Keep your messages up to date with iCloud (2024)

FAQs

What does keeping messages in iCloud do? ›

Access the same messages on all your devices

When you set up iCloud for Messages, your messages are stored in the cloud, with only the most recently accessed Messages stored locally on your device. You can see them on any device that's set up for iCloud and Messages, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud. Do one of the following: iOS 17.2, iPadOS 17.2, or later: Tap Show All, tap Messages in iCloud, then turn on “Use on this iPhone.” iOS 16 to 17.1 or iPadOS 16 to 17.1: Tap Show All, tap Messages, then turn on Sync this [device].

Ensure That Your iPhone Is Connected to Wi-Fi

iCloud syncing needs a strong Wi-Fi connection. If your iPhone is out of internet service, connect it with a stable Wi-Fi network.

The choice to turn off Messages from iCloud ultimately depends on your preferences and needs. Messages in iCloud is generally recommended if you appreciate a simplified communication experience across your devices and have ample local storage space.

Also, using iCloud for texting provides a layer of security and privacy, as messages are encrypted and securely transmitted between devices. It eliminates the need to rely solely on a phone number for communication.

This will be in red. Tap Delete Messages. Your Messages will be deleted from iCloud.

For example, if you're using iCloud Photos, iCloud Drive, or Notes, your information automatically syncs to the cloud and is kept up-to-date across all of your devices whenever you make a change. Any data on your device that isn't regularly synced is stored in your iCloud Backup.

On the Apps & Data screen, tap Restore from iCloud Backup and sign in to iCloud with your Apple® ID. Go to Choose backup and select from the list of iCloud backups. Each one should have a date and size. Choose the last backup before you deleted the text messages to recover them.

Typically, the syncing process for messages from iPhone or iPad to Mac takes just a few minutes. If you're experiencing delays, try the following quick workarounds. Tip 1. Make sure iMessage is enabled correctly on both devices.

iCloud offers a valuable safety net for your text messages, ensuring they aren't lost forever during a device mishap. By enabling backups and utilizing synced devices, you can keep your conversations accessible across your Apple ecosystem.

Why is iCloud not receiving Messages? ›

Make sure you've turned on Mail in Settings on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Tap Settings > [your name] > iCloud and turn on Mail. Make sure new data is being pushed to your device automatically. In iOS 14 or later, tap Settings > Mail > Accounts > Fetch New Data, then turn on Push.

When you set up iCloud for Messages, your messages are stored in the cloud, with only the most recently accessed Messages stored locally on your device. You can see them on any device that's set up for iCloud and Messages, including your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac.

How long do deleted text messages stay in iCloud? Normally your deleted text messages will be kept for 30 days. After 30 days, they will be permanently deleted and you will have difficulty restoring them to your phone. How to delete messages from iCloud?

After 30 days, the messages are removed from all your devices. After 40 days, the messages are permanently deleted from iCloud. In the Messages app on your Mac, choose View > Recently Deleted. If you don't see Recently Deleted, you may not have deleted a conversation within the last 30 days.

When you use Messages in iCloud, all of your text messages and the attachments you send and receive use your iCloud storage. You can make more space available when you delete texts and attachments—like photos, videos, and files—that you don't need anymore.

Advanced Data Protection: Messages in iCloud is always end-to-end encrypted. When iCloud Backup is enabled, everything inside it is end-to-end encrypted, including the Messages in iCloud encryption key.