If your iPhone keeps warning you about low storage, your Messages app may be part of the problem. Photos, videos and documents saved inside your text threads can stack up fast. The good news is that you can clear those big files without erasing entire conversations.

Below, you will find simple steps that work on the latest iOS 26.1. These steps help you clean up storage while keeping your messages right where you want them.

If you haven’t updated to iOS 26.1, go to Settings > General > Software Update to install the latest version.

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‘CLOUD STORAGE FULL’ SCAM STEALS YOUR PHOTOS AND MONEY

Why clearing attachments helps your iPhone run better

Removing large attachments gives you quick breathing room on your iPhone. It can free up gigabytes in seconds, especially if you text lots of photos or videos. Clearing old files also keeps your message threads tidy and helps your device run more smoothly by reducing the amount of storage your system needs to manage. The best part is that you can clean up everything without losing a single conversation.

How to delete attachments but keep your conversations on iPhone 

These quick steps help you clear large files from Messages while keeping every conversation intact.

• Launch the Messages app on your iPhone
• Open the conversation thread that holds the attachments you want to delete.
• Tap on the name of the contact(s) in the text thread.

To the right of Info, click on Photos or Documents; you may need to swipe over other tabs to see these. Photos will also contain videos and GIFs, while documents will contain Word documents, PDFs and other types of files.

• Hold your finger and long-press on a photo, video or document until a menu appears.
• Tap Delete to remove that single file.

Then confirm Delete when asked.

How to delete multiple files on your iPhone at once

To clear out several attachments at once, follow these quick steps on your iPhone.

• Go back to the Photos or Documents tab.
• Tap Edit.
• Click Select documents or Select Photos 
• Tap on the photos or documents that you want to remove. You will see a blue checkmark appear in the bottom-right corner.
• Tap the trash icon in the bottom right corner.

Confirm you want to delete the selected attachments by clicking Delete Photos.

These steps work almost the same way on an iPad. After you finish, you will often see an instant boost in available storage.

How to review large attachments in settings and delete them 

If you want to clear the biggest files on your device, you can check them from your iPhone’s storage screen and delete them:

• Open Settings
• Tap General
• Choose iPhone Storage
• Tap Messages
• Click Review Large Attachments to see photos, videos and attachments taking up storage in Messages.
• Click Edit.
• Select items to delete by clicking the circle next to the attachment you want to delete. A blue checkmark will appear.

Then, tap the trash can icon in the upper right to delete it.

APPLE RELEASES IOS 26.1 WITH MAJOR SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS AND NEW FEATURES FOR IPHONE USERS

This method gives you a quick overview of what takes up the most space and lets you delete it quickly.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Freeing up storage doesn’t have to be confusing. A few quick taps can remove bulky files and keep your conversations intact. With these simple steps, your iPhone stays organized, runs smoothly and is ready for more photos, videos and apps.

What is the one type of attachment that takes up the most space on your iPhone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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The Federal Communications Commission has banned new drones made in foreign countries from being imported into the US unless the Department of Defense or the Department of Homeland Security recommends them. Monday’s action added drones to the FCC’s Covered List, qualifying foreign-made drones and drone parts, like those from DJI, as communications equipment representing “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”

DJI is “disappointed” by today’s action, Adam Welsh, DJI’s head of global policy, says in a statement. “While DJI was not singled out, no information has been released regarding what information was used by the Executive Branch in reaching its determination.” Welsh adds that DJI “remains committed to the U.S. market” and noted that existing products can continue operation as usual. Other items on the FCC’s list include Kaspersky anti-virus software (added in 2024) and telecommunications equipment from Huawei and ZTE (added in 2021).

The FCC says it received a National Security Determination on December 21st from an interagency body saying that “uncrewed aircraft systems” (UAS) and critical UAS components produced in a foreign country could “enable persistent surveillance, data exfiltration, and destructive operations over U.S. territory” and that “U.S. cybersecurity and critical‑infrastructure guidance has repeatedly highlighted how foreign‑manufactured UAS can be used to harvest sensitive data, used to enable remote unauthorized access, or disabled at will via software updates.”

If you already own a drone made outside the US, you will still be able to use it, according to the FCC’s fact sheet. Drones or drone components can be removed from the Covered List if the DoD or DHS “makes a specific determination to the FCC” that it does not pose unacceptable risks.

“Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also known as drones, offer the potential to enhance public safety as well as cement America’s leadership in global innovation,” FCC chairman Brendan Carr says.

Holiday phishing attempts surge every year, and scammers know people juggle subscriptions, gifts and billing changes. That makes a fake alert feel real for a split second. Stacey P. emailed to tell us that he received one of these messages and wrote:

“I thought I should forward this message to you that I received today that was ostensibly from Netflix. Without clicking on any links, I called Netflix and they advised me that my account is in good standing. They asked me to forward this to them.”

— Stacey P.

Stacey’s experience shows how convincing these emails can appear and why taking a moment to verify can make all the difference. These Netflix suspension emails look polished at first glance. When you look closer, however, the warning signs jump out.

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HOLIDAY DELIVERIES AND FAKE TRACKING TEXTS: HOW SCAMMERS TRACK YOU

Why scammers use this approach

People expect billing reminders during the holidays. When you see a familiar logo during a busy day, your guard drops for a moment. Scammers build templates that look clean, simple and trustworthy because it increases their odds of success.

Red flags inside the fake Netflix message

The Netflix scam email attempts to mimic Netflix’s branding, but several details reveal it is fraudulent.

Spelling and grammar issues

The email includes mistakes real companies would never send. It uses valldate instead of validate, Communicication instead of communication and even writes “sent to yo” with the u missing from you. Errors like these are major signs of a scam.

Strange tone and pressure tactics

The message claims your billing info failed and says your membership will be suspended within 48 hours unless you act. Criminals rely on urgency because it stops people from thinking clearly.

Fake login buttons

The bold red Restart Membership button aims to lure you into entering your credentials on a phishing page. Once you type your password and payment details, you hand them over to attackers.

Generic greeting

The message uses Dear User instead of your name. Netflix includes your account name in official communications.

Suspicious footer and address

The footer contains off wording about inbox preferences and a Scottsdale address not tied to Netflix. Real subscription providers use consistent company details.

FACEBOOK SETTLEMENT SCAM EMAILS TO AVOID NOW

How to stay safe from the Netflix suspension scam

A few habits can protect your account even when a phishing attempt looks convincing.

1) Check your account on Netflix.com

Open Netflix on your browser or app instead of clicking any link in the email. Your account status there is always accurate.

2) Avoid entering payment details through email links

Phishing pages often copy real sites. Instead of clicking the link in the message, open your browser and type the official website address yourself. This keeps you in control and away from fake pages.

3) Use a data removal service

Scammers often pull email addresses and personal details from data broker sites. These lists fuel subscription scams that look like the Netflix alert Stacey received. A trusted data removal service can pull your information off those sites and cut down on future phishing attempts.

While no service can guarantee the complete removal of your data from the internet, a data removal service is really a smart choice. They aren’t cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by actively monitoring and systematically erasing your personal information from hundreds of websites. It’s what gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to erase your personal data from the internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of scammers cross-referencing data from breaches with information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com.

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4) Hover over links to reveal the true URL

On a computer, hovering over a link shows where it really goes. If the address looks strange, delete the message.

5) Report the scam

Forward suspicious Netflix emails to phishing@netflix.com. This helps the fraud team block similar messages.

6) Strengthen your device security

Use two-factor authentication (2FA) for your email and install strong antivirus software to catch malicious pages. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

THE FAKE REFUND SCAM: WHY SCAMMERS LOVE HOLIDAY SHOPPERS

Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com.

7) Consider an identity theft protection service

If you ever enter your billing info into a fake login page, attackers can use that data for much more than streaming fraud. Identity Theft companies can monitor personal information like your Social Security number (SSN), phone number and email address, and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or being used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals.

See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft at Cyberguy.com.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Stacey’s caution prevented him from becoming another victim of this email scam. These messages keep getting more believable, so spotting the red flags and using the steps above can save you time, money and frustration.

Have you seen a fake subscription alert recently that nearly fooled you? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

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