Here's how it works
IOS/Settings-Messages Google’s Messages is more a front-end to SMS than a separate messenger, adding richer functionality but with a tightly integrated approach. SMS is now upgrading to RCS, its. Apr 02, 2019 iMessage is a built-in messaging app for everyone in Apple’s ecosystem. From your Mac, you can message all your iPhone-using friends, and—if you have an iPhone as well—send and receive regular SMS messages with Android users. RELATED: How to Set up Text Message Forwarding on Your Mac or iPad. Apr 11, 2019 To begin, open the Settings app and tap “Messages.” Next, scroll down and tap “Send & Receive.” On the next screen, below “Start new conversations from,” you will see the available starting points for new iMessage conversations. You will most likely see your phone number and at least one email address, starting with your Apple ID.
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
Imessage Setting
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.
Imessage Setting
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.