This article explains how the Hearsay Extractor works with messages stored in iCloud. Messages cannot be pulled directly from iCloud or from iCloud backups. Instead, Hearsay extracts data from the device (iPhone or iPad). If messages are synced from iCloud and visible on the device, they will be included in the extraction. If they are stored only in iCloud and not on the device, they won’t be captured unless they are first downloaded or synced to the device.
Messages already on the phone
If your phone is synced with iCloud and the messages are currently visible on the device, they will be extracted. No extra steps needed.
Messages not on the phone yet/anymore
Some messages stored in iCloud may not appear on the phone due to:
Low storage (older messages are offloaded to iCloud)
Incomplete syncing with iCloud backups
Message Retention Settings
These messages will not be extracted unless they’re downloaded onto the device.
How to get iCloud messages onto your phone
To include those messages in your extraction, try one or more of the following:
Scroll to the top of any conversation to force load older messages from the Cloud.
Change Message Retention Settings: Go to Settings → Messages → Keep Messages → Forever.
If your phone is not syncing with iCloud and your settings are not already Forever, older messages have already been deleted and changing this setting will only not affect iCloud Syncing.
Sync to an older iCloud/iPhone backup: If messages are saved to an older iCloud or iPhone backup, syncing the phone to that backup will bring them onto the device
Once the messages are on the phone, the Hearsay Extractor can extract them.
Note: It is recommended to connect to WiFi as having a WiFi connection on your phone will speed up the syncing process.
If you're unsure whether your phone is fully synced or notice that certain messages are missing, contact Hearsay Support.