Looks like my iCloud is nearly full. How can I delete all the messages in iCloud but keep them on my iPhone?
From what I have read, it appears that deleting them from iCloud would delete them "from all devices", presumably including the iPhone.
If this is the case, it is mighty strange. Normally, when you delete a backup, your original data isn't deleted.
If you’re using messages in icloud to sync across devices, then exactly as a Synchronization service is supposed to, deletions on any device will be reflected on all and in icloud since it is the service that is sync’ing to the other devices.
That applies to all data sync’d via iCloud - notes, contacts, calendars, icloud mail, photos, videos, etc. iCloud is there to sync data, and data changes, across devices.
To archive messages, you’ll need third party software like PhoneView for MacOS or iExplorer for Windows. These are inexpensive tools that will let you transfer messages as text or PDF archives to your computer so you can clear them from the device and icloud storage.
If you’re using messages in icloud to sync across devices, then exactly as a Synchronization service is supposed to, deletions on any device will be reflected on all and in icloud since it is the service that is sync’ing to the other devices.
That applies to all data sync’d via iCloud - notes, contacts, calendars, icloud mail, photos, videos, etc. iCloud is there to sync data, and data changes, across devices.
To archive messages, you’ll need third party software like PhoneView for MacOS or iExplorer for Windows. These are inexpensive tools that will let you transfer messages as text or PDF archives to your computer so you can clear them from the device and icloud storage.
Yes - by default, if you delete your messages on one device, they will delete off the others, too. That is what synching means - the devices are kept in synch.
iCloud synch is NOT a backup in this respect, it's a workflow model that lets you transition your work|conversation|status from one device to another.
It is possible to archive/delete old messages, and this can save you some space - Check either:
Your phone -> Settings -> General -> iPhone Storage and enable the 'Auto Delete Old Conversations' option to delete conversations that are more than a year old.
Your Mac -> Messages -> Preferences -> General -> Keep Messages: <forever>
Both of these will delete old content and free up some space - on your iCloud Drive as well as on your devices.
LordSooty wrote:
OK, can I respectfully ask this question:
I'm trying to delete the messages entirely from the iCloud.
If I do this, will those messages remain on my phone?
Yes or No.
No.
Not sure where you see this. Is this your only device? I believe the reference is to the syncing.
See >>> https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT208532
Many thanks for the quick reply.
I'm not trying to "turn off messages" - which I assume means stop the syncing between iPhone and iCloud.
I'm trying to delete the messages entirely from the iCloud. If I do this, will those messages remain on my phone?
I'm trying to delete the messages entirely from the iCloud. If I do this, will those messages remain on my phone?
So I read the turning off Messages in iCloud removes them from iCloud and leaves them on the phone.
Why would they be retained in iCloud?
LordSooty wrote:
OK, can I respectfully ask this question:
I'm trying to delete the messages entirely from the iCloud.
If I do this, will those messages remain on my phone?
Yes or No.
I have no idea. Respectfully.
I have never done this and am relying on Apple's documentation as i have said. Respectfully.
Best of luck.
OK, can I respectfully ask this question:
I'm trying to delete the messages entirely from the iCloud.
If I do this, will those messages remain on my phone?
Yes or No.
That question is to both of you guys.
Delete Messages in iCloud but keep them on iPhone
