What is System Data
Files your iPhone needs that you cannot remove yourself.
- Siri voices, fonts and dictionariesFiles iOS keeps on your iPhone and you cannot remove.
- Logs and cachesLogs and caches the system keeps. You cannot remove them yourself.
- Search indexWhat lets search find things on your iPhone quickly.
- System dataLike the keychain that holds your saved passwords, and the data apps use to sync with iCloud.
Older versions of iOS called this part Other. Apple's own support page still uses that name.
Where to find it
It is listed at the bottom of iPhone Storage.
- SettingsOpen the Settings app.
- GeneralTap General.
- iPhone StorageTap iPhone Storage, then scroll to the bottom.
System Data is listed there with how much space it uses. For what the other parts mean, see how to check your iPhone storage.
Why it goes up and down
Your iPhone adds and removes these files by itself.
System Data holds caches and temporary files. When space runs low, your iPhone removes them on its own, so the number can grow and shrink without you doing anything.
Can you delete it
Not directly. There is no button for it.
You cannot delete System Data yourself. Your iPhone removes cached and temporary files when it needs the space, so you do not have to.
To make room, remove things you can control instead, like videos, photos and apps. See how to free up storage on your iPhone.