To clear trash on iPhone, you need to work within individual apps, because there is no single system-wide trash bin. Instead, apps like Photos and Messages keep their own “Recently Deleted” folders where files wait for a set period before being permanently removed, making it essential to empty each one manually to free up phone storage space.
Where is the trash on iPhone?
Unlike a computer, the iPhone does not have one universal trash bin. Instead, trash is handled through app-specific folders and retention periods. The most common places are the Recently Deleted albums in Photos and Messages, as well as cached data in Safari. There is no system-wide trash-emptying feature documented by Apple.
Clear recently deleted photos
Deleted photos and videos stay in the Recently Deleted album for 30 days before they are permanently removed. To clear them now:
- Open the Photos app.
- Tap the Albums tab at the bottom, not Collections, to find Recently Deleted in some iOS versions.
- Tap Recently Deleted below Utilities.
- Tap View Album, then unlock with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
- Tap Select, choose the photos or videos, then tap Delete to remove them permanently or Recover to restore them.
The Recently Deleted and Hidden albums are locked by default. You can change this setting in Settings > Apps > Photos by turning off Use Face ID, Use Touch ID, or Use Passcode.
Delete messages permanently
Deleted messages and attachments remain in Recently Deleted for up to 30 days. To delete them permanently:
- Open Messages.
- In the conversation list, either tap Edit in the top-left and then Show Recently Deleted, or tap Filters in the top-left and then Recently Deleted.
- Select the conversations whose messages you want to delete permanently, then tap Delete and follow the onscreen instructions.
You can also delete directly from a conversation. Swipe left on a message to delete it directly from a conversation. Alternatively, tap and hold a message, then tap More to select multiple messages for deletion. For attachments, tap the contact or group icon at the top, tap a category such as Photos, tap Edit, then Select, choose the attachments, tap Delete, and confirm. Tap the More button (three dots) in the top-right corner of a conversation to clear all deleted messages.
Clear Safari cache and website data
Apple only documents cache clearing for Safari on iPhone. This removes browsing history, recent searches, cookies, and site permissions for location or notifications. There is no universal app cache cleaner on iPhone.
- Open Safari.
- Tap History or the menu path shown on your iPhone’s Safari view.
- Tap Clear / Clear History and Website Data.
- Choose how much browsing history to clear, then confirm.
To clear cache and temporary files for other apps, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap an app, and choose Offload App or Delete App. Third-party cleaning apps like CleanMyPhone, PhoneClean, and iMyFone Umate can identify and delete unnecessary files. Back up iPhone data before clearing cache or using third-party cleaning apps.
Set messages to auto-delete
You can automatically remove old messages after a set time. Go to Settings > Apps > Messages > Keep Messages under Message History. Choose to keep messages for 30 days or 1 year. Messages older than that will be deleted automatically.
What about other apps?
Most apps manage their own trash and temporary files. The only Apple-documented way to clear an app’s data is to offload or delete the app entirely. Offloading removes the app but keeps its documents and data; deleting removes everything. Delete unused apps by pressing and holding the icon until it jiggles, then tapping the X button. You can also delete unused apps via Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tap the app, then tap Delete App.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a photo or message after I delete it from Recently Deleted?
No. Once you tap Delete in the Recently Deleted folder, the item is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. The 30-day retention period only applies to items that are still sitting in that folder waiting for automatic deletion. Items in Recently Deleted can be deleted all at once using Select > Delete All.
Does clearing Safari history also clear my saved passwords?
No. Clearing history and website data removes browsing history, cookies, and site permissions, but it does not remove saved passwords or autofill information stored in iCloud Keychain.
How do I clear trash from the Files app?
The Files app does not have a Recently Deleted folder on iPhone. To remove files, you must delete them individually or move them to another location. There is no separate trash folder for the Files app.
How do I clear trash from iPhone's email app?
Go to Mailboxes > Trash > Edit > Delete All.
How often should I clear trash on my iPhone?
It depends on usage; check trash folders regularly when storage is low.
Will clearing app cache delete my login information in that app?
It can. Clearing an app’s cache or offloading the app may remove stored login tokens, requiring you to sign in again. Deleting the app entirely will remove all its data, including saved logins.
How do I delete an app on an Android phone?
To delete an app on an Android phone, press and hold the app icon, then tap Uninstall or drag it to the Uninstall option at the top of the screen. You can also go to Settings > Apps, select the app, and tap Uninstall.
For the wider topic, see freeing up phone storage space.
