized and free from digital debris. Remember to be mindful of what you store on your iPhone and regularly check and manage your storage. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can keep your iPhone 12 feeling fresh and fast. So go ahead, give your iPhone the clean-up it deserves!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.