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How to fix ‘iPhone storage not loading’ issue?

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Photo by Framesira / Shutterstock.com

iPhones are known for their exceptional build quality, features and a rather cohesive software experience that pulls you into the Apple ecosystem. That said, just like everything tech, iPhones aren’t immune to the random bugs and glitches that might pop up from time to time.

In this article, we’re talking about iPhone storage not loading, the causes behind this and what you can do to fix the problem. 


What causes this problem?

There are a host of reasons why your iPhone’s storage might not work as quickly as it used to including the following reasons:

  • Insufficient storage left. 
  • You have too much data on your phone, causing slow loading times. 
  • Software issues with the iOS version on your iPhone.

Also read: What does ‘user busy’ mean on iPhone?


How to fix this?

Here are six fixes you can try out. 

Restart your iPhone 

One of the first things you should do is try and restart your iPhone to see if that resolves the issue. Restarting your device can solve many seemingly random issues that would be tricky to debug.

Alternatively, it’s also recommended that you try force restarting your iPhone. To do so, press and quickly release the volume up button and then do the same with the volume down button. After that, press and hold the side button until an Apple logo appears on the screen. Keep in mind that you don’t have to let go of the side button when the power off slider appears on the screen. 

Also read: Why do my AirPods die so fast? 


Check your internet connection

You need a stable internet connection to be able to access your iCloud storage. Check to see if your device has an active internet connection. If you’re connected to a WiFi network, ensure you have enough signal strength and speed. If you’re on mobile data, check to make sure that you’ve got good network coverage and that it’s actually enabled. 


Force quit the settings app

Another way of fixing this issue is to force quit the settings app. To do so, swipe up from the bottom of the screen until you can see your recent apps. Swipe the find the settings app here and swipe it to close the app. Now open settings to restart the app and try accessing the storage again. 


Log out and log in again to the Apple Cloud

This is a far-fetched shot, but sometimes logging out and logging back in again to your Apple Cloud can fix problems with iCloud storage. 

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  • Open iPhone settings and head over to iCloud.
  • Tap Sign out. 
  • iCloud will ask you if you want to keep your notes, Safari data and other information on your phone. Tap Delete from My iPhone.

Now, wait for some time before restarting your iPhone. Once done, log in to iCloud again and test storage.

Also read: Fix: Canva an error occurred while downloading


Update your iPhone

If you’re experiencing storage issues, chances are Apple has already released a patch to address the problem. 

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  • Head over to the settings and tap on General.
  • Tap on Software Update.
  • Ensure that you’re on the latest update available. If not, update your device immediately.

Once updated, test your storage again and the error should be fixed. 


Reset your iPhone

Lastly, if nothing else works, you can try resetting your iPhone to check if that resolves the storage issue. 

Every year since the release of the first iPhone in 2008, Apple releases a new iteration of the device with the latest ones being iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max. If you're planning to switch to a newer version of the iPhone and are planning to sell or trade your old iPhone, it makes sense to wipe off all the data and restore the device to the factory settings. This not only ensures that none of your data gets in the hands of someone else but also gives the device a fresher look if you're planning on selling.  Before you go ahead and factory reset your iPhone, you should back up its data via iTunes or iCloud, so that you're able to restore it to the new device.  In this article, we've put together a simple guide to help you factory reset your iPhone in three simple steps.  Also read: How to use your iPad in Split Screen mode?  How to factory reset an iPhone?  Go to your iPhone's Settings. Scroll down and tap on General. On the next page, scroll down to the bottom and tap on Reset. On the next page, tap on the second option from the top Erase All Content and Settings.  Once the factory reset of the iPhone is complete, it will restart from the Hello screen.  Note that if you don't want to erase your data and just wish to reset the factory settings of the device, you can do so by tapping on Reset All Settings, which is located right above the Erase All Content and Settings option. In addition to the aforementioned, users can also individually reset their Network settings, keyboard dictionary, home screen layout and location & privacy settings by tapping on the other options on the same screen.  Also read: How to switch off WiFi and Bluetooth in the iPhone?
  • Head over to the settings and tap on General.
  • On the next page, scroll down to the bottom and tap on Reset.
  • On the next page, tap on the second option from the top Erase All Content and Settings.

Also read: How to fix ‘iTunes could not connect to iPhone error 0xE800000A’?

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

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