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Phone storage

How do I delete old text message attachments?

For this storage question, check what is actually taking space before deleting photos, messages, apps, or files you may want later.

The short answer

Open the storage screen first, start with large apps, videos, downloads, and message attachments, and confirm photos are backed up before deleting them.

Try these first

1Open the storage screen and wait for the categories to finish loading.
2Start with things you recognize: videos, downloads, unused apps, and large message attachments.
3Confirm important photos or files are backed up before deleting them.

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Now try it on your device

Choose your path

Pick the device or situation that matches the screen in front of you.

2 options

Steps for iPhone

  1. 1Open Settings, General, then iPhone Storage.
  2. 2Wait for the app list and categories to load.
  3. 3Review large apps, videos, Messages, and downloaded media.
  4. 4Do not delete photos until you confirm iCloud or another backup is working.

One safety note

Do not delete photos until backup is confirmed.

Before you change settings

1Open the storage screen and wait for the categories to finish loading.
2Start with things you recognize: videos, downloads, unused apps, and large message attachments.
3Confirm important photos or files are backed up before deleting them.

What to know first

What this usually means

  • Videos, downloads, or message attachments are larger than expected.
  • Cloud backup is paused or full.
  • Unused apps are keeping local data.
  • The phone is confusing device storage with cloud storage.

Do not do this yet

  • Do not delete photos until backup is confirmed.
  • Do not remove password, authenticator, banking, or medical apps just to make space.
  • Do not trust pop-ups that promise instant phone cleanup.

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I searched for "how do I delete old text message attachments." I use [device/app/service], and the screen says [exact message]. Can you tell me the safest next step?