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Usually, yes—but it depends on whether Messages in iCloud was enabled and which backup method you used. With Messages in iCloud off, an iCloud Backup includes iMessage, SMS, and MMS messages. With it on, messages sync to iCloud instead of being included in the daily device backup. A computer backup also excludes messages already synced to iCloud.
How iPhone backups handle text messages
A backup saves device data so you can restore it later. Syncing is different: it keeps data available through iCloud rather than placing another copy in the device backup. That distinction determines where your messages come from after a restore.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $552.01 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $409.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $262.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed) | $388.34 | Buy on Amazon |
| Method or setting | What happens to messages | What to expect after a restore |
|---|---|---|
| iCloud Backup; Messages in iCloud off | iMessage, SMS, and MMS messages are included in the backup. | Messages are restored from that backup. Apple says messages and attachments are saved in the next iCloud Backup and download in the background during restoration. Apple’s iCloud backup guidance |
| iCloud Backup; Messages in iCloud on | Messages sync to iCloud and are not included in the daily device backup. | They should download from iCloud after restoration; keep the device connected to Wi-Fi. Apple’s iCloud backup guidance |
| Computer backup; messages already synced to iCloud | The computer backup excludes messages already synced and stored in iCloud. | They are expected to sync from iCloud, rather than be recovered from that computer backup. Apple’s backup-method guidance |
| Encrypted computer backup | Encryption can include additional categories such as Health and Keychain data; it does not add already-synced messages to the backup. | Encryption affects other backup data, not the iCloud-sync exclusion. Local backup encryption is an option you must enable. Apple’s backup-method guidance |
Will text messages come back from an iCloud restore?
If Messages in iCloud was off when the relevant iCloud Backup was made, the messages are included in that backup. If Messages in iCloud was on, the messages are handled through sync and should download after the restore when the iPhone connects to Wi-Fi. Apple does not give a fixed download time: restoration depends on backup size and Wi-Fi speed. Apple’s iCloud backup guidance
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These outcomes depend on the settings and backup state at the time. A restore is not a guarantee that every message will return in every circumstance; the backup must have completed, and device type and network conditions can matter.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
Check your backup settings before erasing or replacing an iPhone
Apple’s current instructions describe automatic iCloud backup when the device is connected to Wi-Fi and power, with its screen locked. You can also start a manual backup and check when the last backup completed. For current controls and steps, use Apple’s instructions for backing up with iCloud.
To check whether Messages in iCloud is on, open Settings, tap your name, then iCloud, and look for Messages in the list of apps using iCloud. Labels and screens can vary by iOS version. If you are preparing to restore, confirm that the messages are either syncing through iCloud or included in a completed backup.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
If iCloud says there is not enough storage to complete a backup, follow the on-screen options to address the storage issue before relying on that backup. A backup that did not complete cannot be assumed to contain the messages.
What to check if messages are missing after a restore
- Identify the backup method. Determine whether you restored from iCloud Backup or a computer backup.
- Check the Messages in iCloud setting that applied when the backup was made. If it was on, messages are expected to sync; if off, check that the relevant iCloud Backup completed.
- For synced messages, connect the restored iPhone to Wi-Fi. Allow time for the messages to download; Apple says restoration time varies with backup size and Wi-Fi speed. Apple’s iCloud restore guidance
- Look for another backup. Apple advises checking whether another iCloud or computer backup contains the missing information. Apple’s missing-information guidance
- Consider the device type used for the backup. Apple notes that messages and attachments may not appear when restoring a backup from a different kind of device, such as an iPad backup to an iPhone. Apple’s missing-information guidance
Does encryption change whether messages are backed up?
No. Encryption is separate from the question of whether messages were included in a particular backup. Encrypting a local computer backup can preserve additional sensitive categories, including Health and Keychain data, but it does not make messages already synced to iCloud part of that computer backup. Apple documents the computer backup and encryption options in its backup-method guidance.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
Apple’s security documentation describes conversations in Messages, including SMS and MMS where applicable, as backed-up information. When Messages in iCloud and iCloud Backup are both used, Apple says the backup includes a copy of the Messages in iCloud encryption key to help with recovery. With Advanced Data Protection enabled, iCloud Backup and that key are end-to-end encrypted. These security details do not change the basic distinction between messages included in a device backup and messages synced separately. Apple Platform Security: iCloud backup security
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Using a computer backup
Apple’s Mac instructions use Finder: connect the iPhone to the Mac, select the device, and choose the backup option. The exact controls can vary by operating-system version and platform, so follow Apple’s current computer backup instructions. If you enable backup encryption, keep its password available; encryption does not change the treatment of data already synced to iCloud.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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