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Best Ways to Restore Messages from iCloud with/without backup

By Jenefey Aaron

2026-01-28 / iOS Data Recovery

Lost important text messages on your iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, or 11? Whether you accidentally deleted conversations, performed a factory reset, or upgraded to a new device, recovering your messages from iCloud is possible. However, many users struggle with how to restore messages from iCloud effectively, especially when they only need specific conversations instead of restoring the entire backup. In this comprehensive guide, we'll show you two expert-tested methods to restore text messages from iCloud: Apple's official method and a more advanced selective recovery solution that saves you time and prevents data loss.

Part 1: Selectively Restore Messages from iCloud Using UltData [Expert Recommended]

Why Selective Message Recovery is the Better Choice

When you need to restore text messages from iCloud, the biggest challenge with traditional methods is the "all or nothing" approach. You cannot retrieve iMessages from iCloud selectively using Apple's built-in tools – you must restore the entire backup, which means erasing your current device and potentially losing recent data. This is where Tenorshare UltData revolutionizes the recovery process.

UltData is a professional iPhone data recovery tool trusted by over 5 million users worldwide. It allows you to recover messages from iCloud backup without resetting your iPhone, preview messages before restoration, and selectively choose which conversations to recover. Whether you need to restore deleted text messages, recover iMessages from iCloud, or retrieve specific SMS conversations, UltData provides a safe, fast, and user-friendly solution for both Windows and Mac users.

Key Features of Tenorshare UltData for Message Recovery:

• Selectively restore text messages and iMessages from iCloud backup without erasing current data
• Preview all recoverable messages before restoration to ensure you're getting the right conversations
• Recover messages directly to iPhone or export to computer in multiple formats (HTML, CSV)
• Support for all iOS versions including iOS 26 and all iPhone models (iPhone 17/16/15/14/13/12/11)
• Recover messages from iCloud backup, iTunes backup, or directly from iPhone
• Fast scanning speed with industry-leading 98% success rate for message recovery
• Restore deleted messages even without backup using advanced scanning technology
• Secure recovery process with 256-bit encryption to protect your privacy

Complete Step-by-Step Guide: How to Restore Messages from iCloud to iPhone

Follow this comprehensive tutorial to learn how to retrieve messages from iCloud using UltData. This method works for recovering text messages, iMessages, SMS, and even WhatsApp messages from your iCloud backup. Click the download button below to get started with the free trial version.

• Download and install Tenorshare UltData on your Windows PC or Mac computer. Launch the program and select "Recover Data from iCloud" from the main interface. This mode is specifically designed to help you restore messages from iCloud backup files. Sign in to your iCloud account using your Apple ID and password. UltData uses secure authentication and does not store your credentials. After successful login, the program will display all available iCloud backup files associated with your account, showing the backup date, device name, and iOS version for each backup.



Security Note:

If you have two-factor authentication enabled on your Apple ID, you'll receive a verification code on your trusted devices. Enter this code to proceed. Your login information is processed locally and never transmitted to third-party servers.

• Review the list of iCloud backups and select the backup file that contains the messages you want to restore. Look at the backup date to identify which backup likely contains your desired text messages. Click "Next" to proceed.

• On the file type selection screen, choose "Messages & Attachments" to restore text messages from iCloud. You can also select "Message Attachments" if you need to recover photos, videos, or other files sent via messages. This selective approach saves time by downloading only the data you need instead of the entire backup file. Click "Next" to begin downloading and scanning the selected data from your iCloud backup.

• Once scanning is complete, UltData will display all recoverable messages in a well-organized interface. You can preview every text message, iMessage, and SMS conversation before restoration. The preview window shows the message sender, recipient, timestamp, and full message content, allowing you to verify this is the correct data you want to restore. Select the text messages and iMessages you want to restore, then click the "Recover to PC" button to save messages to your computer in HTML or CSV format for backup purposes or to read on your PC/Mac.

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Part 2: Restore Messages from iCloud Using Apple's Official Method

Requirements & Important Preparations Before Starting

Apple's official method to restore text messages from iCloud requires that you have previously backed up your iPhone to iCloud with Messages enabled in the backup settings. This method will restore all your iPhone data including text messages, iMessages, photos, apps, and settings from your chosen iCloud backup file. However, it's important to understand that this is a complete device restoration process that will erase all current data on your iPhone.

Critical Warning:

Before proceeding with Apple's method, make sure to back up any important data created after your last iCloud backup, as this restoration process will erase everything currently on your device. You cannot selectively restore only text messages using this method – it's an all-or-nothing process.

Prerequisites for restoring messages from iCloud backup:

• You must have a previous iCloud backup that contains the messages you want to restore
• Ensure you have sufficient iCloud storage space (check Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Storage)
• A stable Wi-Fi connection is required throughout the entire restoration process
• Your iPhone battery should be at least 50% charged or connected to power
• Know your Apple ID and password for iCloud authentication
• Allow 30 minutes to several hours for the complete restoration, depending on backup size

Step-by-Step: How to Retrieve Messages from iCloud Backup

Follow these detailed steps to restore iPhone messages from iCloud using Apple's official restoration method. This process works for all iPhone models running iOS 11 or later, including iPhone 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, and 11.

• Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap General, then scroll to the bottom and select Transfer or Reset iPhone (on iOS 15 or later) or Reset (on earlier iOS versions).
• Tap "Erase All Content and Settings". You'll be asked to enter your device passcode and Apple ID password to disable Find My iPhone and Activation Lock. Confirm that you want to erase all content and settings. This process will delete everything on your iPhone including photos, apps, messages, contacts, and all other data.

• Wait for your iPhone to complete the erase process. This typically takes 5-15 minutes. Your device will restart multiple times and eventually display the "Hello" screen, indicating it's ready for setup.
• Follow the on-screen setup instructions. Choose your language, country or region, and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Continue through the setup process including Face ID or Touch ID configuration, creating a passcode, and other initial setup steps.
• When you reach the "Apps & Data" screen, select "Restore from iCloud Backup". This is the critical step where you'll be able to retrieve your text messages from iCloud.


Alternative Options:

If you want to restore from iTunes backup instead, select "Restore from Mac or PC". If you want to set up as a new iPhone without restoring any backup, select "Don't Transfer Apps & Data" (but this won't restore your messages).

• Sign in to iCloud with your Apple ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you'll receive a verification code on your trusted devices. Enter the code to proceed.
• Review the list of available iCloud backups. Each backup shows the date and time it was created, the iOS version, and the device model. Select the backup that contains the text messages you want to restore. Generally, you should choose the most recent backup, but if you're trying to recover messages deleted before your last backup, you may need to choose an older backup file.

• Wait for the restoration process to complete. Your iPhone will download the backup from iCloud and restore all data including text messages, iMessages, contacts, photos, app data, and settings. The time required depends on your backup size and Wi-Fi speed, typically ranging from 30 minutes to several hours. Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and power throughout this entire process.
• Once the initial restore is complete, your iPhone will restart and you can begin using it. However, app downloads and photo downloads may continue in the background for some time after the restore. Check your Messages app to verify that your text messages and iMessages have been successfully restored from iCloud.

Post-Restoration Tips:

After completing the iCloud restoration, allow sufficient time for all apps and data to fully download. Some messages with attachments may take longer to appear. Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in overnight if needed to ensure complete restoration of all message content and media files.

Important Limitations of Apple's Official Method

While Apple's method is free and built into iOS, it comes with significant limitations that you should understand before proceeding:

• Complete Data Erasure: You must erase all current data on your iPhone before you can restore from iCloud backup. This means you'll lose any photos, messages, or other data created after your last iCloud backup.
• No Selective Recovery: You cannot choose to restore only text messages. The restoration process includes all data in the backup, which may overwrite current data you want to keep.
• Time-Consuming Process: The complete erase and restore process can take several hours, during which your iPhone is unusable.
• No Preview Option: You cannot preview the messages in the backup before restoring, so you're restoring blindly.
• Wi-Fi Dependency: A stable Wi-Fi connection is required throughout the entire process. Any interruption can cause restoration failure or data corruption.
• Storage Requirements: You need sufficient free space on your iPhone to accommodate all the restored data.

Due to these significant limitations, many iPhone users prefer using professional tools like Tenorshare UltData, which allows selective message recovery without erasing the device and provides a preview before restoration.

Part 3: Method Comparison, Troubleshooting & Expert Recommendations

Detailed Comparison: UltData vs. Apple's Official Method

To help you decide which method to use when you need to restore text messages from iCloud, we've created a comprehensive comparison table based on our extensive testing with both methods. This comparison reflects real-world usage scenarios and expert evaluation.

Common Issues & Expert Solutions When Restoring Messages

Based on our experience helping thousands of users restore messages from iCloud, here are the most common issues and their proven solutions:

Issue 1: Cannot Access iCloud Backup

Symptoms: iCloud backup list is empty, or you receive an error saying "Unable to verify backup."

Solutions: First, verify that iCloud Backup is enabled on your device (Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup). Check if you have sufficient iCloud storage space. If backups are not showing up, sign out of iCloud and sign back in. For persistent issues, use UltData which can access iCloud backups even when the device cannot.

Issue 2: Restore Process Interrupted or Stuck

Symptoms: The restore progress bar is stuck, or the process stops midway.

Solutions: Ensure stable Wi-Fi connection throughout the process. Keep iPhone connected to power. If using Apple's method and it gets stuck, restart the device and try again. If problems persist, UltData provides a more reliable restoration process with automatic retry capabilities and doesn't require continuous Wi-Fi connection after initial download.

Issue 3: Messages Not Showing After Restore

Symptoms: Restoration completed but text messages are still missing.

Solutions: Check if Messages in iCloud is enabled, as this may prevent messages from being included in iCloud backups. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Messages and toggle it on. Wait a few minutes for messages to sync. If messages still don't appear, the backup may not have included them. Use UltData to verify backup contents before attempting restoration.

Issue 4: "Not Enough Storage" Error

Symptoms: Error message stating insufficient storage to complete restore.

Solutions: Free up space on your iPhone by deleting unnecessary apps and files. Alternatively, use UltData's selective recovery to restore only messages without requiring space for the entire backup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Restoring Messages from iCloud

Expert Conclusion: Best Way to Restore Messages from iCloud

After extensively testing both methods to restore text messages from iCloud, our expert recommendation is clear: Tenorshare UltData is the superior solution for most users who need to recover iMessages from iCloud or restore deleted text messages. While Apple's official method is free, its limitations – including complete device erasure, inability to preview or selectively restore messages, and long processing time – make it impractical for most real-world scenarios.

UltData addresses all these pain points by offering selective message recovery, preview capability, zero data loss, and significantly faster processing time. Whether you need to restore a single conversation or thousands of text messages, retrieve messages from iCloud after years, or recover deleted messages without backup, UltData provides a professional, reliable, and user-friendly solution. The tool has successfully helped over 5 million users worldwide restore their iPhone data, with a 98.6% success rate for message recovery.

Ready to restore your messages safely and efficiently? Click the button below to download UltData and start recovering your text messages from iCloud in just a few clicks. The free trial version allows you to preview all recoverable messages before deciding to restore them.