how do I Delete Messages on iCloud.com once I've deleted from my phone

Why do I have 10,000 in my iCloud.com messages storage BUT I have deleted ALL my messages on my iPhone, iPad, including the recently deleted section? How can I get rid of these messages forever?


I'm using an iPhone 17 running iOS 26.7.1 and a MBP running Tahoe 26.6.2.

Posted on Oct 3, 2026 8:30 PM

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2 replies

Oct 3, 2026 8:54 PM in response to Gordon Desmet

"how do I Delete Messages on iCloud.com once I've deleted from my phone: Why do I have 10,000 in my iCloud.com messages storage BUT I have deleted ALL my messages on my iPhone, iPad, including the recently deleted section? How can I get rid of these messages forever? I'm using an iPhone 17 running iOS 26.7.1 and a MBP running Tahoe 26.6.2"

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Troubleshooting Deleted Messages from iCloud:


I. What types of Messages?

eMail? or Messaging? iCloud storage has its own storage, and it does not store system files that are stored on your devices. Go here: What does iCloud Back Up? - Apple Support


II. Deleting Messages from iCloud:

A. View iPhone Storage:

What storage amount you see when you go here.

  1. Go to: Settings
  2. Tap: General
  3. Tap: iPhone Storage
  4. View: Messages


B. New iCloud Logins:

Sign out of iCloud on all of your devices, and then sign back in. See if it then goes away.


C. Remove form your Mac:

Sometimes, messages stay in the messages app on your Mac, even when they are deleted. So, trash those, aswell.

Oct 3, 2026 8:54 PM in response to Gordon Desmet

"how do I Delete Messages on iCloud.com once I've deleted from my phone: Why do I have 10,000 in my iCloud.com messages storage BUT I have deleted ALL my messages on my iPhone, iPad, including the recently deleted section? How can I get rid of these messages forever? I'm using an iPhone 17 running iOS 26.7.1 and a MBP running Tahoe 26.6.2"

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Troubleshooting Deleted Messages from iCloud:


A. Remove from Recently Deleted:

Messages are stored in Recently deleted for 30 days, and are then trashed. So, remove them, if stored in there.


B. Backing Up a Messages Thread:

If you want to create a backup of a thread, then create a PDF document. you'd perform his using the Messages app on your Mac. How to Save or Print a Complete iPhone Messages Thread - User Tip

how do I Delete Messages on iCloud.com once I've deleted from my phone

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