I have 3.9 of my 5 GB used up. I do not want to purchase more storage. An Apple Rep told me if I delete videos or pictures from my text messages that this would bring the 3.9 down. I removed over 1000 megabytes of videos from my text messages from a multiple of people, but the number (3.9) did not reduce. Why not?
iPhone 11, iOS 16
I contacted Apple yesterday and their rep stated that the texts itself also would be deleted. I guess I need to talk to a different rep. He had me go into my message app itself, click on the edit, and then it will show recently deleted. When I look at the recently deleted items, it states that there are 6 messages. So is it messages or just attachments that they are referring to? I need to look into this further.
It may take up to 30 days for items to be removed completely.
I am surprised with that reply. I was thinking with modern technology that the storage amount would decrease immediately. Do you know if deleting the video attachment also deletes the text itself?
Most things deleted in iCloud remain for up to 30 days before being permanently deleted; that's not unusual.
Deleting an attachment does not delete any associated text message.
I have deleted media and retained messages by long-pressing on the media, selecting more, and deleting. The messages remain in tact.
Reduce iCloud storage from Messages
