How to Access iMessages on iCloud: 2 Simple Methods

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Send and receive iMessages on all of your Apple devices—even your Mac

Written by Travis Boylls

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Tested

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On iPhone and iPad

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On Mac

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Q&A

This wikiHow teaches you how to access iMessages on iCloud. With iOS 11.4 iMessages are now available on iCloud. This means that your messages sync across all your devices. Messages you receive or delete on your iPhone will also carry over to your Mac or iPad.^{[1]
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Research source} Before settings up iMessages on iCloud, be aware that all your old messages will no longer be available.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

On iPhone and iPad

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If you haven't already done so, update the operating system on your iPhone to iOS 11.4 or later. Read "How To Update iOS" to learn how to update latest version of iOS on your iPhone or iPad.
The Settings app has an icon that resembles two gears. It's on your home screen.

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Your name is at the top of the Settings menu next to your profile picture. This opens the Apple ID menu.
It's next to the icon that resembles a blue cloud.
The Messages or iMessage app has a green icon with a white speech bubble. This enable iMessage messages to be stored on iCloud.^{[2]
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Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

On Mac

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If you don't have the latest version of MacOS, you need to update to MacOS 10.13.5 to enable Messages on iCloud. Read "How to Upgrade Mac System Software" to learn how to upgrade to the latest version of MacOS.
Messages is the app that has a large blue speech bubble and a small white speech bubble.
It's in the upper-right corner of the screen in the menu bar when the Messages app is open.
It's in the Messages menu. This opens the Preferences app.
It's the second tab at the top of the Preferences window. It has an icon with a blue circle with a white "@" sign in the middle.
It has a checkbox next to it you can check under the "Account tab in the preferences window. This enables iMessage messages to be stored on iCloud.^{[3]
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Community Q&A

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Question

Will I lose my messages on my phone?

Community Answer

No, you will not lose your messages. They are saved to your iCloud, or your Mac may be synced with your phone number.

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Question

How can I retrieve messages that are deleted?

Fancyghost

Community Answer

You can't. Once messages are deleted, they're gone forever. Try another solution.

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Question

How can I view iMessages on my PC?

Warren

Top Answerer

You can't view iMessages on a PC unless it's a Mac. If it is, sign into the same iCloud account as your iPhone, and iMessage should be pre-installed.

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