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
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
Conversations not fully loaded into the Messages app
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 load older messages
Turn on Messages in iCloud: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Messages
Sync to an iCloud backup: If messages are saved to an older iCloud 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.
If you're unsure whether your phone is fully synced or notice that certain messages are missing, contact Hearsay Support.