Running out of space on your iPhone or iPad? Deleting app data is an easy way to reclaim some space. This guide walks you through three straightforward methods to remove unneeded application data from your iPhone or iPad.
Deleting app data is permanent and cannot be undone. This may remove important information, synced files, or messages, so back up anything critical before proceeding.
These steps will help you clear app data efficiently, depending on whether it’s stored locally or in iCloud. Three methods are available to delete app data on iOS.
To delete app data from iCloud, open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad; it’s the gray gear icon on your home screen. Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu, then tap iCloud in the second section of settings. Tap Storage if using iOS 18 or later, or Manage Account Storage for iOS 17 and earlier. Select the app whose data you want to delete; the space it uses in iCloud is shown next to its name. Note that if the app isn’t listed, you can use Method 2 instead. Tap Delete Data from iCloud, which may require scrolling; the wording might vary by app. For Messages, this deletes all iMessage conversations. For iCloud Drive, it removes stored files. Tap Delete to confirm; the data is now removed from your device, iCloud, and any synced devices. To prevent future syncing, go back to the iCloud screen and toggle off the switch next to the app.
To delete an app and its data, open the Settings app by tapping the gear icon on your home screen. Tap General, then tap iPhone Storage or iPad Storage in the fourth section; wait for the list of apps to load. Scroll down and tap the app you want to review. Check the App Size and Documents & Data at the top; if Documents & Data is large, proceed to delete. Tap Delete App in red text at the bottom. Tap Delete App to confirm, or Permanently Delete if prompted; this removes the app and all its data. Reinstall the app from the App Store if needed to start fresh.
To clear Safari browsing data, open the Settings app, the gray gear icon on your home screen. Scroll down and tap Apps if using iOS 18 or later. Scroll and tap Safari, shown with a blue compass icon. Scroll down and tap Clear History and Website Data near the bottom. Select All History to ensure everything is cleared. Tap Clear History to confirm; this deletes all stored history and website data from your device.
Regularly reviewing your iPhone Storage in Settings can help identify apps with the most data buildup. Consider offloading unused apps to free space without deleting them entirely.
Freeing up space by deleting app data helps your iPhone or iPad run smoother and prevents storage from filling up unexpectedly. It also enhances privacy by removing cached information, login details, or browsing history that could be accessed if your device is lost or shared.
Beyond space savings, this process encourages better data management habits, like backing up essentials to iCloud before clearing. Over time, it can improve battery life and app performance by reducing clutter from old files and downloads.
For users with limited storage, these methods are essential for maintaining usability without needing to upgrade hardware. Always double-check what you’re deleting to avoid losing valuable content.
