Thanks to iCloud, data storage and management have never been easier on all Apple products. Ever since iCloud’s introduction in 2011, many users have switched from device storage to iCloud storage for important files and data. This is because iCloud storage has several benefits, such as easy data recovery and file-sharing.
Many users are interested in managing and optimizing the iCloud storage on their devices, and thus, the question “how to delete messages from iCloud” is quite common. If you’re also wondering about this, you’re in the right place! This article will explain all the methods to delete messages from iCloud storage across all iOS devices. We will also recommend other ways you may manage your iCloud storage, so read on!
Table of Contents
What does Storage on iCloud mean
iCloud is the service Apple offers that allows you to store your photos, files, and other data on the cloud. What does ‘the cloud’ mean? Cloud storage refers to the service by which data is transferred and preserved on remote systems. The data is backed up, maintained, and made available to users over a network. Users pay for cloud storage according to their needs.
iCloud is integrated into all iOS devices when manufactured. iCloud offers all users a free email account and 5 GB of free storage. iCloud+ includes greater storage and more features, such as Private Relay and Hide My Email.
Benefits of iCloud Storage
All devices come with a specific amount of storage. Device storage means the data is stored on the device. iCloud storage means the data is uploaded to the cloud, and device storage is freed up.
There are several benefits of storing your data on iCloud. Some of these benefits include:
- Convenience: Data stored on iCloud can be accessed easily across multiple devices. You may also share your data with other users without difficulty. Besides this, iCloud is easy to navigate.
- Security: iCloud uses powerful security technologies to preserve your data. All your data is encrypted. Two-factor authentication makes it even safer, as you are the only person who can access your files.
- Adjustable: With iCloud+, you may pick a storage plan specific to your needs. If your current storage plan is not sufficient, upgrading is easy.
- Data Recovery: As data is stored on remote storage systems, you can always access it even if something happens to your device.
Why You May Need To Delete Messages From iCloud
Deleting data that you no longer need increases the space available on iCloud. This is significant for users using the free 5GB of iCloud storage available for all iOS users.
Messages take up a good amount of storage on your iOS devices. Unfortunately, most people go 4-5 years without cleaning out the space messages take up on their phones.
If these messages are backed up to iCloud, you may miss out on a good deal of cloud storage. When you reach the limit of iCloud storage on your device, you will receive an alert indicating this. One of the easiest ways to manage cloud storage is to delete text conversations from iCloud.
How To Delete Messages From iCloud Storage
Deleting messages from iCloud does not mean the same as deleting them from your device. When your iMessage is backed up to iCloud, all your text messages and attachments are stored on iCloud. You may delete specific attachments sent and received over iMessage or entire conversations. We will explain all the methods to do this.
Method#1) Delete a message or attachment from iCloud Storage on your iPhone
To delete a message or attachment from iCloud Storage on your iPhone, you must complete the following steps:
- Open the conversation which contains the message or attachment you wish to delete.
- Tap and hold the message or attachment.
- Select the option that says More.
- Select the option that says Delete.
- You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete the message or attachment.
Method#2) Delete an entire conversation from iCloud Storage on your iPhone
To delete an entire conversation from iCloud Storage on your iPhone, you must complete the following steps:
- Scroll to the conversation that you wish to delete.
- Swipe left on the box.
- Select the option that says Delete.
- You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete the conversation.
Method#3) Delete multiple attachments in a conversation from iCloud Storage on your iPhone
To delete multiple attachments in a conversation from iCloud Storage on your iPhone, you must complete the following steps:
- Open the conversation which contains the attachments you wish to delete.
- Select the contact name or icon that is listed at the top of the conversation.
- Select the option that says Info.
- In the section that says Photos, tap See All.
- Select the attachments you wish to delete.
- Select the option that says Delete.
- You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete the attachments.
Method#4) Deleting messages or attachments from iCloud Storage on your Mac
To delete messages or attachments from iCloud Storage on your Mac, you must complete the following steps:
- Open the conversation that contains the attachments you wish to delete.
- Control-click the message bubble you wish to delete.
- Choose the option that says Delete.
- You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete the message or attachment.
Method#5) Deleting multiple attachments from iCloud Storage on your Mac
To delete multiple attachments from iCloud Storage on your Mac, you must complete the following steps:
- Open the conversation that contains the attachments you wish to delete.
- Click the Info option.
- In the section that says Photos, select an attachment.
- After selecting an attachment, press and hold the Command key to select multiple attachments.
- Control-click and Delete the attachments.
- You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete the attachments.
Method#6) Deleting a conversation from iCloud Storage on Mac
To delete a conversation from iCloud Storage on Mac, you must complete the following steps:
- Scroll to the conversation that you wish to delete.
- Control-click the conversation.
- Choose the option that says Delete Conversation.
- You will be asked to confirm if you wish to delete the conversation.
Other Ways to Manage iCloud Storage
If you wish to free up space on your iCloud storage, there are other steps you may try besides deleting iCloud Messages. We will discuss a few of these.
Delete email messages from iCloud Storage
You may free up a good amount of iCloud storage by deleting email messages. Simple text emails do not take up much space. However, emails with large attachments take up a lot of storage.
If you’re running low on iCloud storage and wish to delete email messages, complete the following steps:
- Open the mailbox on your iOS devices, such as the iPhone or iPad.
- Scroll to the email message you wish to delete.
- Swipe left on the message.
- Go to the Trash folder.
- Swipe left on the email message to remove it from iCloud storage.
- You may also delete all your deleted emails in the Trash folder. First, select the option that says Edit. Then, choose Select All. Then, choose the option that says Delete.
Sign up for iCloud+ or Upgrade your iCloud+ plan
If deleting messages and emails from iCloud storage is not enough, upgrade to an iCloud+ plan that is more suitable. Pricing varies according to your country and the plan that you choose. However, iCloud+ subscriptions are often available at affordable rates. For example, You can purchase the 50GB plan for $0.99 monthly in the United States. A considerable increase compared to the 5GB offered to iOS for free.
iCloud+ is easy to sign up for. You can pay for the subscription through Apple Pay or any debit/credit card.
Final Thoughts
Messages can take up a good amount of space on your iCloud. Therefore, deleting messages from iCloud is one of the easiest ways to manage and optimize your iCloud storage. If you have reached the limit of your iCloud storage plan, we recommend cleaning out attachments and text conversations.
This article has explained the methods to do this. We have also suggested other ways to increase the storage on your iCloud storage plan. If you read this article closely, you should have no trouble solving this issue.