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Text messages are an essential part of our daily lives, and losing them can be daunting. While we hope we never have to face the situation of losing them, the probability of losing them is always hanging over our head. One such case is losing text messages while switching to a new device. When you switch from your old iPhone to a new one, you may discover that your text messages are lost in the process. Luckily, there is a solution to this problem. You can extract text messages from iCloud Backup. The following guide will show you how to extract text messages from iCloud Backup.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Extract Text Messages from iCloud Backup
There can be several reasons why you may need to extract text messages from iCloud Backup. For instance, you may have lost your text messages while switching to a new device or accidental deletion. Whatever the reason may be, iCloud Backup provides you with a backup to retrieve your text messages. iCloud backup is a useful tool that saves a copy of everything on your Apple device, including your text messages.
Method 1: Via the iCloud Website
Method 1 Pros:
– It is a user-friendly process.
– It is a free and accessible method.
Method 1 Cons:
– It can be time-consuming.
– You can only extract one message at a time.
Before starting the process, assure that you have enabled iCloud Backup. To extract your text messages via the iCloud website, follow the steps below.
Steps
1. Head over to http://www.icloud.com.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID and password to access the website.
3. Click on Text Messages, and iCloud will display all your messages on the screen.
4. Locate the text message you want to extract and tap on it.
5. Click the copy button or use the keyboard shortcut Control-C.
6. Create a new document, paste the text in it by using Control-V or right-click, then paste.
7. Save the new document on your Mac.
Method 2: Using FoneLab
Method 2 Pros:
– It is the fastest method to extract text messages.
– You can extract several messages at a time.
Method 2 Cons:
– FoneLab is available for Windows and Mac users only.
– It is a paid service.
FoneLab – iPhone Data Recovery is a payment service that guarantees the retrieval of your lost data. Follow the steps below to extract your text messages via FoneLab.
Steps
1. Download the FoneLab software on your Mac.
2. Launch the application and connect your iPhone to your Mac.
3. Select "iPhone Data Recovery > Recover from iCloud Backup File," and the software will present the iCloud login prompt.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password to login to iCloud.
5. After FoneLab finishes the scan, you will have two options: "Recover from IOS Device" and "Recover from iTunes Backup."
6. Select "Recover from IOS Device."
7. Choose the text messages you want to extract, then click "Recover" to start the process.
8. After the process is finished, select "Open Folder" to check your extracted text messages.
Method 3: Using iExplorer
Method 3 Pros:
– It is a free and accessible method.
– You can extract all text messages at one time.
Method 3 Cons:
– It is a time-consuming process.
– It can be challenging to use for beginners.
iExplorer is a free app that helps extract data from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch backups. Follow the steps below to extract your text messages via iExplorer.
Steps
1. Download and install iExplorer on your Mac.
2. Run iExplorer and connect your iPhone to your Mac.
3. Click the "Explore Backup" option, then choose your iCloud Backup.
4. Select "Data > Messages > Attachments" to find your text messages.
5. Select the folders that contain the text messages you need.
6. Click on the "Export All" button to save your exported text messages to a nearby location.
What to Do If You Can’t Extract Text Messages from iCloud Backup
If you are unable to extract text messages from iCloud Backup, there can be several reasons for it. These can include technical errors to data corruption issues. Nevertheless, there are still a few things you can try before seeking professional help.
Fix 1: Check iCloud Storage
If your text message is not present in iCloud Backup, then it may be safe to assume that the iPhone did not back up the data. Therefore, check your iCloud storage and ensure that your iPhone can backup data to iCloud.
Fix 2: Check iCloud Settings
Make sure you have enabled iCloud Backup on your iPhone and that it is backing up your Text messages. To do this, go to "Settings > iCloud > Backup," and check if "Text Messages" are on.
Fix 3: Check iPhone Updates
Make sure you have updated your iPhone to the latest iOS version. If it’s not updated, it can cause problems for apps like iCloud Backup.
Bonus Tip
If you have recently noticed that your text messages are missing and suspect that its reason is iOS apps, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling the said apps. Doing this can bring back the messages by prompting the app to save your messages to iCloud.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I recover deleted text messages from iCloud Backup?
A: Yes, you can retrieve deleted text messages from iCloud Backup. To do this, you can use various third-party tools or use Apple’s internal recovery options.
Q2: Can I extract images from iCloud Backup?
A: Yes, you can extract photos and other multimedia from iCloud Backup but only if you have enabled iCloud Photo Library on your iPhone.
Q3: How long does it take to recover text messages from iCloud Backup?
A: It depends on the size of your backup, but it usually takes a few minutes to an hour.
Q4: Are there any risks involved in using a third-party app to extract text messages from iCloud Backup?
A: Yes, third-party apps may pose a security risk or introduce malware into your system. Therefore, always ensure to download third-party apps from trusted sources.
Q5: Can I extract my text messages through iTunes?
A: Yes, you can extract text messages through iTunes backup as it also stores your text messages along with other files.
Final Thoughts
Extracting text messages from iCloud Backup can be an effortless task. The process is user-friendly, free, or paid, depending on the method you choose. This guide has provided you with three methods to extract your text messages from iCloud Backup and the fixes to the possible challenges you may face. Importantly, always ensure that you back up your data to iCloud frequently to avoid the loss of your valuable data.