iOS Article

How To Enable Messages In iCloud

September 21, 2018

If you haven't enabled your Messages in iCloud, which will sync your messages to all of your devices, here is how you do it.  First, I am assuming you have at least iOS 11.4 and Mac OS 10.13.5 or later  Better yet, upgrade to the latest iOS 12.0 on your iPhone and iPad and upgrade your Mac to Mojave on September 24th.  Previously,  Messages were stored on your device and not synced to the Cloud meaning that every device might have different  messages or they might be out of order.  Having your messages in iCloud rather than on your individual devices will fix this issue and free up space on your devices.  Finally.

Here is how you do it:

  • Make sure you have at least iOS 11.4 or better yet, update your device to iOS 12.0
  • Enable Messages in iCloud.  Open "Settings", select your "Apple ID" and tap on "iCloud"
  • Scroll down to "Messages" and switch it to the on position
  • If not enabled, you may be prompted to set up two-factor authentication (recommended)  If you have previously set up Apple Pay, this feature has probably been set up.

Once you have enabled Messages to sync to iCloud in iOS, you will most likely be prompted to turn Messages on when you log in on your Mac.  If not, open "Preferences" in Messages.  Click on the "Accounts" tab and checkmark  "Enable Messages in iCloud".  Make sure that your iCloud account ("Enable this account") is checkmarked as well).