Level 1

21 points

Downloading Deleted messages from Messages in iCloud

After Clicking 'Manage Storage' in Messages tab in iCloud, there is an option to 'Turn Off & Delete from iCloud'. Under this option it reads, "Turns off Messages in iCloud on all your devices. You'll have 30 days to download your messages from iCloud." I have deleted my messages and now I want to download them from iCloud. I am well within the 30 day window, how do I download the messages?

I have gotten a lot of answers that don't actually answer this specific questions. I would like to know, specifically, how do I download these messages after selecting this 'Turn Off and Delete from iCloud' option.

iPhone 14

Posted on Jul 22, 2025 7:01 AM

Top-ranking reply

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Posted on Aug 4, 2025 6:32 AM

Some..

It turns out that that recover button is the download so to speak. When you press the 'recover', the messages will return to the iCloud storage and return to your phone once you sync if they are not currently on the device. At that point you can then turn off the 'iMessages in the Cloud' sync which will "disable and download" the messages to your phone.

As far as I can tell, "download" is simply a fancy way to say the messages will remain on your phone. They won't wipe away like what happens sometimes with photos when you log out of your apple account.

At that point it's up to you how you get the messages off the phone. That part they do not have a solution for.

I hope this helps.

View in context

30 replies

PHFish

Level 1

26 points

Jul 23, 2025 1:29 AM in response to kpile

I would like to know this too please. There doesn't seem to be a download button as there is with photos.

PHFish

Level 1

26 points

Jul 25, 2025 3:43 AM in response to PHFish

If I right click, there is no download option. Just

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 25, 2025 6:28 AM in response to PHFish

Where are you seeing the 'Recover' button? Is this on an iPhone or a Mac?

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 25, 2025 6:29 AM in response to PHFish

I too am shocked that there is not a simple response to this. It seems like no one is aware of how this function works.

shoeluvr13

Level 6

18,505 points

Jul 25, 2025 12:05 PM in response to PHFish

What happens when you select Recover?

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 25, 2025 12:17 PM in response to shoeluvr13

On the iPhone there is no recover button.

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 30, 2025 6:48 AM in response to muguy

I am trying to recover messages that were not on my phone. they were only in the cloud. How do I initiate the download that the iMessage in the Cloud was talking about?

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 30, 2025 6:50 AM in response to PHFish

I don't get it either. There is a prompt saying it can be done yet no one is addressing it. Every one is just talking around it.

muguy

Level 10

91,154 points

Jul 30, 2025 7:01 AM in response to kpile

Any message available in iCloud is also on your synced device; there are no other messages.

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 30, 2025 8:39 AM in response to muguy

Got it. So when it says I have 30 days to download from iCloud, what is it referring to?

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Jul 31, 2025 6:37 AM in response to PHFish

I am putting a call to Apple today to hopefully get a proper set of instructions on how to do this.

What I get, I will share and hopefully it will help you out.

PHFish

Level 1

26 points

Jul 31, 2025 2:01 PM in response to kpile

Thank you! I thought they would be moderating these forums and step in when people get stuck!

PHFish

Level 1

26 points

Aug 3, 2025 10:36 PM in response to kpile

Any luck?

kpile Author

Level 1

21 points

Aug 4, 2025 7:47 AM in response to muguy

Where does the recently deleted folder appear?

Are you talking about on iCloud.com or on the device?

PHFish

Level 1

26 points

Aug 6, 2025 2:10 AM in response to muguy

I clicked restore and it has gone.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Downloading Deleted messages from Messages in iCloud