Your iPhone is bulging – time for a digital cleanup
Your iPhone is overflowing. Screens full of apps you never open. Constant notifications about low storage. Your first thought: maybe it's time for a new device. Or maybe those extra accessories to keep everything organized.
But here's what no one tells you: most iPhone users only use 9 apps regularly , even though they have an average of 80 installed. The problem isn't your phone. It's how you use it.
Decluttering sounds tedious, but it not only saves you the hassle—it also extends your device's lifespan. Just as a good protective case physically protects your iPhone, digital decluttering protects its performance. Time to tackle that app hoarding frenzy.
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Why deleting apps is more profitable than you think
The average iPhone user has 80 apps installed, but only uses nine regularly. This discrepancy between owning and using them not only wastes storage space—it also impacts your device's performance. Every app running in the background consumes system resources. Even apps you never open can download updates and create cache files.
Cleaning up your iPhone is like servicing your car. You won't immediately notice the difference after deleting a single app, but after a thorough clean, your phone will feel like new again. The interface will be more responsive, the battery will last longer, and you'll finally find what you're looking for again.
The different ways to delete apps
Method 1: Directly from the Home Screen
The fastest way works directly from your home screen:
- Find the app you want to delete
- Hold your finger on the app icon until a menu appears
- Select 'Remove app' from the menu
- Confirm your choice by tapping 'Delete'
This method works perfectly for individual apps you want to remove quickly. The downside: you can't see exactly how much space you're freeing up.
Method 2: Via iPhone Storage Settings
For a more detailed look, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. Here you'll see:
- How much space each app takes up
- When you last used the app
- The option to 'Disable' apps instead of deleting them
This method gives you more control. You'll immediately see which apps are taking up the most space and can make targeted choices. Apps you haven't opened for months but are still taking up a lot of space are ideal candidates for deletion.
Method 3: Disable Apps Instead of Deleting Them
iOS offers a clever workaround: disabling apps. This removes the app itself but saves your documents and data. If you reinstall the app later, everything will still be there. Perfect for apps you use seasonally, like vacation apps or tax preparation software.
Which apps can't you delete?
Apple protects certain system apps from being deleted. Phone, Messages, Safari, and Settings always remain on your device. These basic apps are essential for iOS to function properly. Other pre-installed apps like Compass, Tips, or Stocks can be deleted, but they take up relatively little space.
A practical solution for undeletable apps you don't use: put them in a folder on your phone's last screen. Name this folder something like "System" or "Other." This way, you can keep your main screens clean without running into system limitations.
Organize smartly with folders and widgets
After removing unnecessary apps, the next step is organizing what's left. Folders are your best friend for a clean home screen. Group apps by function:
- Social media (Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn)
- Productivity (Mail, Notes, Calendar)
- Entertainment (Netflix, Spotify, podcasts)
- Finance (banking, investing, budgeting)
Widgets make your home screen even more functional. Instead of five weather apps, you can use a single weather widget that displays the information instantly. This not only saves space but also time searching for information.
Cloud storage as a space-saving solution
iCloud Photo Library is the biggest space saver for most users. Photos and videos often take up gigabytes of space. Moving them to the cloud instantly frees up a substantial amount of space. The "Optimize iPhone Storage" setting keeps small versions on your phone for quick viewing, while the originals are safely stored in the cloud.
Other cloud options like Google Photos or Dropbox offer similar functionality. Google Photos even offers unlimited free storage for high-quality photos. However, be mindful of privacy considerations when choosing a cloud service.
Preventive maintenance for your iPhone
Checking your app usage once a month prevents your iPhone from filling up again. Go to Settings > Screen Time to see which apps you're actually using. Apps with less than five minutes of usage per week are candidates for deletion.
Disabling automatic app downloads also helps. Otherwise, new apps you download on your iPad will automatically appear on your iPhone. Turn this off in Settings > App Store > Automatic Downloads.
Regularly clearing your cache files also makes a difference. You can clear Safari's cache via Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. For other apps, you often need to uninstall and reinstall the app to clear the cache.
The impact on battery life and performance
Fewer apps doesn't just mean more storage space. Apps that refresh in the background consume battery power, even when you're not actively using them. Removing unnecessary apps can significantly extend battery life. Tests show that users experience an average 10-15% longer battery life after a thorough app cleanup.
The responsiveness of your interface also improves. Opening apps, switching between screens, and even typing messages feels smoother. This is because your device has fewer processes to manage and more RAM available for active tasks.
When does a refurbished upgrade make sense?
Sometimes, cleaning up isn't enough. If your iPhone is over four years old and you're still running into storage limits, a refurbished model with more storage might be a smart choice. A refurbished iPhone with 128GB or 256GB of storage often costs less than a new one with 64GB, while still giving you the extra space you need.
The choice between continuing to clean up or upgrading depends on your usage. Do you take a lot of photos? Then extra storage is valuable. Do you mainly use social media and streaming? Then regular cleanups are probably sufficient.
A tidy iPhone starts with conscious choices
A tidy iPhone isn't about perfection, but about making conscious choices . By keeping only apps you actually use, you not only reclaim storage space—your phone also becomes faster and the battery lasts longer.
Start today with that one app you haven't opened in months. For those who consistently run into storage problems, a refurbished iPhone with more memory can be a solution. But usually, regular cleaning is enough to keep your device running smoothly.
