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Messages in I cloud, How do i view them?

My iCloud 5 GB storage is full. The biggest chunk goes to Messages 3.3 gb.


I do not see how i can access the messages that have been stored for the last 6 years in iCloud.


I can see folders with other storage like keynote, doc, etc, but i do not see how to access my personal messages stored in cyber space icloud so i can delete the old ones.


I have been told by Apple tech, i can never see them in iCloud, that i can only see them on what i haven't deleted on my devices which is only twelve messages with NO PHOTOS taking up storage.


So my thinking is, if i can go into iCloud but not see my personal text messages what is the use in keeping them there?


This should obviously be the first thing people should disable from going to iCloud on the phone.


I see there is some third party software that will let me interface with messages on my iPhone and custom select to save what ever ones i want on my computer hard drive and/or external drive so i won't have to pay monthly subscription fees to Apple for more storage. Sound right? what i'm i missing? please advice, thanks john

iPhone 11, iOS 15

Posted on Dec 3, 2021 5:24 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 4, 2021 5:16 AM

Apple says, "You can use Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Mac. For your privacy, Messages in iCloud is end-to-end encrypted,* which means you can't view or access Messages online via browser. "


thats funny because if they re so interested in protecting my privacy by "encrypting" my messages why not do that across the board with my other storage on iCloud mir document with sensitive information and Key note just o mention a couple i can go in and see everything?

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3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 4, 2021 5:16 AM in response to FoxFifth

Apple says, "You can use Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Mac. For your privacy, Messages in iCloud is end-to-end encrypted,* which means you can't view or access Messages online via browser. "


thats funny because if they re so interested in protecting my privacy by "encrypting" my messages why not do that across the board with my other storage on iCloud mir document with sensitive information and Key note just o mention a couple i can go in and see everything?

Dec 4, 2021 5:11 AM in response to FoxFifth

I beg to differ with you! I delete messages off of my 2 devices but they must be still stored in iCloud because i have just 12 messages with no pictures on my 2 devices by had 2.6 GB of space being used on iCloud. There is no folder on iCloud to open and see what is in there. i talked to real people via phone from apple support spent over an hour trying different things all they say is it complicated and you can't see any of whats in the storage under the category messages. So i disabled and deleted message and guess what happen in about an hour after that? my "document" category in iCloud doubled to fill up my 5 GB limit!!!! i DID NOT enter new documents

Dec 3, 2021 10:13 AM in response to John3_

re "if i can go into iCloud but not see my personal text messages what is the use in keeping them there?"


See the following from Use Messages in iCloud - Apple Support


iCloud keeps your entire message history updated and available on all your devices, even when you set up a brand-new device.

and

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, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Mac. For your privacy, Messages in iCloud is end-to-end encrypted,* which means you can't view or access Messages online via browser. 


Messages in I cloud, How do i view them?

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