How To Permanently Delete Messages from iCloud: iPhone/iPad (2024)

Co-authored byRain KenglyReviewed byLuigi Oppido

Last Updated: August 13, 2024Fact Checked

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1. 1

   Open the Settings app. This looks like a grey cog icon.^[1]

   • Use this method to disable iCloud syncing for Messages and remove the existing data in iCloud. This won't delete Messages from your iPhone or iPad.
   • Be sure to update your iOS to the latest version.
2. 2

   Tap your Apple ID. This will be at the very top of the page.^[2]

   • Make sure you're logged into the correct Apple ID.

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3. 3

   Tap iCloud. You can find this underneath Subscriptions.^[3]

4. 4

   Tap Messages. This can be found underneath the Apps Using iCloud header. If you don't see it immediately, you may need to tap Show All.

5. 5

   Toggle off

   "Sync this iPhone/iPad". After disabling sync, you'll need to choose to keep or delete the data on your device.^[4]

6. 6

   Tap Keep on My iPhone/iPad. This will be in blue.

   • Your Messages will be deleted from iCloud but remain on your device.

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1. 1

   Open the Settings app. This looks like a grey cog icon.

   • Use this method if you already have iCloud syncing for Messages disabled. This will remove any existing data in iCloud without deleting them from your iPhone or iPad.
2. 2

   Tap your Apple ID. This will be at the very top of the page.

3. 3

   Tap iCloud. You can find this underneath Subscriptions.^[5]

4. 4

   Tap Messages. This can be found underneath the Apps Using iCloud header. If you don't see it immediately, you may need to tap Show All.^[6]

5. 5

   Tap Manage Storage. The switch for "Sync this iPhone/iPad" should already be toggled off.

   • You'll see the size of the data to the right of Manage Storage.
6. 6

   Tap Disable & Delete. This will be in red.

7. 7

   Tap Delete Messages. Your Messages will be deleted from iCloud. You can recover these messages within 30 days by enabling syncing for Messages.^[7]

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1. 1

   Open the Settings app. This looks like a grey cog icon.

   • Use this method to delete the conversations taking up the most space in iCloud.
2. 2

   Tap your Apple ID. This will be at the very top of the page.

3. 3

   Tap iCloud. You can find this underneath Subscriptions.

4. 4

   Tap Messages. This can be found underneath the Apps Using iCloud header. If you don't see it immediately, you may need to tap Show All.^[8]

5. 5

   Tap Manage Storage. This will be below the toggle.

6. 6

   Tap Top Conversations. You can find this at the bottom, underneath the Messages header.

   See Also

   How to sync text messages on iCloud and view them on all of your Apple devices

7. 7

   Tap Edit. This is at the top-right corner.^[9]

8. 8

   Select a conversation to delete. You'll see a list of your top conversations. Tap the conversation to delete it.

   • You may need to confirm by tapping Delete again.

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1. 1

   Ensure you have Messages synced in iCloud. Open Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Messages → toggle on Sync this iPhone/iPad.

   • Use this method if you want to delete messages from both Messages and iCloud.
2. 2

   Open Messages. This looks like a white chat bubble with a green background.^[10]

   • You'll see a list of your conversations. Pinned messages will be located at the top.
3. 3

   Delete a conversation. Swipe left on the conversation you want to delete, then tap the trash can icon. Tap Delete.^[11]

   • For pinned messages, tap and hold the bubble with the contact's name or group name. Tap Delete.
4. 4

   Delete a message. Navigate to the message you want to delete. Tap and hold the message until a pop-up window opens.^[12]

   • Tap More… and select any other messages you want to delete.
   • Tap the trash can icon, then tap Delete Message(s).

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