iCloud Messages: Accidental "Disable All" shows 0KB storage

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iCloud Messages: Accidental "Disable All" shows 0KB storage

Hi, I was setting up a new Mac for which I did *not* want to sync my messages. So I set up the computer and turned off iCloud syncing. However, when doing so, I accidentally picked the "Disable All" option instead of "Disable This Device."

I immediately went to turn it back on, but it seems that it started the process to clear out my iCloud messages. Now it's the next day. When I check on my iPhone (which does have iCloud syncing), if I go in the "Messages in iCloud" section, I see:

Manage Storage: 0KB
Keep Messages: Forever
In iCloud: 241,400 messages
Status: synced yesterday at 2:07am

This is concerning because although there are a bunch of messages in iCloud, the reported storage is 0KB (empty) but I know I used to have 70GB of messages. I am worried this means that iCloud has queued up the deletion of my messages and that they will be cleared out within the next 30 days.

Pressing the "Sync Now" button does nothing. It's still stuck at "synced yesterday at 2:07am."

How can I cancel the deletion request? Or if that's not possible, how can I back up ALL of my iCloud messages onto my iPhone so that I can later re-upload them onto my iCloud. (Currently my iPhone says it has 3GB used for iCloud).

Thanks!

iPhone 17 Pro, iOS 26

Posted on Dec 10, 2025 4:27 PM

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Answer 1

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zinacef

Level 10

88,744 points

Dec 10, 2025 4:46 PM in response to Mig35700

This situation can be incredibly stressful, but it is important not to panic because the behavior you are seeing is standard for the "Disable & Delete" state. The discrepancy between the "0KB" storage reading and the high message count indicates that your data has been moved from your active storage quota into a "pending deletion" holding tank. Apple provides a strict 30-day grace period before this data is permanently scrubbed, meaning your messages are almost certainly still on the server, just waiting to be recovered.

Before attempting any fixes, your absolute first priority should be creating a secure safety net for the data currently cached on your iPhone. You should not rely on a standard iCloud Backup for this, as those backups do not include messages when the "Messages in iCloud" feature is enabled. Instead, connect your iPhone to a computer and use Finder (on macOS) or iTunes (on Windows) to create a full, encrypted local backup. Selecting the "Encrypt local backup" option is critical because it ensures your message database is preserved exactly as it is right now, along with health data and passwords.

Once your backup is complete, the most direct way to cancel the deletion request is through your iPhone's settings. Navigate to your Apple ID settings, select iCloud, and then tap "Manage Account Storage." When you click on "Messages" within that menu, look for a button labeled "Undo Disable & Delete" or "Recover." If this button is present, tapping it will immediately move your data back into your active storage, and you should see your storage usage jump from 0KB back to the expected 70GB shortly after.

If that button is not available, you can attempt to force your iPhone to claim the data by downloading it locally. To do this, go to your iCloud settings for Messages and toggle the "Sync this iPhone" switch to the OFF position. You should be prompted with an option to "Download and Keep Originals." Be aware that this requires you to have enough free space on your iPhone to accommodate the full 70GB library. If successful, this saves the messages to your device storage, allowing you to turn the toggle back ON later to re-upload them to the cloud as a fresh database. Throughout this process, do not log out of iCloud, as that could clear the cached messages currently on your phone.

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