iCloud User Guide for iPad
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Welcome
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Messages
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More resources
Store messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
If you use Messages in iCloud, you can easily set up a new device and access your entire messages history. Messages you send, receive, or delete are updated on all iOS devices, iPadOS devices, and Mac computers where you’re signed in to iMessage with the same Apple ID.
Using Messages in iCloud frees up space on your device by storing your messages in iCloud, along with the accompanying photos and other attachments. When you turn on Messages in iCloud on a device, your messages are automatically stored in iCloud, and aren’t included in your iCloud backup.
Note: Although your messages are stored in iCloud, you can’t see them on iCloud.com.
Turn on Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
On your iOS or iPadOS device, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, then turn Messages on.
Turn off Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
On your iOS or iPadOS device, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud, then turn Messages off.
When you turn Messages in iCloud off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, messages sent and received on that iOS or iPadOS device are no longer stored in iCloud, but will be included in your iCloud backup. Messages sent and received on other devices where Messages in iCloud is turned on continue to be stored automatically in iCloud.
When you first turn on Messages in iCloud, it may take some time for all of them to appear on each device. You can send and receive messages during that time.