iPhone Storage Not Loading? Here are 7 Easy Fixes

If your iPhone storage is not loading, you could be dealing with an isolated glitch. Restarting your phone should help. However, the problem can also be due to an outdated iOS version. You can download the latest software update to take care of this. Although I haven’t faced the problem before, my cousin did. He came to me for help and I figured that his storage data was malfunctioning because of an outdated OS. I not only explained how I fixed this – but other solutions that will help as well. Related reading

How Do You Fix iPhone Storage Not Loading Issue?

There are a number of fixes to try, and they include:

Solution 1: Restart/Hard Reset iPhone

If you’re dealing with an isolated glitch, restarting your iPhone should help. However, if this doesn’t do the trick, you can take things up a notch and force-reboot. A force restart is like doing a regular reboot but more comprehensive. It can clear various stubborn bugs and glitches. To force restart iPhone models that come with Face ID, as well as the iPhone 8 and SE 2 and 3:
  • Press and quickly let go of the Volume Up button, then the Volume Down button
  • Long-hold the Side Button, and release it when the Apple logo appears
For the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus:
  • Long-hold the Volume Down and Sleep buttons for a few seconds, then quickly release them when the Apple logo appears
For the iPhone 6 and SE 1st gen:
  • Long-hold the Home and Sleep buttons for a few seconds, then release them when you see the startup screen

Solution 2: Software Update iPhone

There’s a chance that your phone storage is not working because your operating system is buggy. You should be able to take care of this with a software update. Just know that you need a stable internet connection before you start updating. To update and get rid of iOS bugs:
  • Open the iPhone Settings app
  • Go to General and tap on Software Update
  • Click the latest firmware version
Or:
  • Connect iPhone to your PC via USB or lightning cable
  • Launch iTunes (make sure it’s the latest version)
  • Close all the other tabs and windows that are running
  • Click on Device and choose the Summary tab
  • Click the Download and Update button
  • Enter your password
  • Install the firmware file

Solution 3: Force Close the Application

The problem might be due to the iPhone settings app glitching out. Closing and then reopening it can get your storage info to load. Here’s what you do:
  • Swipe up and then right to open the App switcher (you will have to double-click the Home button on older iPhone models)
  • Find the Settings app, then swipe up to close it
  • Open the application again and try and load storage info

Solution 4: Reset All Settings

You may have set some faulty settings and forgotten to change them. If you remember what you changed, you can undo them. Otherwise, you will have to reset your iPhone’s settings. Just keep in mind that all the custom configurations on your iOS device will be lost, like saved WiFi passwords. Here’s what you do:
  • Go to Settings and click on General
  • Click on the Transfer or Reset iPhone button
  • Tap the Reset option
  • Select Reset All Settings
  • Enter your device passcode if asked

Solution 5: Low Memory

You might have an excessive amount of files and data on your phone. To fix this, uninstall some of the apps and files that you don’t use anymore. To delete apps:
  • Find the app that you want to delete from the home screen
  • Hold it down
  • Click Delete app
  • Choose Uninstall to confirm
To delete files:
  • Open the Files app
  • Go to the folder where the file is stored
  • Hold it down
  • Click Delete

Solution 6: Use Third Party Software

If you’re still not having any luck, you might be dealing with a complex software problem. The only way to solve it would be to use a recovery tool. In my opinion, iPhixer is the best choice. To use it:
  • Download and install the iPhixer tool
  • Launch the software after it installs
  • Wait for the screen with Standard and Advanced Mode to load
  • Choose Standard Mode
  • Connect your iPhone to your computer using a lightning connector
  • Tap on the Next button
  • Press the Download button to confirm (new firmware will be installed)
  • Select Start and hit Enter
  • Wait for the process to be done
Standard Mode should do the trick, but you can always switch to Advanced Mode otherwise. Also, some users have complained about data loss in Standard Mode, even though it doesn’t happen all the time. However, you will lose data when you go with Advanced Mode.

Solution 7: Contact Apple

Lastly, there may be a bug for which Apple hasn’t released a fix. Contact customer support and tell them about the issue.

FAQ

Answered below are some popular questions.

Why Does iPhone Storage Not Load?

If you’re facing an error message when you check your storage space, or if it’s just not loading, there are a couple of reasons why this may be happening. Some of them include:
  • You may be dealing with potential bugs. You should be able to fix this by downloading the latest iOS version.
  • The loading problem can be due to a system glitch. You can restart your device to take care of it. However, if this doesn’t do the trick, you may have to force a reboot.
  • You may not be able to load your storage information if the Settings card acts up. Closing and reopening it should help.
  • Faulty system settings could also be responsible. If you don’t remember what you changed, you will have to reset your settings.
Final Thoughts There are many ways to solve iPhone storage issues. Usually, isolated bugs and glitches are the culprits. Restarting your phone or clearing the Settings app data should get rid of them. Hopefully, you found all the tips provided helpful. You can check how much storage you have without any storage loading error message popping up.