Your iPhone is running slow due to storage issues
Your iPhone is running slow. Apps are crashing. Uploading photos takes forever. Understandable, because that 64GB that seemed plenty big enough back then is now overflowing. You're thinking about a new phone, or maybe even that expensive cloud storage. But here's what no one tells you: the problem often isn't your hardware. It's the clutter you've been carrying around for years . Thousands of screenshots, app caches eating up gigabytes, and that fitness app you used once in 2019. While you're considering buying new AirPods for a better experience, the solution is simpler. A thorough cleaning can extend your iPhone's lifespan by years. No need for a new phone, no monthly fees for extra storage. Just a smart clean with the right approach. And yes, that also frees up space for the accessories you actually use.
Useful links
- Refurbished iPhone collection - find a sustainable alternative
- Apple Watch Series 8 - Optimize your entire Apple ecosystem
- Refurbished iPad collection - more screen space for your tasks
The Real Culprits: Where Is Your Storage Going?
Before you start randomly deleting apps, it's wise to first investigate where your storage is actually going. Navigate to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. This section shows a detailed overview of your storage usage, complete with a colorful bar chart that shows exactly which categories are taking up the most space.
Often, the biggest culprits aren't what you expect. Photos and videos usually appear at the top, but also check "System" and "Other." That mysterious "Other" category can sometimes take up gigabytes of data due to stored cache files, logs, and temporary data that iOS collects during use.
Manage apps smartly without regrets
In the same storage section, you'll see a list of all installed apps, sorted by size. Tap each app for more details. You'll have two options: "Turn off app" or "Uninstall app." Turning off saves your documents and data while removing the app itself—ideal for apps you might need later. Uninstalling permanently erases everything.
Pay particular attention to social media apps like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. These collect enormous amounts of cache data as you scroll. A simple reinstall can sometimes free up several gigabytes without losing any content, since everything is stored in the cloud.
Photos and videos: tackling the biggest space hogs
Your photo library is likely the biggest storage hog on your device. Fortunately, Apple offers clever solutions without requiring you to delete your memories. Enable "Optimize iPhone Storage" in Settings > Photos. This keeps smaller versions on your phone while the originals are safely stored in iCloud.
Also check your "Recently Deleted" folder in the Photos app. Deleted photos remain there for 30 days before being permanently deleted. Empty this folder manually to save space immediately. Don't forget to check WhatsApp media as well—it's saved twice if you have auto-save enabled.
Clear message history
The Messages app is a silent storage hog. Old conversations with photos, videos, and audio messages pile up. Set an automatic deletion period in Settings > Messages: 30 days or 1 year. For important conversations, you can take screenshots or manually save specific media before deleting them.
WhatsApp deserves special attention. Go to Settings > Data & Storage Usage > Storage Usage within the app. Here you'll see how much space is being used per conversation. Select large group conversations and delete old media without deleting the entire conversation.
Clear Safari and system cache effectively
Safari collects website data, cookies, and cache files while you browse. Clear these under Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. Note: This will log you out of websites you're logged into. Therefore, save important passwords in your keychain or password manager first.
For a deeper system cleanup without losing data, restart your iPhone regularly. Press and hold the power and volume buttons simultaneously until the shutdown screen appears. This clears temporary system files and can free up several hundred megabytes.
Use cloud storage smartly
iCloud offers 5GB of free storage, but this fills up quickly. Consider a paid subscription (€0.99 per month for 50GB) as a temporary solution while you clean up. Upload your entire photo library first, then free up some local space, and evaluate later whether you want to keep the subscription.
Alternative cloud services like Google Photos offer free, compressed storage. The quality remains excellent for everyday use; only professional photographers will notice the difference. OneDrive and Dropbox are good options if you already use these services for work.
Manage music and podcasts
Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music often automatically download content for offline use. Check your download settings and delete albums you no longer listen to. In Apple Music, go to Settings > Music > Optimized Storage and set a limit.
Podcast apps are notorious space hogs. Set automatic deletion for played episodes. In Apple Podcasts: Settings > Podcasts > Delete played episodes after 24 hours.
Preventive maintenance for continued speed
After a major cleanup, regular maintenance is essential. Schedule a short cleanup every month. Check your downloads folder, delete screenshots you no longer need, and review which apps you haven't used in the past month.
Installing updates also helps. New iOS versions often include optimizations that improve performance. Be sure to clean up first, though – updates require temporary installation space.
When is an upgrade really necessary?
If you're still running out of space after a thorough cleanup, consider your options. A refurbished model with more storage might be a smart choice. You'll get more space without the environmental impact of a brand new device. Compare the monthly cost of cloud storage with the one-time investment in more local storage.
Modern iPhones have at least 128GB of storage, which is sufficient for most users. If you shoot a lot of video or take professional photos, consider 256GB or more. Keep in mind that apps are constantly getting larger—what seems ample now may be cramped in two years.
By cleaning up smartly and adjusting your storage habits, you can enjoy your current device for years to come. This not only saves money but also reduces electronic waste. A win-win situation for you and the environment.
Conclusion: cleaning up works better than replacing
A slow iPhone doesn't automatically mean you need a new one. With the right approach, you can free up gigabytes and noticeably improve performance. Start with the biggest culprits like photos and social media apps, clear your caches regularly, and set smart limits for downloads. A five-minute monthly maintenance session prevents the clutter from piling up again. If you do end up needing more storage, refurbished models with extra memory are a sustainable alternative. This way, you save money and reduce electronic waste.
