Recommended Free Tools
If a downloaded iOS update is still waiting to install, you can remove its file from Settings > General > iPhone Storage: tap the update in the list, then tap Delete Update. This removes the pending download, not an iOS version already installed. Then review the storage breakdown and choose what else to remove, offload, or move.
Check what is using iPhone storage
Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage. The screen shows available space and, depending on your iPhone and iOS version, recommendations and a list of apps with their storage use. Check the breakdown before deleting anything unrelated to the update. Tap a large app to inspect its storage details.
Recommendations and screen details can vary with iOS version, device, region, and the content stored locally. Read each recommendation and review the items it affects before applying it.
Delete the downloaded update if it is still listed
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Find and tap the iOS update in the storage list.
- Tap Delete Update.
- If you want to try installing it again, go to Settings > General > Software Update and download it again.
This option applies to an update file that has downloaded but has not been installed. It does not roll back iOS or remove an update that is already installed. If the update is not listed, or installation still fails, Apple advises trying the update with a Mac or iTunes. See Apple’s steps for an iPhone or iPad that won’t update.
#1 Best Overall
- 【MFi Certified Flash Drive, Wide Compatibility】This 256GB USB flash drive for iPhone is officially MFi certified, ensuring full support for all iOS devices (iOS 12.1 and above). NOTE: For iPhone users, please download the required app from the App Store before use, while Android only needs to open your OTG function.
- 【Large Storage Capacity, Backup Easily】With 256GB/512GB of additional storage, this iPhone flash drive perfectly addresses memory shortages on your phone or iPad. You can share your special moment with your friends and family on your social media with just one-click. Note: The displayed capacity may differ from 256GB/512GB due to different calculation methods between storage manufacturers (1GB=1000MB) and computers (1GB=1024MB).
- 【Multi Port Design, Plug and Play】Equipped with USB/Lightning/Micro USB/Type-C (with independent adapter), this usb storage flash drive supports a variety of devices for effortless plug and play operation. Quickly transfer data between different devices, significantly enhancing convenience. Please note: Type-C adapter is shipped randomly in black or silver.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Save Your Time】With read speeds up to 40MB/s and write speeds up to 25MB/s, this thumb drive is more efficient than traditional USB drive. Allowing you to quickly transfer files, photos, and videos, which help you save time and focus on the things you like. Note: Actual speeds may vary based on device and processor performance.
- 【Stylish, Portable, and Secure】With a compact and stylish design, this flash drive for iPhone is available in blue, pink, black and gold, making it easy to carry around. The built-in encryption option allows you to set a password via the APP to secure your personal files, photos and videos, ensuring you have peace of mind when storing and accessing your precious memories while traveling or for daily use.
Choose cleanup options based on what you can afford to remove
| Option | What it does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Offload an app | Removes the app itself while keeping its documents and data; you can reinstall the app. | Useful when you want to free the app’s storage without discarding its retained data. |
| Delete an app | Removes the app and its related data. | Check whether you need the app’s data and can restore it before deleting. |
| Remove local downloads | Frees space used by stored files or downloaded TV content. | Review the Files app and watched TV downloads; remove only content you no longer need locally. |
| Review photos and videos | Deleting or transferring content can reduce local storage. iCloud Photos with Optimize iPhone Storage can reduce the space used by local originals. | Understand whether content is synced and whether you have a backup before deleting. |
Apple describes offloading and deleting apps, storage recommendations, and other cleanup options in its iPhone storage guidance. The right choice depends on whether you need to keep the app, its data, or the content itself.
Be careful when cleaning up iCloud Photos
If iCloud Photos is enabled, deleting a photo or video on one device also deletes it from other devices signed in to the same Apple Account that use iCloud Photos. Check that you have a backup or have transferred anything you want to keep before deleting. Some items in Recently Deleted can be recovered for 30 days; Apple notes an exception when iCloud storage is over its limit. Details are in Apple’s instructions for deleting photos on iPhone or iPad.
Rank #2
- MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive: This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 256GB capacity, easily free up space on your device
- 256GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick: The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces for USB/Usb C pcie port card compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry
- One Click Backup and One Click Sharing: You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- Automatic Storage and On-the-Go Playback: All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip
- High Speed Transfer and Data Encryption: This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience
Apple also offers Optimize iPhone Storage with iCloud Photos to reduce local photo storage while keeping full-resolution originals in iCloud. This requires iCloud Photos to be configured and sufficient iCloud capacity. Device storage and iCloud storage are separate: an iCloud plan does not increase the iPhone’s physical capacity. Apple explains the options in its iCloud Photos setup and storage guidance.
Skip generic cache-cleaner apps
iPhone automatically removes cached and temporary files when it needs space. Apple says some cache and system storage cannot be removed manually, so you generally do not need a third-party “cleaner” to hunt down caches. For available controls, start with Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
Rank #3
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
How much free space should you keep?
Apple Support advises maintaining at least 1 GB of free space to avoid slowdowns. That is general performance guidance, not a guaranteed minimum required to download or install every iOS update; the space needed can depend on the device and update.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Made For iPhone Certified. Compatible with iPhone 15 or newer (USB-C) and iPhone 14 or older models (Lightning)(2). When connected via USB-C, works with SANDISK Memory Zone app or Apple iOS Files app—automatic backup requires SANDISK app(3). Lightning connection requires the SANDISK app for copy and backup functions(3).
- SANDISK Memory Zone App Required. Download the app(3) from the App Store and update firmware if prompted to optimize your file management experience or jump to the iOS Files app from the home screen.
- Free Up Space. Seamlessly transfer files to your SanDisk Phone Drive, then easily delete them from your phone to reclaim valuable storage(3).
- Smarter Backups. Choose manual or automatic backup within the SANDISK Memory Zone app with real-time progress tracking, background multitasking, and partial backup support when storage is limited(3).
- Reliable Transfers. Move content between your USB-C or Lightning iPhone, iPad Pro, Mac, and other compatible devices(2).
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
