If text messages are appearing on your iPad and you do not want them there, first determine whether they are iMessages synced through your Apple Account or SMS/MMS/RCS messages being forwarded from your iPhone. You can disable the relevant messaging connection without deleting the conversations from your iPhone.
Stop iMessages From Going to the iPad
- Open Settings on the iPad.
- Open the Messages settings. The location can vary slightly by iPadOS version.
- Turn off iMessage if you do not want the iPad to receive iMessages at all.
If you still want iMessage on the iPad but want to change which addresses can reach it, review the Send & Receive settings instead and remove addresses you do not want associated with that device.
Stop iPhone Text Message Forwarding
If ordinary carrier text messages from the iPhone are appearing on the iPad, open the Messages settings on the iPhone and review Text Message Forwarding when that option is available. Turn off forwarding to the iPad.
Messages in iCloud
If Messages in iCloud is enabled, message history can synchronize between devices using the same Apple Account. Deleting a synchronized conversation on one device can therefore affect other devices. If your goal is only to stop future delivery to the iPad, change the messaging settings rather than deleting conversations.
Family members should generally use separate Apple Accounts rather than sharing one account for Messages. Family Sharing can provide shared services without combining everyone’s private message delivery.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.