How to sync text messages on iCloud and view them on all of your Apple devices

You can sync text messages with iCloud to access them across Apple devices. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images

• You can sync your text messages across Apple devices by enabling the iCloud messages sync feature.
• Synced messages will all be viewable in the Messages app, whether you're using an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac.
• You can only sync your text messages to iCloud on Apple devices.

Most people know that iCloud is a great way to store backups of your photos, contacts, and documents. 

But did you know you can also use it to sync your text messages, allowing you to access them from anywhere?

Important: The feature to sync iCloud text messages is only available on Apple devices.

You can even send text messages without having your phone in your hand, straight from the Messages app on your Mac or another Apple device, and have any message you've sent or received viewable on any synced device. 

Here's how to sync text messages to iCloud so you can view them on all your Apple devices.

How to sync messages to iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch

1. Open the Settings app on your device.  

2. At the top of the Settings menu, tap your name to get to your Apple ID page.

Go to your Apple ID page. Stefan Ionescu

3. Tap iCloud.

4. Toggle the Messages switch to the on position – this will turn it green.

Enable the feature to sync messages to iCloud. Stefan Ionescu

Once you've done this, any text messages you send on your phone will automatically sync to iCloud. 

Note: If you want to make sure all your messages on all of your devices sync with one another, you should turn on this feature on those devices as well.

How to sync messages to iCloud on a Mac

1. Open the Messages app on your Mac.

2. In the menu bar at the very top of your screen, click Messages.

3. Select Preferences.

Click "Preferences." Stefan Ionescu

4. Click the iMessage tab at the top of the Preferences window.

5. Click the checkbox next to where it says Enable Messages in iCloud. 

Make sure this checkbox is ticked. Stefan Ionescu

Quick tip: If there are messages available to sync, you can click Sync Now to have your message history synced as well as all future messages.

You can now view your synced iCloud text messages in your Mac computer's Messages app or the Messages app on another synced device.