How to reduce the amount of space iMessage uses of iCloud Storage

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Level 1

4 points

How to reduce the amount of space iMessage uses of iCloud Storage

So I am out of iCloud storage. It claims my iMessage is using 14.6 gbs and my top conversations use 500 mbs of space. Seemed odd but I went through the process of minimizing the amount of local storage my messages consume, thinking it would effect my iCloud backup. I got the total local use of my iMessages down to 160 mbs but no change to my iCloud storage. How do I reduce the amount of space the messages take up? 14.6 gbs is insane. I attached a photo of my iCloud storage and the local storage my iMessages takes up. The obvious answer is to disable iMessage backup but I want my messages backed up.

Posted on Apr 11, 2022 7:04 AM

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Answer 1

muguy

Level 10

91,394 points

Apr 11, 2022 7:08 AM in response to morgan9363

The space will free eventually. I'd restart your device, plug in the phone, and walk away.

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Answer 2

morgan9363 Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 16, 2022 3:15 PM in response to muguy

To update, it’s since been 5 days. My phone has been restarted twice and it’s been plugged in and fully charged everyday.

The iCloud space messages takes up has in fact reduced… to a whopping 12 gbs, which I personally think is still way too much. Especially considering I deleted every text thread except about 5, lowering my local iMessage storage to less than 200 mbs.

Is this just a scam to get me to buy more iCloud storage? I really can’t see why messages would need so much space, especially without a clear way to reduce the space it takes up, like you can with local storage. See the screenshot below to see my “top conversations” are less than a kb. Any tips to fix this would be very welcome.

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How to reduce the amount of space iMessage uses of iCloud Storage

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