Deleting a video from your main library does not always free space immediately. Apple Photos normally keeps deleted videos in Recently Deleted for up to 30 days, while iPhone Storage can take time to recalculate.
1. Check Recently Deleted
Photos moves deleted videos to Recently Deleted so you have a recovery window. Those items may continue to occupy storage. Permanently deleting a video removes that safety net, so inspect the selection carefully before taking that step.
2. Give iPhone Storage time to recalculate
The figure in Settings is not always refreshed the instant a Photos action finishes. Return to Settings, General, then iPhone Storage after a little time and check the Photos category again. Avoid repeatedly deleting more items simply because the first figure has not changed yet.
3. Separate device storage from iCloud storage
Device storage is the space physically used on the iPhone. iCloud storage is the space used in your Apple account. iCloud Photos can keep the library synchronised across devices, but the two storage totals are not interchangeable. Make sure you are checking the figure you intended to reduce.
A careful checklist
- Open Photos, tap Collections, then open Recently Deleted under Utilities.
- Confirm that the videos you intended to remove are present there.
- Only if you are certain you do not need them, choose Select and permanently delete the relevant items.
- Return to Settings, General, then iPhone Storage and allow time for the storage figure to recalculate.
- If you use iCloud Photos, remember that device storage and iCloud storage are separate figures.
Plan the next review before deleting more
If Photos is still using substantial device storage, identify a small, relevant group first. You can start with our guide to finding large videos on iPhone, or review old screen recordings separately. A targeted list is easier to verify than a broad cleanup session.
Apple documents the recovery window and permanent deletion steps in its official guide to deleting photos and videos.