iCloud Drive space not freeing up after deleting files on iPhone

This happens because some downloaded documents or cached data don’t get fully removed, and the system doesn't always clean them up automatically.

Here’s what’s likely happening and how you can fix it:

When you download a file using Safari, it's usually saved in the “Downloads” folder within the Files app, under iCloud Drive or On My iPhone, depending on your settings. If you delete the file manually, it might seem like it's gone, but the app can keep behind-the-scenes data or "cached" copies — and these build up over time.

To clean things up, first open the Files app and go to the “On My iPhone” and “iCloud Drive” sections. Look inside the Downloads folder and any app folders (like Keynote, Numbers, or third-party folders) to make sure nothing is hiding there. Delete anything you don’t need.

Next, go to the “Recently Deleted” folder in the Files app (scroll all the way down the Browse screen to see it). If anything is in there, delete it again to permanently remove it.

After this, restart your iPhone. This helps the system recognize that space has been cleared. To restart, press and hold the side button and either volume button, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds and turn your phone back on.

If you’ve already done all this and the Files app is still using a lot of space, the next best step is to offload or reinstall the app that’s holding the data (usually Safari or Files). To do this, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Files (or Safari if that's what's using a lot). Tap Offload App, then reinstall it. This will remove hidden app data without deleting the app’s documents and settings.

In short, your storage is filling up because deleted downloads don’t always fully disappear from behind the scenes. By checking the hidden folders in Files, clearing Recently Deleted, and restarting your phone (or offloading the app if needed), you should be able to reclaim that space.