Offloading is one of the most useful and least known storage features on iPhone. It removes the app itself but keeps your documents and data, so if you reinstall it later, everything is just as you left it.
Offload vs delete
| Offload App | Delete App | |
|---|---|---|
| Removes the app | Yes | Yes |
| Keeps documents and data | Yes | No |
| Icon stays on Home Screen | Yes, with a cloud symbol | No |
| Space freed | The app's size | The app's size plus its data |
Offloading is ideal for apps you use occasionally, such as travel apps or games you might return to. Deleting frees more space, and is better for apps you will not use again.
Offload a single app
- Open Settings > General > iPhone Storage.
- Tap an app. You will see App Size and Documents & Data.
- Tap Offload App, then confirm.
The app's icon stays on your Home Screen with a small cloud symbol. Tap it to download the app again; your data is restored automatically.
Offload apps automatically
- Open Settings > Apps > App Store. (On older versions of iOS, Settings > App Store.)
- Turn on Offload Unused Apps.
When storage is low, iOS automatically offloads apps you have not used for a while. You can also enable this from the recommendations at the top of iPhone Storage.
Things to know
- Reinstalling needs the App Store. If an app is removed from the App Store, you may not be able to reinstall an offloaded app. Keep apps you depend on that might be discontinued.
- Big data stays. If most of an app's size is Documents & Data (for example downloaded videos or maps), offloading saves little. Clear the downloads inside the app, or delete and reinstall it.
- An internet connection is needed to reinstall an offloaded app.
Frequently asked questions
What does Offload App mean on iPhone?
It removes the app but keeps its documents and data on your iPhone. Reinstalling the app restores everything.
Does Offload Unused Apps delete my data?
No. It only removes the app itself when storage is low. Your data stays on your iPhone.
Why does offloading an app free so little space?
Most of the app’s storage may be Documents & Data, which offloading keeps. Remove downloads inside the app, or delete it instead.
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