Why do deleted Messages not clear iCloud storage?

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Level 1

5 points

Why do deleted Messages not clear iCloud storage?

My devices (iPhone, iPad, and Mac) are synced for text messages, and I back up to iCloud. I have approximately 30 texting strings saved, occupying less than 1 gig of memory on the phone, including attachments. Yet my iCloud storage account shows more than 19 thousand (!!) messages saved, using more than 11 gigs of memory. Does deleting a text on my devices not also delete that text from iCloud? Why wouldn't it? And if not, how do I clear that space in iCloud?

For context, I do have Keep Messages in iCloud set to "Forever", as there are some I do want to keep, meaning I don't want messages that I have kept on my devices to automatically disappear. But surely this doesn't apply to deleted messages. Right?

Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks --

iPhone 15 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 5, 2025 8:13 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 6, 2025 7:40 AM in response to MelBen3

The Official Apple Reset (refresh Messages in iCloud):

This clears the “Pending Deletion” queue and forces iCloud to rebuild.

ON YOUR IPHONE:

Settings → Apple ID → iCloud → Show All → Messages → TURN OFF

Choose:

“Disable & Delete Messages from iCloud”

⚠️ This does NOT delete messages on your iPhone — only iCloud’s copy.

Wait 5 minutes.

Now turn:

Messages in iCloud → ON

Your iPhone will upload only the 30 threads you currently have — not the 19,000 ghost messages.

This is the MOST effective solution.

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Answer 2

MelBen3 Author

Level 1

5 points

Dec 6, 2025 9:47 AM in response to azaksalmarzur28

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately, so far at least, no dice. After waiting five minutes and more, when I turn Messages in iCloud back on, the 19 thousand plus messages reappear, along with the associated use of storage.

My understanding is that deleted messages can be restored for up to 30 days. Perhaps I have to wait that long before the data truly clears. I any case, this whole business makes no sense to me. When I delete a message, why not do just that?

Thanks again --

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