Here's how it works
Messages in iCloud are updated automatically, so you always have the same view everywhere you use iMessage. When you delete a message, photo, or conversation on one device, it’s removed from all of your devices. And since all of your attachments are stored in iCloud, you can save space on your device.
You can use Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Before you begin
- Update your iPhone and iPad to the latest iOS and your Mac to the latest macOS.
- Set up iCloud and make sure that you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on all of your devices.
- Turn on two-factor authentication for your Apple ID.
- Set up iCloud Keychain.
Turn on Messages in iCloud
Turn on Messages in iCloud from Settings on your iPhone and iPad, or Preferences on your Mac.
On your iPhone and iPad
- Go to Settings.
- Tap [your name].
- Tap iCloud.
- Turn on Messages.
On your Mac
- Open Messages.
- In the menu bar, choose Messages > Preferences.
- Click iMessage.
- Select the checkbox next to Enable Messages in iCloud.
Turn off Messages in iCloud
When you turn off Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can choose to turn off Messages in iCloud for just that device or all of your devices. Any device where Messages in iCloud is still turned on continues to store what you send and receive from that device in iCloud.
On your iPhone and iPad:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap [your name] > iCloud.
- Turn off Messages.
On your Mac:
- Open Messages.
- In the menu bar, choose Messages > Preferences.
- Click iMessage.
- Deselect the checkbox next to Enable Messages in iCloud.
If you turn off Messages in iCloud on an iPhone or iPad, your message history will be included in a separate iCloud backup.
Make the most of Messages
- Learn how to use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Personalize your messages with Digital Touch, iMessage apps, and message effects.
- Send photos, videos, or audio messages and group messages.
- Learn how to use Messages on your Mac.