Messages not indexing because of iCloud

My messages have not indexed past about a week ago, which is a problem I've never experienced until now. I had at least a few months' worth of messages about a week ago, but I suspect that the new iOS is preventing full indexing now? When I tried to disable iCloud and re-enable it again to hopefully push my phone to index my messages, it told me my phone can't sync to iCloud because I've run out of iCloud storage — a problem I've never had until recently. Do I really have to pay $10 just to have access to my messages?

iPhone 16, iOS 18

Posted on Jan 29, 2025 7:45 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 29, 2025 8:34 PM

"Messages not indexing because of iCloud: My messages have not indexed past about a week ago, which is a problem I've never experienced until now. [...]Do I really have to pay $10 just to have access to my messages?"

-------


If you export items form your iCloud Drive, then you may be able to save a few, and avoid purchasing more storage.


Upgrading iCloud:


For thought...

Download All of iCloud:

Save a Few: If you wanted to, rather than upgrading your iCloud plan, you could export all of iCloud onto an external disk, trash iCloud storage, and then start iCloud anew.  Read my User Tip for moreGetting a Quick and Direct "iCloud Drive-to-External Hard Drive" Download - User Tip

Similar questions

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 29, 2025 8:34 PM in response to housespecialfish

"Messages not indexing because of iCloud: My messages have not indexed past about a week ago, which is a problem I've never experienced until now. [...]Do I really have to pay $10 just to have access to my messages?"

-------


If you export items form your iCloud Drive, then you may be able to save a few, and avoid purchasing more storage.


Upgrading iCloud:


For thought...

Download All of iCloud:

Save a Few: If you wanted to, rather than upgrading your iCloud plan, you could export all of iCloud onto an external disk, trash iCloud storage, and then start iCloud anew.  Read my User Tip for moreGetting a Quick and Direct "iCloud Drive-to-External Hard Drive" Download - User Tip

Jan 29, 2025 8:58 PM in response to housespecialfish

"Messages not indexing because of iCloud: But this is a problem I've never encountered before, and my iCloud storage has always been full before this. I don't think it's right that I have to pay $10 for more storage to access my text messages."

-------


Be certain this is set up correctly: Set up iCloud for Messages on all your Devices - Apple Support


If that does not help...

Contact Apple Support:

Your Apple Account should operate as it is configured to, as long as nothing has been forbidden. So, contact Apple Support, requesting assistance, and a possible reason for this.

Apple Contact Info:

Jan 29, 2025 8:33 PM in response to housespecialfish

"Messages not indexing because of iCloud: My messages have not indexed past about a week ago, which is a problem I've never experienced until now. [...]Do I really have to pay $10 just to have access to my messages?"

-------


Read the message in Dull Letters:

Your iCloud storage is full. New messages will not be restored if you replace this iPhone or set up a new one. Get more storage.


Screenshot:

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Messages not indexing because of iCloud

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.