Clarifying 'Download Attachments 30 days' for iMessage on iPad

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Maxwell_C Author

Level 1

39 points

Clarifying 'Download Attachments 30 days' for iMessage on iPad

Hello,

So I recently updated my iPad (M4) from iOS26 to iOS27. I’ve been having bit of trouble. Then I found this:

Under iCloud in iMessages:

Download Attachments 30 days.

Exactly what does that mean?

Also it says: If your iPad is low on space, attachments including photos videos etc. are auto removed after 30 days.

Does that mean it deletes it from iCloud too?

Please explain to me what this means, and if all my texts will get deleted.

Thanks.

Posted on Sep 14, 2026 4:22 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

LotusPilot

Level 10

326,032 points

Sep 15, 2026 4:01 AM in response to Maxwell_C

iOS/iPadOS 27 introduces additional configuration options for Messages in iCloud.

As before, your messages are synchronised between your Apple devices that are signed-in with the same Apple Account via iCloud. iOS/iPadOS 27 adds the ability to delete the local copy of attachments saved on your devices when local storage space on the device is running low. When this occurs automatically, only the local copy is deleted to release the associated storage on the device - but leaves the copy synchronised with iCloud untouched. The iCloud copy can be re-downloaded to the device when needed.

If you look at the additional text shown on your screenshot, this is clearly indicated:

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