Why is my messages taking up so much iCloud storage

Why is my messages taking up so much iCloud storage space (I have deleted all links and photos on my top chats)

iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jan 29, 2026 10:00 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 29, 2026 10:14 AM

Hello Mr_eggz!

If iMessage is still taking up You're iCloud space, iMessage is kinda like the Photos app. Open iMessage on your iPad Then Filters > Recently Deleted. When there click Delete or the Trash Bin then click all of You're Deleted messages and photos. At the bottom you will see Recover and Delete. Click delete and all of the pictures and links you deleted are gone! Try this and it should work!

Sincerely

-Lukas

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 29, 2026 10:14 AM in response to Mr_eggz

Hello Mr_eggz!

If iMessage is still taking up You're iCloud space, iMessage is kinda like the Photos app. Open iMessage on your iPad Then Filters > Recently Deleted. When there click Delete or the Trash Bin then click all of You're Deleted messages and photos. At the bottom you will see Recover and Delete. Click delete and all of the pictures and links you deleted are gone! Try this and it should work!

Sincerely

-Lukas

Why is my messages taking up so much iCloud storage

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