What is "other" data category?

I am trying to free up memory on my iPhone 4. While music takes up 12.3 gig, photos and apps take up less then 4gig.. and 12.4 gig of "other"..
What is "other"?
I have no movies, 6 podcast episodes.. what else should I be looking for that is taking up the space? Is it data that the Apps have stored?
Any suggestions?

Other could be favorties, voicemail, recents,etc.
It should be between 300 and 800 mb in general.
If it is larger than this, it indicates a corrupt file(s). A restore should resolve.

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What is "Other" data in iTunes for my iPhone? And why is it over a GB?

In iTunes, my iPhone reports I have 1.6GB of "Other" data. It appeared immediately after I deleted and unsubscribed from a podcast (via iTunes) which had 24 large videos, and then sync'd with my iPhone (which was running out of space).
The podcasts appeared to be removed from my iPhone, however I still had no space and I saw that now I had this 1.6GB of other stuff.
I had a look around for answers on this and the default answer given is "restore your iPhone". So I did a backup and then did a restore to that backup. I don't have an earlier backup (except one that's from last year) and I really don't want to lose my app data and settings.
The restore didn't remove the 1.6GB of data.
So the question is, am I right in assuming the 1.6GB of other data is the left over podcasts that are now corrupt somehow? Or is it something else? i.e. What constitutes "other" data?
Second, any other ideas how to get rid of that other data?
Thank
Boz

wjosten wrote:
Other that large is corrupt data. Normally, a restore from backup fixes things.
So, I discovered something new about iTunes today. The "Restore from backup" context menu option that appears when you click your iOS device in the Devices tree on the left of iTunes, is different from the "Restore" button that you get on the Summary tab for your device.
"Restore from backup" just does an restore from backup. Whereas the Restore button does a restore and then restore from backup. Make sense? Hmm.
This distinctly different functionality is not clear to the user, indeed the advice I was given above was to "Restore from backup", which in this instance is not what is needed to clear out the "Other" data.
In summary, to fix my problem I:
- performed a complete Backup (from iOS Device context menu)
- performed a Restore (clicked Restore button on Summary tab)
- after device is reset with latest iOS software, chose latest backup
My other data shrank to 0.2Gb, and as an added bonus another 1.4 GB of other space was freed up from Apps and Video, even though I can't find anything missing, so I suspect there was other non-"Other" data that was cleared out by this procedure.
Boz

What is "other" data taking up space on my Mac and how do I delete it?

A lot of my Mac's memory is occupied by "other" data and I don't understand what it is.
Strange thing is, the size of my whole user folder (I'm the only user of this computer) is only 150Gb, when the occupied memory space on my Mac is around 250Gb. So what are the other 100Gb?
I tried using apps that automatically clear old caches and so on, but only a couple of Gb were cleared.
I have no idea what else to delete. What do I do?

For information about the Other category in the Storage display, see this support article. If the Storage display seems to be inaccurate, try rebuilding the Spotlight index.
Empty the Trash if you haven't already done so. If you use iPhoto, empty its internal Trash first:
iPhoto ▹ Empty Trash
Do the same in other applications, such as Aperture, that have an internal Trash feature. Then restart the computer. That will temporarily free up some space.
According to Apple documentation, you need at least 9 GB of available space on the startup volume (as shown in the Finder Info window) for normal operation. You also need enough space left over to allow for growth of the data. There is little or no performance advantage to having more available space than the minimum Apple recommends. Available storage space that you'll never use is wasted space.
When Time Machine backs up a portable Mac, some of the free space will be used to make local snapshots, which are backup copies of recently deleted files. The space occupied by local snapshots is reported as available by the Finder, and should be considered as such. In the Storage display of System Information, local snapshots are shown as Backups. The snapshots are automatically deleted when they expire or when free space falls below a certain level. You ordinarily don't need to, and should not, delete local snapshots yourself. If you followed bad advice to disable local snapshots by running a shell command, you may have ended up with a lot of data in the Other category. Ask for instructions in that case.
See this support article for some simple ways to free up storage space.
You can more effectively use a tool such as OmniDiskSweeper (ODS) or GrandPerspective (GP) to explore the volume and find out what's taking up the space. You can also delete files with it, but don't do that unless you're sure that you know what you're deleting and that all data is safely backed up. That means you have multiple backups, not just one. Note that ODS only works with OS X 10.8 or later. If you're running an older OS version, use GP.
Deleting files inside an iPhoto or Aperture library will corrupt the library. Any changes to a photo library must be made from within the application that created it. The same goes for Mail files.
Proceed further only if the problem isn't solved by the above steps.
ODS or GP can't see the whole filesystem when you run it just by double-clicking; it only sees files that you have permission to read. To see everything, you have to run it as root.
Back up all data now.
If you have more than one user account, make sure you're logged in as an administrator. The administrator account is the one that was created automatically when you first set up the computer.
Install the app you downloaded in the Applications folder as usual. Quit it if it's running.
Triple-click anywhere in the corresponding line of text below on this page to select it, then copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C:
sudo /Applications/OmniDiskSweeper.app/Contents/MacOS/OmniDiskSweeper
sudo /Applications/GrandPerspective.app/Contents/MacOS/GrandPerspective
Launch the built-in Terminal application in any of the following ways:
☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.
Paste into the Terminal window by pressing command-V. You'll be prompted for your login password, which won't be displayed when you type it. Type carefully and then press return. You may get a one-time warning to be careful. If you see a message that your username "is not in the sudoers file," then you're not logged in as an administrator. Ignore any other messages that appear in the Terminal window.
The application window will open, eventually showing all files in all folders, sorted by size. It may take a few minutes for the app to finish scanning.
I don't recommend that you make a habit of doing this. Don't delete anything as root. If something needs to be deleted, make sure you know what it is and how it got there, and then delete it by other, safer, means. When in doubt, leave it alone or ask for guidance.
When you're done with the app, quit it and also quit Terminal.

Can anyone please tell me what constitues "other" data that is taking up room on my iPad?

I am trying to maximize storage on my iPad and am wondering what the "other" component of the storage is on the iPad (like when you have it connected and you see the status bar at the bottom that shows how much storage is devoted to audio/video/apps etc.) Any info would be appreciated, thanks!

How much space is used by your Other? You may be able to reduce.
How Do I Get Rid Of The “Other” Data Stored On My iPad Or iPhone?
http://tinyurl.com/85w6xwn
With an iOS device, the “Other” space in iTunes is used to store things like documents, settings, caches, and a few other important items. If you sync lots of documents to apps like GoodReader, DropCopy, or anything else that reads external files, your storage use can skyrocket. With iOS 5/6, you can see exactly which applications are taking up the most space. Just head to Settings > General > Usage, and tap the button labeled Show All Apps. The storage section will show you the app and how much storage space it is taking up. Tap on the app name to get a description of the additional storage space being used by the app’s documents and data. You can remove the storage-hogging application and all of its data directly from this screen, or manually remove the data by opening the app. Some applications, especially those designed by Apple, will allow you to remove stored data by swiping from left to right on the item to reveal a Delete button.
 Cheers, Tom

What is "other" data on my iPhone?

I got an iPhone 4 just a week ago, but I already have 0.96gb of "other" data on it! I have an 8gb iPhone, so you can see how I don't want so much space to be used over whatever "other" might be. I 0.19gb of Photos, 0.77gb of Apps, and then the 0.96gb of "other". I have no music or videos on my phone. I looked up some things about "other" data already, like clearing safari history, deleting message conversations, and even saw that "other" could be damaged files. I deleted my messages, cleared my history and really have no files other than photos... so what could my problem be? Ever since I got my iPhone it has been like my baby, so I really want to take good care of it and make sure nothing is wrong or corrupted with it. Please help me if you can, it's greatly appreciated

Other is usually around 1 GB...
For what it contains... See this Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/19958116
A ' Large Other ' usually indicates Corrupt Data...
First Try a Restore from Backup... But... if the Large Other Persists, that is an Indicator of Corrupt Data in the Backup... Then a Restore as New is the way to go...
Details Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414

Osx 10.9: System Information - What is 'Other' Storage Category?

Hi there!
I'm carrying out some HD maintenace, and when using the System Information tool to review the volume each storage category uses (Audio, Movie, etc), I find a large volume labeled 'Other.' Does anyone know what 'Other ' means?
Thanks!

It means everything that is not in the named categories, stuff like email, contacts, calendars, documents and data, your operating system and its libraries. Stuff like that.

What is "Other" Capacity Category?

I just bought my first iPod (Video / 30GB) and when I sync with iTunes something gets added to the "Other" category. I have not configured it for disk use. What is this? The file system?
Thanks much!

tysonkam,
Try to browse the iPod with Explorer and see if any user created files or folders are there.
You can always restore the ipod using this article: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983
Jason

What does the "Other" disk category in iTunes for iOS devices consist of?

I have searched everywhere for an "official" Apple response as to what the "Other" disk category in iTunes for iPads/iPod Tocuhes consists and have not found one.
Apple, can you please answer?
I have multiple devices that contain the Other usage ranging anywhere from 1gb ~ 5gb and I'd like to know what it is.
Thx!

These are user-to-user forums, they are not monitored by Apple.
'Other' contains things such as Safari's cache and cookies, notes, contacts, downloaded emails (and their attachments), and the content of third-party apps. Unless you have, for example, newspaper/magazine apps and/or third-party music or video apps (or other third-party apps with large content) then 1 to 5 gig sounds like too much and you might have some corrupt files.
Have you tried syncing with you computer to see if that reduces it, and/or a reset (press and hold both the sleep and home buttons for about 10 to 15 seconds ignoring the red slider, after which the Apple logo should appear - you won't lose any content, it's the iPad equivalent of a reboot). Or you could try restoring to your last backup or back to new.

My other data is about 2.43 GB is that normal and how to reduce this space

i want to know what is other data shown when i sync my iphone with itunes
and in my iphone it's size about 2.43 GB is that normal ?
and if i want to redeem that space how to do that

kplayer wrote:
i want to know what is other data shown when i sync my iphone with itunes
and in my iphone it's size about 2.43 GB is that normal ?
and if i want to redeem that space how to do that
It's a little above normal, you can't completely delete others.
see link What is "Other" and What Can I Do About It?

"Other" data taking up 6gb of storage

Hi, I have an iPhone 4S that was purchased less than a year ago from Verizon. Recently, when syncing phone to my computer, I noted that there was over ^ gb of data that was classified as yellow, "other" that I for the life of me cannot get removed. I have no idea what this "other" data is. I would really like to know because my 16 gb iphone has half of the storage being used by something that I have no idea what it is. Any body have any ideas on how to fix this? I tried to restore it and it did not help.

You won't be able to sync them back to your phone, but you can archive the conversations in one of a couple of ways, including:
Taking screenshots of the conversations and saving the photos
Email the text of the conversations by open them, tapping Edit, tap all the parts you want to save, tap Forward, enter an email address/choose a contact, then tap Send
Use 3rd party software to save the entire conversation, such as Touch Copy (pc or mac) or PhoneView (mac)

Getting rid of "other" storage category

hello I have a 32GB iPhone 5S. Currently my iTunes is showing that I have 18.23 GB of "other" storage. However, when I look under Settings-->General-->Usage, it says my Photos & Camera are only using 1GB. The rest is apps and the biggest one is 439MB.
This is preventing me from syncing as much music as I would like. I'm not sure why, but this issue started happening yesterday when I upgraded to iOS 7.1.2
Before this, I was able to hold MUCH more music on my device. I have done the following to try to clear out "other":
1) deleted photos, videos
2) deleted text messages
3) cleared out voicemails
4) restarted ip

What is "Other" and What Can I Do About It?
If your other is 18.23 GB that means you have some corrupted files.
A restore as new will minimize the others.
Not sure what the other data is, maybe corrupted music.

On my new iPad under the space category it shows I have 5.5gb occupied by 'Other" data - Can you tell me what this is exactly and how can I reduce it Thank-you

On my new iPad under the space category it shows I have 5.5gb occupied by 'Other" data - Can you tell me what this is exactly and how can I reduce it
Thank-you

How Do I Get Rid Of The “Other” Data Stored On My iPad Or iPhone?
http://tinyurl.com/85w6xwn
With an iOS device, the “Other” space in iTunes is used to store things like documents, settings, caches, and a few other important items. If you sync lots of documents to apps like GoodReader, DropCopy, or anything else that reads external files, your storage use can skyrocket. With iOS 5, you can see exactly which applications are taking up the most space. Just head to Settings > General > Usage, and tap the button labeled Show All Apps. The storage section will show you the app and how much storage space it is taking up. Tap on the app name to get a description of the additional storage space being used by the app’s documents and data. You can remove the storage-hogging application and all of its data directly from this screen, or manually remove the data by opening the app. Some applications, especially those designed by Apple, will allow you to remove stored data by swiping from left to right on the item to reveal a Delete button.
 Cheers, Tom

What does "Other" mean in data usage for iPhone storage?

I have a 32 GB iPhone 5S and when I got it, I did NOT restore it from a backup and when I plugged in my phone to sync music, it says:
Audio: 8.94 GB
Photos: 6.37 GB
Apps: 1.48 GB
Documents and Data: 648.2 MB
Other: 7.08 GB
What's the other category consist of and how do I delete its data?

Take a look at this link, http://osxdaily.com/2013/07/24/remove-other-data-storage-iphone-ipad/

What is the "Other" Storage Category

I am trying to clean up the contents of my iPhone 4, and I have 3GB of "Other" material (the yellow bar in my iTunes summary). What type of data makes up the "Other" category, and how can I clean this up?
Thanks!

A ' Large Other ' usually indicates Corrupt Data...
First Try a Restore from Backup... But... if the Large Other Persists, that is an Indicator of Corrupt Data in the Backup... Then a Restore as New is the way to go...
Details Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414
More Info in this Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/19958116

What is the yellow portion "other" when updating your phone on itunes? What makes up that category?

What is the yellow portion "other" when updating your phone on itunes? What makes up that category?

anything that's not music, photos, apps, etc. anything that is not whatever is shown next to the other on the bottom of your screen. for example, if you look on your phone at settings, general, usage and click on any of the apps it will show you how much the actual app takes up and also how much documents and data it has; that documents and data portion will be counted as other. most phones that are operating normally have around 1gb of other so if you have a lot more than that you probably have a corrupt file or something. in that case search "removing other from iphone" will help you, but usually restoring is what will fix it.

What is "other" data category?

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