This guide will tell you how to transfer iMessages from iPad to iPhone. Whether you want to transfer all messages or selected messages, you can find the method in this article.
How to Transfer Messages from iPad to iPhone
I have an iPad Pro and just bought a new iPhone 16. I tried to restore iCloud backup on new iPhone. Everything downloaded from iCloud like contacts, photos, settings, etc. Everything except text messages. Messages don't seem to be backing up in iCloud. How can I transfer messages from iPad to iPhone?
- Question from Apple Community
Apple Messages service lets people send iMessages over Wi-Fi or cellular service. It’s full of features and makes communication fun. As there are so many important conversations, when you get a new iPhone, you definitely want to transfer those iMessages from iPad to it.
So how to transfer iMessages from iPad to iPhone? Is there a way to only transfer messages instead of all data? Yes, there are two ways can help you make it:
โ Apple makes it possible to sync messages between iPad and iPhone, as long as the two devices use the same Apple ID. โ If you want to transfer messages from iPad to iPhone without iCloud, you can rely on a third-party transfer tool to transfer messages the way you want.
Keep reading to learn more.
Way 1 tells you how to transfer selected messages from iPad to iPhone.
Way 2 shows you how to transfer all messages from iPad to iPhone.
AOMEI FoneBackup is one easy-to-use iOS data backup & transfer tool designed for Windows PC users. It is able to transfer music, text messages, iMessages, contacts, photos, and videos between two iDevices, between iDevice and computer.
> It will help you transfer selected messages from iPad to iPhone without data erasing. > It will help you transfer messages directly without having to wait for synchronization.
See how to use this tool:
Download, install and launch AOMEI FoneBackup. It supports all iOS models including the latest iPhone 16 (Plus/Pro Max/Pro), iPad Pro and iPod Touch.
Step 1. Run AOMEI FoneBackup > Connect source iPad to computer via USB cable. Please enter the passcode on iPad so the software can access your device.
Step 2. Click Phone Backup > Select Selective Backup option > Choose Messages to select the messages you need > Click OK to confirm.
Step 3. Select the backup path > Click Start Backup button to start backing up your messages to computer.
Step 4. Unplug iPad and connect the target iPhone to computer > Go to the Backup Hisotry screen > Confirm the data that will be transferred to iPhone > Finally click Start Restore. (Don’t worry, it will not erase any data on iPhone.)
iCloud offers two ways to help users sync iMessages between iPad and iPhone. In the past, users can enable the “iMessage Sync” to sync iMessages. Since iOS 11.4, Apple has added the “Messages in iCloud” function. When it is enabled, all messages will be uploaded to iCloud and the messages will appear on any device that logged in with the same Apple account.
Make sure that your iPhone and iPad are signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID. And connect devices to a stable Wi-Fi network.
→ How to Sync iMessage from iPad to iPhone
Turn on iMessage Sync on both devices:
Go to Settings app > Tap Messages > Turn on iMessage.
Tap Send & Receive > Make sure that the Apple ID used for iMessage is correct & Confirm the phone number and email address to send/receive messages.
→ How to Enable Messages in iCloud Function
Turn on Messages in iCloud on both devices:
Go to Settings > Tap [your name] > Tap iCloud > Turn on Messages.
Notes:
When Messages in iCloud is enabled, your messages will not be included in the iCloud backup.
Also note that when you delete a message or conversion on one device, it’s removed from all of your devices.
That’s all for how to transfer iMessages from iPad to iPhone. You can let iCloud help you sync all messages or rely on AOMEI FoneBackup to transfer selected messages. If you don't like the way of sync, then choose the latter one.
