Hello,
Can anybody help me with some confusion regarding iCloud backup vs Messages in iCloud on for messages?
I want to create a backup for my iPad so I can reset the iPadOS to fix battery issues.
My messages in icloud is off, but I can't understand how I can include them in my backup and it is stressing me out a bit.
Any advice would be helpful, thanks!
iPad Air, iPadOS 26
So as to avoid inefficient use of available iCloud storage through duplication, all data synchronised with iCloud is also not included within an iCloud or iTunes device backup - as the associated data is already saved within iCloud.
Where specific Apps and associated data are not synchronised with iCloud (i.e. you have disabled the associated iCloud service within device settings), then this data is included within an iCloud or iTunes backup.
Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [Saved to iCloud] See All - enable/disable Apps and Services as required
By example:
Here Messages in iCloud is enabled (set to ON). As such, all Messages are synchronised with iCloud storage - and are therefore available to (and synchronised with) all other devices that are signed-in to iCloud with the same Apple Account credentials.
As Messages are already synchronised with iCloud, they will not (and don't need to) be included within an iCloud backup - as they will remain available after a device is reset or restored.
So as to avoid inefficient use of available iCloud storage through duplication, all data synchronised with iCloud is also not included within an iCloud or iTunes device backup - as the associated data is already saved within iCloud.
Where specific Apps and associated data are not synchronised with iCloud (i.e. you have disabled the associated iCloud service within device settings), then this data is included within an iCloud or iTunes backup.
Settings > [Your Name / Apple Account] > iCloud > [Saved to iCloud] See All - enable/disable Apps and Services as required
By example:
Here Messages in iCloud is enabled (set to ON). As such, all Messages are synchronised with iCloud storage - and are therefore available to (and synchronised with) all other devices that are signed-in to iCloud with the same Apple Account credentials.
As Messages are already synchronised with iCloud, they will not (and don't need to) be included within an iCloud backup - as they will remain available after a device is reset or restored.
You're very welcome. I'm delighted to have been able to offer some clarity.
Insofar as how much storage space will be required for safely storing your Messages - whether they are directly synchronised with iCloud, or are included within an iCloud backup - you will be using roughly the same amount of iCloud storage with both strategies.
Both methods will use available iCloud storage; it is only how/where within iCloud the assets are saved that differs.
Thank you!! I turned on Messages in iCloud and synced them so they don’t take up space in the backup. Thanks again, very helpful!
How to back up iPad messages when Messages in iCloud is off?
