IMessage is Apple’s instant messaging service for devices like iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Released in 2011 with iOS 5, iMessage lets users send messages, photos, stickers, and more between any Apple devices over the Internet.
- With a quick workaround, however, you can indeed save entire text conversations had on your iPhone, and you can then forward them as an iMessage or even email them to yourself.
- IMessage lets you send and receive messages on all your iOS devices, but if family members share an Apple ID, this default feature can lead to confusion and privacy issues. This article explains how to stop iMessages from appearing on all devices connected to an Apple ID. These instructions apply to devices with iOS 8 and later.
Here's how it works
Messages in iCloud are updated automatically, so you always have the same view everywhere you use iMessage. When you delete a message, photo, or conversation on one device, it’s removed from all of your devices. And since all of your attachments are stored in iCloud, you can save space on your device.
You can use Messages in iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, and Mac. For your privacy, Messages in iCloud is end-to-end encrypted,* which means you can't view or access Messages online via browser.
* Learn more about iCloud security.
Turn on Messages in iCloud
To turn on Messages in iCloud, make sure that you've set up iCloud and are signed in with the same Apple ID on all your devices. You also need to use two-factor authentication with your Apple ID, and turn on iCloud Keychain.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Go to Settings.
- Tap [your name].
- Tap iCloud.
- Turn on Messages.
On your Mac
- Open Messages.
- In the menu bar, choose Messages > Preferences.
- Click iMessage.
- Select the checkbox next to Enable Messages in iCloud.
Turn off Messages in iCloud
When you turn off Messages on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, you can choose to turn off Messages in iCloud for just that device or all of your devices. Any device where Messages in iCloud is still turned on continues to store what you send and receive from that device in iCloud.
On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
- Go to Settings.
- Tap [your name] > iCloud.
- Turn off Messages.
On your Mac
- Open Messages.
- In the menu bar, choose Messages > Preferences.
- Click iMessage.
- Deselect the checkbox next to Enable Messages in iCloud.
If you turn off Messages in iCloud on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch your message history will be included in a separate iCloud backup. If you set up an Apple Watch for a family member, Messages in iCloud is the only way to back up messages.
Make the most of Messages
- Learn how to use Messages on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
- Personalize your messages with Digital Touch, iMessage apps, and message effects.
- Send photos, videos, or audio messages and group messages.
- Learn how to use Messages on your Mac.
A whole new way to talk to companies.
Now you can ask for information, schedule appointments, and even make purchases right in Messages on your iPhone or iPad. Which makes connecting with your favorite companies as easy as texting your favorite people.
A conversation that’s easy to start.
If you’re looking up a company in Maps, Safari, or Search, simply tap the Messages icon to send a text. Many businesses also let you start a conversation directly from their own app or website.
Control what you share. And when you chat.
Only you can start a conversation. And when you do, the company can’t see personal information, like your name or phone number, unless you choose to share it for appointments or deliveries. Once you delete a message thread, the company can’t contact you again until you start another conversation.
Talk to a real person. Or easily get to one.
Most often, your conversations will be with a live agent. You might get a fast, automated response for simple requests, but a real person will be available if needed.
Pay for purchases right then and there.
If you’d like to make a purchase, you can complete it using Business Chat. With Apple Pay, it’s even easier because you can pay with just a touch or a glance without leaving the Messages conversation.
Skip the call. Save some time.
Why wait on hold to ask a question when you can simply get a text instead? If you’re too busy to reply at the moment, no problem. You can get back to the conversation when it’s convenient. Scheduling an appointment is easy, too. Because Business Chat is built into iOS, it can let you know about any conflicts on your calendar.
Imessage Ios
Give it a go.
We’re already working with a variety of innovative companies who want to connect to their customers through Business Chat. And we’ll be adding many more partners over time.
Business Chat is included in the latest iOS.
Disable Imessage Ios
See how to upgrade to the latest iOS