Troubleshooting: Why Isn’t My iPhone Storage Loading?

Are you experiencing problems with your iPhone storage not loading? This can be a frustrating issue, especially if you rely heavily on your smartphone for work or personal use. The good news is that there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this problem and get your iPhone storage up and running again.
Restart Your iPhone
If your iPhone storage isn’t loading, the first step to resolving the issue is to restart your device. Restarting your iPhone can help clear any minor glitches and free up memory that might be causing the storage loading problem. Here’s how to restart your iPhone:
- Press and hold the “Sleep/Wake” button until the “Slide to Power Off” slider appears.
- Drag the slider to the right to turn off your iPhone.
- After a few seconds, press and hold the “Sleep/Wake” button again until the Apple logo appears on the screen.
After your iPhone restarts, check if the storage loading issue has been resolved. If not, continue with the troubleshooting steps.
Check for Software Updates
If your iPhone storage is still not loading, it may be due to outdated software. Apple regularly releases updates to improve the performance of their devices, fix bugs, and enhance security. Keeping your iPhone’s software up to date can potentially resolve storage loading issues.
To check for software updates, follow these steps:
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1 | Open the Settings app on your iPhone. |
2 | Tap “General.” |
3 | Tap “Software Update.” |
4 | If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.” |
Note that downloading and installing software updates can take some time, especially if the update is significant. Make sure your iPhone is connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network and has sufficient battery life before proceeding with the update.
If updating your iPhone’s software does not resolve the storage loading issue, try the other troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article.
Clear Safari Cache and Website Data
If restarting your iPhone and checking for software updates did not resolve the storage loading issue, you may need to clear out the cache and website data on your Safari browser. This can help free up storage space and potentially fix the loading problem.
Note: Clearing your cache and website data will log you out of any saved websites and may cause websites to load slower the first time you visit them again.
Step | Instructions |
---|---|
1. | Open the Settings app on your iPhone. |
2. | Scroll down and tap on “Safari”. |
3. | Tap “Clear History and Website Data”. |
4. | Confirm your choice by tapping “Clear History and Data”. |
If this does not fix the issue, you can also try clearing out specific website data by going to “Advanced” > “Website Data” and swiping left on any website you want to remove.
Disable Background App Refresh
If your iPhone storage is still not loading, disabling Background App Refresh may help to reduce the amount of storage being used by your device. Background App Refresh allows apps to run in the background and consume data without your knowledge, which can lead to storage issues.
To disable Background App Refresh:
- Go to Settings on your iPhone
- Tap General
- Tap Background App Refresh
- Toggle off the switch to disable Background App Refresh for all apps or select specific apps to disable for
This will prevent apps from using data in the background, potentially freeing up storage space and improving the loading process.
Delete Unnecessary Apps and Files
If your iPhone storage is not loading, it could be due to limited storage space. Deleting unnecessary apps and files can help free up space, potentially resolving the issue.
To delete apps, press and hold the app icon until it starts shaking, then tap the “X” in the corner. Alternatively, go to “Settings > General > iPhone Storage” to view a list of apps and the amount of storage space they are using. Tap on an app to delete it.
To delete files, go to “Files” or “Photos” and select the file you want to delete. Tap the “Trash” icon to delete the file. To delete multiple files at once, tap “Select” and choose the files you want to delete, then tap the “Trash” icon.
It is also a good idea to regularly review your files and delete any that are no longer needed to free up space on your iPhone.
Use iCloud Storage or External Storage
If deleting unnecessary apps and files doesn’t free up enough space or if you want to avoid storage issues in the future, consider using iCloud storage or external storage options.
iCloud is an online storage service offered by Apple that allows you to store photos, videos, documents, and other files on remote servers. You can access your files from any device with your Apple ID, which means you can free up space on your iPhone by uploading files to iCloud and deleting them from your device.
You can also use external storage options such as a USB drive or an external hard drive to store files and free up space on your iPhone. You can transfer files to external storage using a lightning-to-USB adapter or wirelessly with an app like AirTransfer.
Keep in mind that using external storage options may require additional setup and may not be as convenient as using iCloud. Additionally, you will need to ensure the external storage device is compatible with your iPhone and has enough storage space to accommodate your files.
Reset All Settings
If none of the previous troubleshooting steps have resolved the iPhone storage loading issue, resetting all settings may help. This process will not erase any data or media stored on the device, but it will restore all settings to their default configurations.
To reset all settings:
- Go to the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
- Select “General”.
- Scroll down and select “Reset”.
- Select “Reset All Settings”.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm the action by selecting “Reset All Settings” again.
Note that this process will not only reset settings related to storage, but it will also reset all other settings, including Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth connections, and other personal preferences. After resetting, you will need to reconfigure your settings according to your preferences.
If resetting all settings does not resolve the storage loading issue, it may be necessary to contact Apple support for further assistance.
Section 9: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What should I do if restarting my iPhone doesn’t fix the loading issue?
A: If restarting your iPhone doesn’t work, try updating your software to the latest version or clearing your Safari cache and website data.
Q: Will deleting unnecessary apps and files delete my data?
A: Deleting unnecessary apps and files will only remove the app or file itself, not your data. Be sure to back up important data before deleting anything.
Q: Can using iCloud storage or external storage fix the loading issue?
A: Yes, using iCloud storage or external storage options can free up space on your iPhone’s storage, potentially resolving the loading issue.
Q: Will resetting all settings erase my data?
A: Resetting all settings will not erase your data, but it will reset your iPhone to default configurations. Be sure to back up important data before resetting settings.
Q: Can the loading issue be caused by a faulty hardware?
A: It’s unlikely that a faulty hardware is causing the loading issue, but it’s possible. Contact Apple support or take your iPhone to an authorized service provider if you suspect a hardware issue.
About The Author

Williams Alfred Onen
Williams Alfred Onen is a degree-holding computer science software engineer with a passion for technology and extensive knowledge in the tech field. With a history of providing innovative solutions to complex tech problems, Williams stays ahead of the curve by continuously seeking new knowledge and skills. He shares his insights on technology through his blog and is dedicated to helping others bring their tech visions to life.