Apple’s iCloud Messages feature keeps your texts and iMessages synced across all devices, providing access to conversations anytime, anywhere. However, this also means that messages take up space in your iCloud storage. If you’re looking to free up space or permanently remove conversations, here’s how to delete messages from iCloud safely and completely.
This guide explains how to remove messages from iCloud on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and what to keep in mind before deleting anything.
Why You Might Want to Delete Messages from iCloud
There are several common reasons users choose to remove messages from iCloud:
You’re running out of iCloud storage space
You want to permanently erase old or sensitive conversations
You’re switching devices and don’t want your old chats carried over
You want to reduce clutter and keep your Apple ID data clean
Once deleted, messages cannot be recovered unless they were backed up separately before deletion.
What Happens When You Delete Messages from iCloud
Deleting messages from iCloud has the following effects:
- The message is removed from all devices using the same Apple ID
- It frees up iCloud storage space
- The deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
- Attachments (photos, videos, documents) within the message are also removed
This only works if Messages in iCloud is turned on.
How to Check If Messages Are Synced to iCloud
Before deleting, make sure iCloud is managing your messages.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings
- Tap your Apple ID name at the top
- Tap iCloud
- Scroll down and make sure Messages is turned on
On Mac:
- Open the Messages app
- Click Messages > Settings (or Preferences on older versions)
- Go to the iMessage tab
- Check Enable Messages in iCloud
If this is turned on, deleting a message on one device deletes it everywhere.
How to Delete Messages from iCloud on iPhone or iPad
Delete Entire Conversations:
- Open the Messages app
- Find the conversation you want to delete
- Swipe left on the conversation
- Tap Delete
- Confirm when prompted
Delete Individual Messages:
- Open a conversation in the Messages app
- Tap and hold the specific message or attachment
- Tap More
- Select the messages you want to delete
- Tap the Trash icon, then Delete Message
These actions will also delete the selected content from iCloud and other connected Apple devices.
How to Delete Messages from iCloud on Mac
- Open the Messages app
- Navigate to the conversation you want to remove
- Right-click the thread in the sidebar and select Delete Conversation
- To delete individual messages, right-click the message and choose Delete
Deleted messages are removed from all devices if Messages in iCloud is enabled.
How to Free Up Space by Removing Message Attachments
Sometimes, large attachments take up more space than the messages themselves.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage
- Tap Messages
- Choose from:
- Photos
- Videos
- GIFs and Stickers
- Documents
- Tap Edit and delete selected items
This deletes media files from iCloud and all devices, helping to free up space.
On Mac:
- Open the Messages app
- Open a conversation
- Click the Info (i) icon in the top right
- Browse through the attachments
- Right-click any item and select Delete
How to Disable Messages in iCloud Without Deleting Messages
If you want to stop syncing messages without removing your existing chats:
On iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud
- Toggle Messages off
- Choose Disable and Download Messages to keep a local copy
On Mac:
- Open Messages > Settings > iMessage
- Uncheck Enable Messages in iCloud
Your device will stop syncing messages with iCloud but will keep the ones already stored locally.
How to Permanently Erase Deleted Messages from iCloud
Once messages are deleted, they may remain on Apple’s servers temporarily. To fully ensure they’re gone:
- Turn off Messages in iCloud
- Go to iCloud > Manage Storage > Messages
- If available, remove message backups or stored content
- Use a third-party tool if you need a certified permanent deletion (often required for business or legal needs)
FAQs About Deleting Messages from iCloud
Can I delete messages from iCloud without deleting them from my iPhone?
No. If Messages in iCloud is turned on, deleting a message deletes it from all synced devices.
Does turning off Messages in iCloud delete my messages?
No. It stops syncing future messages but keeps the current ones on the device unless you choose to remove them.
How do I free up space without deleting all messages?
Delete large attachments, old conversations, or set auto-delete for messages in Settings > Messages.
Can I recover deleted messages from iCloud?
Only if they were backed up using iCloud Backup (not Messages in iCloud). Restoring from backup may retrieve them.
How do I check how much space messages are using in iCloud?
Go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Manage Storage > Messages to view usage.