retrieving stored iMessages from iCloud

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Level 1

4 points

retrieving stored iMessages from iCloud

My iMessage are automatically stored in iCloud forever, per all of my settings and my storage usage confirms as much. But I don't have the Messages icon shown with the email icon and others on the iCloud "homepage". How do I find/download/restore/access, whatever it is called, all of my stored messages to make use of them? I need past saved messages from a certain contact. What use is years of automatic cloud backup if I can't access it the first time I need to? Help.

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 12.2

Posted on Jun 22, 2024 8:10 PM

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Answer 1

drancon100 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jun 23, 2024 7:28 AM in response to muguy

Thank you for replying. Question: Then why do I store messages in the cloud at all if only the ones on my phone are retrievable? There is the option available, even encouraged, to choose to save your messages to the cloud. I assumed if I deleted a message, I could get it from the cloud just as I can in TimeMachine or an external hard drive.

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Answer 2

muguy

Level 10

82,543 points

Jun 23, 2024 12:12 PM in response to drancon100

Messages in iCloud allows you to sync your messages across your apple devices. It is not a backup, but a synchronization service. As with any iCloud sync, I’d you delete an item, it is deleted on your device, iCloud, and any other synced device.

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Answer 3

muguy

Level 10

82,543 points

Jun 23, 2024 6:33 AM in response to drancon100

iMessages are not browsable at iCloud.com as messages are end-to-end encrypted. Any message available to you is on your device that syncs with iCloud.

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