Is your iPhone storage not loading? This frustrating issue can prevent you from managing your device’s storage effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the causes of this problem and provide step-by-step solutions to get your iPhone storage information loading correctly again.
Introduction
The “iPhone Storage Not Loading” issue typically manifests as a spinning wheel with the message “Calculating category sizes…” that never completes. This can occur due to various reasons, including:
- Excessive data to process
- Software glitches or bugs
- Outdated iOS version
- Network connectivity issues
- Nearly full storage capacity
Understanding these potential causes is the first step in resolving the issue. Let’s dive into the troubleshooting steps you can take to fix this problem.
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
1. Wait Patiently
Sometimes, the simplest solution is the most effective. If your iPhone has a large amount of data, it may take several minutes to calculate and display storage information.
- Give your device 3-5 minutes to process the data
- Avoid interacting with the device during this time
- If the issue persists after waiting, move on to other solutions
2. Force Quit Settings App
If waiting doesn’t resolve the issue, try force quitting the Settings app:
- Open the App Switcher (swipe up from the bottom of the screen or double-click the Home button)
- Swipe up on the Settings app card to close it
- Return to the Home Screen and reopen Settings
- Navigate to General > iPhone Storage to check if the issue is resolved
3. Check Network Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for loading storage information, especially if you use iCloud storage. Here’s how to check and improve your connection:
- Go to Settings > Wi-Fi and ensure it’s enabled
- Check the signal strength (more bars indicate a stronger connection)
- If using cellular data, verify you have a strong signal
- Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data to see if it resolves the issue
If you’re experiencing location-related issues alongside storage problems, check out our guide on fixing “No Location Found” errors on iPhone.
Restart and Update
Force Restart Your iPhone
A force restart can often resolve minor software glitches. The process varies depending on your iPhone model:
For iPhone 8 and later:
- Quickly press and release the Volume Up button
- Quickly press and release the Volume Down button
- Press and hold the Side button until the Apple logo appears
For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
- Press and hold both the Volume Down button and the Sleep/Wake button
- Keep holding until the Apple logo appears
For iPhone 6s and earlier:
- Press and hold both the Home button and the Sleep/Wake button
- Continue holding until the Apple logo appears
If your iPhone is stuck on the restore screen during this process, follow our guide on how to fix an iPhone stuck on the restore screen.
Update iOS
Keeping your iPhone’s operating system up to date is crucial for optimal performance:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update
- If an update is available, tap “Download and Install“
- Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi and a power source during the update
If you encounter issues verifying apps after the update, refer to our article on resolving “Unable to Verify App” errors.
Free Up Storage Space
If your iPhone’s storage is nearly full, it can cause loading issues. Here’s how to free up space:
- Delete unnecessary apps:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Review the list of apps and their storage usage
- Tap on apps you no longer need and select “Delete App“
- Offload unused apps:
- In Settings > General > iPhone Storage, enable “Offload Unused Apps“
- This removes the app but keeps its data, allowing for easy reinstallation
- Manage photos and videos:
- Enable iCloud Photos (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Photos)
- Use the “Optimize iPhone Storage” option to store full-resolution photos in iCloud and keep smaller versions on your device
If you’re having trouble loading photos or videos, check out our guide on fixing “Unable to Load Video or Photos on iPhone” issues.
- Clear cache and temporary files:
- For Safari: Settings > Safari > Clear History and Website Data
- For third-party apps, check their individual settings or reinstall them
- Check for stuck indexing: If your Messages app is constantly indexing, it can affect overall storage performance. Learn how to fix iPhone messages that keep indexing.
Advanced Troubleshooting
If the above steps don’t resolve the issue, try these more advanced solutions:
Reset All Settings
This option resets all your iPhone settings to default without erasing your data:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap “Reset” then “Reset All Settings“
- Enter your passcode when prompted
Check for Pending iCloud Backups
Sometimes, a stuck iCloud backup can interfere with storage loading:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup
- If a backup is in progress, wait for it to complete or tap “Stop Backup“
If you’re having issues with shared albums not appearing, refer to our troubleshooting guide for shared albums not showing up.
Use Third-Party iOS System Recovery Tools
If all else fails, consider using reputable third-party software like Tenorshare ReiBoot or TunesKit iOS System Recovery. These tools can fix various iOS system issues without data loss.
Prevent Future Issues
To avoid storage loading problems in the future:
- Regularly clean up your device by deleting unnecessary files and apps
- Keep at least 10-15% of your total storage free
- Update your apps and iOS regularly
- Use cloud storage services to offload data from your device
To maintain optimal battery performance, which can affect overall system performance, learn how to increase the maximum capacity of your iPhone battery.
When to Seek Professional Help
If none of the above solutions work, it may be time to contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center. They can diagnose and resolve more complex hardware or software issues that may be causing the problem.
Conclusion
The “iPhone Storage Not Loading” issue can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve it in most cases. Remember to start with the simplest solutions and work your way through more advanced troubleshooting if needed. By maintaining your iPhone’s storage and keeping it up to date, you can prevent many storage-related issues in the future.
FAQ
Q: Why is my iPhone storage not loading? A: This can occur due to excessive data, software glitches, outdated iOS, network issues, or nearly full storage.
Q: How long should I wait for iPhone storage to load? A: Usually, 3-5 minutes is sufficient. If it takes longer, try other troubleshooting steps.
Q: Will resetting all settings delete my data? A: No, resetting all settings only returns your iPhone’s settings to default without erasing personal data.
Q: Can updating iOS fix storage loading issues? A: Yes, updating to the latest iOS version can often resolve storage loading problems and other software-related issues.
Q: What should I do if none of these solutions work? A: If you’ve tried all the steps in this guide without success, contact Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for professional assistance.
