How to Delete 'Other' Files from iOS Devices

The iOS devices have an 'Other' category working as device storage for keeping the cache memory, setting preferences, messages, etc. At times the 'Other' files and data takes up too much storage space in the device resulting in the performance. Thus, it gets necessary to find the 'Other' files in the device. But finding the 'Other' files is not much easy, but with proper guidance, you will not only be able to find the files, but also be able to delete them to secure the storage of your iOS device. Follow the steps to find and clean up the 'Other' files.

Here's how to find and remove 'Other' files from the iOS device

Check the Storage Space in iOS Device

1.      Open Settings app in your device.

2.      Now, tap the General tab.

3.      Proceed and select your iOS Storage option.

In this section of your device, you will see the space occupied. Also, below the grid, you can check which app is taking more storage of your phone.

Checking Storage using iTunes

When the iOS device is connected with iTunes, you can see the summary of storage in the device.

1.      Connect the iOS device to the computer system.

2.      Usually, iTunes opens automatically in the computer, but if it doesn’t then launch it manually.

3.      Now, navigate to the upper left corner and click the device icon.

4.      Go to Summary from the left side of iTunes.

5.      You will see Other at the bottom of the screen.

6.      Move the mouse cursor over Other section.

7.      It will pop up a box revealing the storage taken up by the 'Other' category.

Delete old iMessage and Mail Data

While running the Mail app, the device creates the cache memory of documents, images, pictures, and other media files. The cache helps the data to open faster the next time. But the cache ikeeps  the data of older files which no longer you view in your device. In that case, removing the cache memory of the data from Mail app is necessary, though you have to re-enter the email login credentials.

Similarly, the iMessage which essential to receive and send a message, stores the received data in 'Other' category of mobile storage. Hence to prevent the space consumption by Other storage, delete the images and other attachments conversations or you can set the messages in the iOS device to remove after a specified time.

Clear the Cache and Offline Reading List

1.      Open Settings app in the iOS device.

2.      Go to General tab and tap on the device Storage.

3.      Navigate to Safari and proceed to Website data.

4.      Tap on it and scroll down to select Remove all Website Data.

5.      Find Offline Reading List and swipe left on the option.

6.      Now, tap the Delete button.

7.      Go back to the storage list to see that Safari is not showing any data.

iOS 11 and later versions have made it easier to clean up the cache. New versions of iOS are allowing the users to choose the auto-delete option to delete the message conversations. Also, the user can review the attachments with emails messages to remove them from the device. The unused or unnecessary apps takes too much space, and these can be offloaded from the device as the user don’t access them anymore.

Sofia Martine is a creative person who has been writing blogs and articles about cyber security. She writes about the latest updates regarding McAfee.com/activate and how it can improve the work experience of users. Her articles have been published in many popular e-magazines, blogs and website..