Why have both Text Message Forwarding and iCloud for Messages activated?

Question

Level 1

20 points

Why have both Text Message Forwarding and iCloud for Messages activated?

What is the point of having both Text Message Forwarding and iCloud for Messages activated? - Other than taking up iCloud space with years of messages where Apple insists we buy additional larger iCloud package?

I have several Apple devices, but only my iPhone 15 Pro with a data package. If I have Text Forwarding set to forward them to some or all of my devices, why have Messages on iCloud taking up precious iCloud space?

iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on Jan 2, 2026 8:04 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

muguy

Level 10

91,316 points

Jan 2, 2026 8:26 AM in response to Moriah7474

Messages in iCloud is used to keep your messages in sync across devices. It will also offload attachments to save space. Text message forwarding allows you to receive texts on other devices. Texts forward es are independent of the original (deleting 1 does not delete the other)

Reply

Answer 2

muguy

Level 10

91,316 points

Jan 2, 2026 9:47 AM in response to Moriah7474

You’ll have text messages of varying status across multiple devices. Read texts on one will still be unread on others if only forwarding is on. Deleted messages on one will not delete on the other device. For those who text a lot there is a lot of catching up to do.

Reply

Answer 3

Moriah7474 Author

Level 1

20 points

Jan 2, 2026 8:45 AM in response to muguy

So, in other words, aside from the fact that one device will not delete a message from another, it is essentially redundant to have both activated?

If that is the case, then one can save a lot of space on iCloud by just activating Text Message Forward only with minimal difference. There are many posts of people thinking their only option to save space on iCloud is to delete years worth of messages. This seems to be the alternative.

Reply

Answer 4

muguy

Level 10

91,316 points

Jan 2, 2026 9:14 AM in response to Moriah7474

I wouldn't say redundant as each method serves a different purpose. You can indeed not use iCloud space and forward messages. Of course, if one texts a lot, things will get unsorted quickly.

Indeed, one way to save space is to delete messages, especially those with attachments, videos, pictures, etc. Most can be moved elsewhere. It all just depends on thee individual's use case.

Reply

Answer 5

Moriah7474 Author

Level 1

20 points

Jan 2, 2026 9:37 AM in response to muguy

What do you mean by "Of course, if one texts a lot, things will get unsorted quickly."?

Reply