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What's the best way to Delete Documents and Data on iPhone?

I have noticed that my phone's storage space is being occupied by an increasing amount of "Documents and Data," I have already tried deleting unnecessary apps, clearing caches, and even offloading apps, but the "Documents and Data" category is still taking up a large portion of my storage. I am uncertain about the exact nature of these files and how to remove them completely from my iPhone.

Can anyone provide assistance or suggest effective methods to help me delete documents and data on iPhone and free up storage space on my iPhone?

Posted on Mar 18, 2024 12:18 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 18, 2024 12:53 AM

No, app storage documents and data typically do not clean up automatically over time.


The "Documents and Data" section in your iPhone storage refers to files generated by the app itself, such as:

  • Cache: Temporary files used to speed up app loading
  • Browsing history
  • Login credentials
  • App settings
  • Downloaded files within the app (for offline use)


While some apps might have built-in features to clear the cache, most don't offer automatic cleanup for documents and data.


10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 18, 2024 12:53 AM in response to Genopikke

No, app storage documents and data typically do not clean up automatically over time.


The "Documents and Data" section in your iPhone storage refers to files generated by the app itself, such as:

  • Cache: Temporary files used to speed up app loading
  • Browsing history
  • Login credentials
  • App settings
  • Downloaded files within the app (for offline use)


While some apps might have built-in features to clear the cache, most don't offer automatic cleanup for documents and data.


Mar 18, 2024 2:25 AM in response to Genopikke

The best way to delete documents and data on an iPhone involves understanding what contributes most to your storage space and targeting those areas for cleanup. Begin by navigating to Settings > General > [iPhone] Storage. This section provides a comprehensive overview of what's taking up space on your device, including apps, photos, media, and more. Focusing on the largest consumers of space can offer the most immediate benefits. For instance, you might find that certain apps store a lot of cache data, or old messages and attachments are taking up more room than expected.


To specifically address documents and data within apps, you can either delete the app and reinstall it to clear its cache or use the app's internal settings to manage its storage. Some apps, like Safari, allow you to clear cache and website data directly from the iPhone settings. For others, look for options within the app to manage or delete files, such as in the Documents by Readdle app or similar file management applications. When in doubt, consult the app’s settings or help documentation for advice on managing its data storage.

Mar 26, 2024 1:55 AM in response to Genopikke

The "Documents and Data" on your iPhone include files such as app data, caches, cookies, log files, and downloads. These files can take up a significant amount of storage over time. Here are the steps to delete documents and data on iPhone:


  • Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
  • Tap on "General" and then "iPhone Storage" (or "Storage" on older iOS versions).
  • Scroll down to see the list of apps on your iPhone and select the app whose documents and data you want to delete.
  • Tap on the app name to open the app settings.
  • Under the app name, you'll see the "Documents and Data" size. Tap on "Delete App" to delete the app and its associated documents and data. Note that this will also delete any data associated with the app, so make sure you have a backup if necessary.
  • To delete only the app's documents and data without deleting the app itself, tap on the app name and then tap "Offload App." This will remove the app from your phone but keep its data.
  • If you want to delete only specific files within an app's "Documents and Data," you'll need to delete them manually within the app.
  • To delete all "Documents and Data" from your phone, you can try resetting your iPhone to its factory settings. This will erase all data, settings, and apps from your phone, including any "Documents and Data."


Note that reseting your phone to factory settings is a drastic option and should be a last resort as it will erase everything from your phone including photos, contacts, messages, etc. Therefore, make sure you create a backup before proceeding to reset the iPhone.


By following these steps, you can efficiently delete documents and data on iPhone and free up some storage space.

Mar 18, 2024 12:54 AM in response to Genopikke

To clear the App data the app needs to be deleted from the iPhone. Removal or Offloading will not work.


First disable the Screen Time Restrictions, if any.


Settings > Screen Time > Contenet And Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps > [Allow]




There are six possibilities

  1. Delete an offloaded App
  2. Delete an App from the Home Screen
  3. Remove an App from the Home Screen - Will be placed in the App Library
  4. Delete an App from the App Library
  5. Delete an inbuilt App - Not feasible
  6. Delete an inbuilt App with one feature - You do not get any options either (e.g. Magnifier)



Watch the GIF

Apr 6, 2024 10:39 PM in response to Genopikke

The best way to delete documents and data on iPhone is by using the following methods:


1. Delete Apps: Deleting unused apps and those that are consuming too much space on your iPhone is an easy way to lower the document and data storage. To delete apps, simply tap and hold on the app and select "Delete App" from the pop-up menu.


2. Clear Safari Cache: Safari cache is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to consuming documents and data storage on iPhone. You can clear your Safari cache by going to "Settings" > "Safari" > "Clear History and Website Data."


3. Clear App Cache: Some apps, such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, store a lot of cache data on your iPhone, even if you don't use them that frequently. You can clear the cache data by going to "Settings" > "General" > "iPhone Storage" >selecting the app > "Offload App" or "Delete App".

Apr 6, 2024 10:58 PM in response to Jasonmen

Jasonmen wrote:

To get the best way to delete documents and data on iPhone. How about these two methods
1. Use iPhone Cleaner Apps: There are several iPhone cleaner apps that you can use to easily delete documents and data on iPhone. Some of the popular ones include iMyFone Umate, Phone Clean, and Clean Master. These apps allow you to quickly delete unwanted files, clear cache and cookies, remove temporary files, and manage your iPhone storage.

2. Restore iPhone to Factory Settings: If you want to completely wipe out all documents, data, and settings from your iPhone, you can restore it to factory settings. You can do this by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings." However, be sure to backup your iPhone before doing this as it will delete all the data on your iPhone and restore it to its original factory settings.

Only the second method is a viable option. The first method to use a cleaner app is a scam. All they will do is take your money. Don't fall for it and never install a so called cleaner app.

Jul 27, 2024 11:58 PM in response to Nassico

I would like to delete only the documents and data of the Netflix app which is significantly large, considering I have no downloads. Not sure I want to delete the app as I'll have to sign in again and don't want to risk not being able to sign in. What's the best way of deleting the documents and data?


The step below that you posted contradict itself. Does it keep the documents and data or not?


"To delete only the app's documents and data without deleting the app


itself, tap on the app name and then tap "Offload App."


This will remove the app from your phone but keep its data."

Apr 6, 2024 10:49 PM in response to Genopikke

To get the best way to delete documents and data on iPhone. How about these two methods

1. Use iPhone Cleaner Apps: There are several iPhone cleaner apps that you can use to easily delete documents and data on iPhone. Some of the popular ones include iMyFone Umate, Phone Clean, and Clean Master. These apps allow you to quickly delete unwanted files, clear cache and cookies, remove temporary files, and manage your iPhone storage.


2. Restore iPhone to Factory Settings: If you want to completely wipe out all documents, data, and settings from your iPhone, you can restore it to factory settings. You can do this by going to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Erase All Content and Settings." However, be sure to backup your iPhone before doing this as it will delete all the data on your iPhone and restore it to its original factory settings.

Apr 10, 2024 10:38 PM in response to Genopikke

The iPhone is creating new data all the time, and of course, they almost take up the space on the phone. It is necessary to free up storage space on iPhone. So. Share some tips to delete documents and data on iPhone.


1. Clear Safari Cache. Safari loves to hoard data, and that can take up a lot of space over time. To clear Safari's cache and cookies, go to Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data. This will wipe out all browsing history, cookies, and other website data, giving you a nice little storage boost.


2. If you've got apps sitting around that you rarely use, let iOS take care of them for you. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, and you'll see a list of all your apps sorted by how much space they're taking up. Tap on any app you don't use frequently and enable "Offload App". This will remove the app from your device but keep its data intact. If you ever need the app again, iOS will reinstall it for you.


3. Messages can quickly gobble up storage space, especially if you're a heavy texter. Go to Settings > Messages > Keep Messages, and choose a shorter duration to keep your messages (like 30 days or 1 year). While you're at it, scroll through your message threads and delete any large attachments like photos and videos that you no longer need.

What's the best way to Delete Documents and Data on iPhone?

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