Offloading an app on iOS 17 is a handy feature that allows you to free up storage space without losing the app’s data. In a nutshell, you can delete the app from your device, but keep its documents and data. When you reinstall the app, it will be as if it was never gone in the first place.
You can also check out this video about how to offload an app on your iPhone for more information.
iOS 17 How to Offload an App Tutorial
When your iPhone storage is almost full, offloading apps you don’t use often is a smart move. The steps below will guide you through offloading an individual app on iOS 17.
Step 1: Open Settings
Navigate to the Settings app on your iPhone.
This app is typically found on your home screen and has a gear icon. Tap on it to open up a plethora of options for customizing your iPhone experience.
Step 2: Tap on General
Once in Settings, scroll down and tap on the General option.
This section contains various options to manage your iPhone’s storage, background app refresh, and other system preferences.
Step 3: Select iPhone Storage
In the General settings, find and tap on iPhone Storage.
This area gives you an overview of what’s taking up space on your device. You can see how much space each app uses, along with the option to delete or offload them.
Step 4: Choose the App to Offload
Scroll through the list of apps and select the one you want to offload.
Be sure to pick an app that you don’t use frequently. Remember that you can always reinstall it without losing its data.
Step 5: Tap on Offload App
After selecting the app, tap on the Offload App button.
A pop-up will appear, confirming that you want to offload the app. Tap Offload App again to confirm your choice.
After completing these steps, the selected app will be offloaded from your device. Its icon will remain on your home screen, but will be greyed out with a small cloud download symbol next to it. This indicates that the app can be reinstalled at any time, and you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off.
iOS 17 How to Offload an App Tips
- Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 17 to access the offload feature.
- Consider offloading apps that are large in size to free up significant space.
- Offloading an app does not delete your app data or documents, making it a better option than deleting the app.
- Offloading is different from deleting an app; the app’s data remains on your device and can be reinstated.
- Use the iPhone Storage recommendations to offload apps automatically based on your usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my app data when I offload an app?
Your app data is safely stored on your device and you won’t lose any of your information.
Can I offload an app and still see my data within the app?
When you offload an app, the app itself is removed, but the data is retained. However, you won’t be able to view or access the data until the app is reinstalled.
Is offloading the same as deleting an app?
No, offloading an app removes the app but keeps its data, while deleting also removes all its related data.
How do I reinstall an offloaded app?
Simply tap on the greyed-out app icon on your home screen, and the app will reinstall automatically.
Will offloading an app log me out of my accounts within the app?
No, all your login details and preferences will be preserved even after offloading.
Summary
- Open Settings
- Tap on General
- Select iPhone Storage
- Choose the App to Offload
- Tap on Offload App
Conclusion
Mastering the art of offloading apps on iOS 17 can be a real game-changer for managing your iPhone’s storage. It strikes the perfect balance between freeing up space and keeping your app data intact for future use. The process is quick, painless, and reversible, making it a worry-free solution for those pesky storage full notifications. Remember to offload apps judiciously; focus on the ones you don’t need right away but may want to use again down the road. With this nifty feature, you’re now ready to take control of your iPhone’s storage and ensure your device continues to run smoothly. Keep exploring, keep offloading, and keep enjoying the seamless experience iOS 17 offers.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing technology how-to articles and tutorials for over a decade. He has extensive experience in information technology both in small business and as a consultant.
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