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iPhone (iOS)⏱ 1 min

How to Check Available Storage on iPhone (iOS)

See total, used, and free storage before downloading or installing anything.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

iPhone storage reporting lives in Settings > General > iPhone Storage, one of the most informative storage views of any mobile platform because it breaks down not just by app but by media type within Apple's own apps. The horizontal bar at the top colour-codes usage by category (Apps, Photos, iOS, System), and scrolling down shows every installed app with its App Size and Documents & Data component listed separately. This distinction matters for troubleshooting: a large Documents & Data number for a messaging app usually means cached media that can be cleared from inside the app, while a large App Size means the app binary itself is large.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Wait a moment for the bar chart to populate and review the app list below.
  2. 2Note free space before downloading large files or installing new apps.
  3. 3If free space is below 10%, follow the Free Up Storage guide before proceeding with your task.

Still Not Working?

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Verify the Fix

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check storage on iPhone (iOS)?
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Wait a moment for the bar chart to load, which shows used space broken down by category.
What is the difference between storage and memory (RAM) on iPhone (iOS)?
Storage (also called disk space or internal storage) is the permanent space where your files, apps, photos, and OS live. RAM (memory) is the temporary working space the device uses while apps are actively running. They are completely separate — running low on storage does not directly mean you have low RAM, and vice versa.
Why does my iPhone (iOS) show less storage than its advertised size?
All devices reserve space for the operating system, pre-installed apps, and manufacturer files that are not accessible to you. A device advertised as 128 GB typically shows 110–118 GB available after these system partitions. This is normal and expected across all manufacturers.
How do I check how much storage a specific app uses on iPhone (iOS)?
Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage and tap any app in the list to see its App Size versus Documents and Data usage separately.

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