How to Sync Messages to iPhone/iPad with iCloud

The messages contain a variety of conversations with others, some of which are important for you. If you have two iOS devices, like an iPhone and an iPad, or get a new iPhone, instead of switching all data to iPhone/iPad, you may just want to sync messages between two iOS devices.

Well, iCloud can help you make it. This guide will detail how to sync messages with iCloud between two iOS devices. Since iCloud has got some demerits, such as limited storage space for free, a better way is also offered to help you to selectively transfer messages to new iPhone/iPad.

How to sync messages with iCloud

You will know how to sync messages with iCloud in this part. Besides, chances are that messages fail to be synced. You are also given some fixes for iCloud messages not syncing in this part.

Steps to sync iCloud messages to iPhone

To use iCloud to sync messages between two iOS devices, please make sure your iOS devices are running iOS 12 or later, set up iCloud, and are signed in with the same Apple ID on all of your devices.

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to a stable Wi-Fi network.

Step 2. One old iPhone: Go to Settings > tap [your name] > iCloud.

Step 3. Scroll down to find Messages > Toggle it on if it is not.

Now, you can perform the same steps to sync iCloud messages to iPhone/iPad.

Warm tip if iCloud messages not syncing

You may fail to sync iCloud to iPhone/iPad due to an unstable Internet connection, unavailable iCloud server, full iCloud storage space, etc. You can try the quick fixes below to have a try.

Fix 1. Turn off and on Messages in iCloud
Turn off and on again the Messages in iCloud function can solve some minor glitches. When you turn off the toggle, a window will prompt, please tap Disable and Download Messages to confirm.

Fix 2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
If you haven’t enabled two-factor authentication, iCloud messages will not be synced successfully. You can follow the steps to have a check and enable the two-factor authentication.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap [your name] > Tap Password & Security > Tap Turn On Two-Factor Authentication.

Fix 3. Check and reset Wi-Fi network on your iOS devices
You also need to make sure your iOS devices is connected to Wi-Fi network during the messages sync process. A slow Internet connection will result in iCloud messages not syncing/downloading. You might try refreshing the Wi-Fi connection.

To troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection issues, you may need to reset network settings. It will return the network to its default settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Enter your passcode to confirm.

Bonus Tip: How to transfer messages between two iPhone/iPads without iCloud

You don’t need to sync messages to iCloud when you need to transfer messages between two iPhone/iPads. It is recommended you to try the iOS data backup and transfer software - FoneTool to make it.

What you can benefit from FoneTool:
• Selectively transfer. Instead of all messages, FoneTool allows you to preview and choose the wanted messages to transfer between two iOS devices.
• Fast transfer speed. The stable USB connection promises a fast transfer speed, enabling you to transfer messages in a short time.
• Simple task without data loss. FoneTool is such user-friendly software, enabling you to complete the transfer process in a few clicks with no data loss.
Two steps to complete the transfer:
① Backup messages on old iPhone
② Restore the backed up messages to new iPhone

FoneTool supports iPhone from iPhone 4 to the latest iPhone 14, as well as iPad and iPod. Free download it to your computer by clicking the icon below and follow the steps to sync messages between two iPhone/iPads.

Step 1. Connect your source devices to computer with USB > Launch FoneTool and click Phone Backup from its main interface > Get to Selective Backup and click Get Started.

Step 2. Check the Messages icon to browse and choose the messages you want to transfer > Click OK to confirm.

Step 3. Choose the backup path > Click Start Backup button to start backing up your messages. When it is complete, unplug the old device from computer.

Step 4. Connect your target iOS device to computer and go to the Backup History screen.

Step 5. Choose the backup file you just created > Click Restore option, and then your messages will be transferred to the target devices.

Conclusion

Hope you have known how to sync messages to iPhone with iCloud after reading this guide. If you prefer a visible and selective solution to sync messages between two iOS devices, FoneTool will be the best choice for you.