Exporting and Deleting messages to clean up storage

Maryw8 wrote:

I can not find them on iCloud.

Are you certain your messages are housed there? That is not the default.

Set up iCloud for Messages on all your devices - Apple Support

If in fact they are there, use the Messages app to delete them and then follow the instructions at “Permanently remove recently deleted messages and attachments“ here.

Delete messages and attachments in Messages on iPad - Apple Support

See “Delete texts and attachments in Messages“ here.

Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support

I do not house my messages in iCloud, so I’m not sure this will work. It does work for other data housed in iCloud.

On your iPad, go to Settings > [your Apple Account] > iCloud > Storage > Messages. There is likely a “Delete Data From iCloud” option there.