iMessage bug - media attachments

iOS 6 has a really annoying bug to do with iMessages and attachments.
When you delete an iMessage (possibly normal MMS too, not sure) that has an attachment, it doesn't actually delete the file - it only deletes the message and keeps the file hidden away.
I know this because my iCloud backup size doesn't drop after deleting an attachment (easily tested with a 1 minute video sent/received via iMessage). Also using a backup recovery tool, it shows message attachments even though I've deleted everything.
I currently have about 500mb wasted iCloud storage from message attachments on my iPad, and about 2.5gb wasted iCloud storage from my iPhone.

Very frustrating that my iCloud storage is wasted, constantly nagging me that it's full/almost full. I have to keep emptying my camera roll more often at the moment, but it's getting to the point where even that isn't helping.

Anyone know of a way to recover that stolen space (without buying more iCloud storage - I'm gonna assume Apple left in this bug so they could get more iCloud upgrade sales )? I don't want to have to wipe my iPhone or iPad and start again.. (restoring a backup puts the hidden files back).
Is there a backup tool that I can use to delete stuff out of a backup, but doesn't destroy the backup so I can then restore that (with message attachments removed)?

Joesmith13245 said:

I have this issue as well. Although my issues started prior to IOS 6. I've been looking for a solution other then complete factory restore.

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Yeah I never really noticed til iOS 6 because I never used iMessages that much in iOS 5 for photos + video (email was always more reliable). So I didn't know how long the bug has been around for! Very disappointing if it's existed since iOS 5 and hasn't been fixed! I may get iMessages on my old iPad and see if it does the same on that (still on iOS 5). I had to delete its' backup to free some iCloud space...

I've filed a bug report, but not holding out much hope.

I've logged a bug report. It was flagged as a duplicate... Doesn't hold much hope if its been around since 5.1 though..

Joesmith13245 said:

This issue is annoying. just received a video from my wife through IMessage and now my backup is over 2GB even after deleting the txt. lol.. my Wife, because she sent the video, also increased her bakup and now We are at our 5GB limit!!!!

I'm suprised this has not been escalated. A hacker can easily exploit this by sending a Large video to MANY iMessage users. At some point the phone will be out of usable capacity which i'm sure would create many issues. I guess we can only hope this happens so Apple will be forced to address the issue.

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Ah crappy! I've updated to 6.1 and the large amount of "Other" remained, so I don't think it's been fixed. I'm waiting for the jailbreak now, and will delete the files myself!

C DM said:

Perhaps something from this tool might help with this: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19512_....0-reclaims-storage-space-on-your-ios-device/

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I haven't tried that tool, but I'll give it a go tomorrow night (need some sleep...).
But, as of 6.1, deleting a message from the Messages app with an attachment, DOES now delete the actual file too.
The only issue is that any deleted messages with attachments prior to 6.1, those files still remain.
At least it's fixed so it can't get any worse though...
I'm told the other remaining files will be dealt with in a later update (had a call from Apple).

stephen1108 said:

REALLY? So Apple called you and let you know they fixed the message bug?

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Ha, yes, it's not quite as out of the blue as it may sound.
With my iCloud being full, I emailed tim cook's email address out of desperation on Monday not expecting a response, then yesterday morning had a phone call from someone about the issue. She told me it was fixed in 6.1, so at least the problem shouldn't get any worse. They're working on a fix for removing the older files that got left behind.
She said she was going to email me about the issue and with her details, asked for some details off me and asked me to let her know if the problem was still there after I update to 6.1 and test it.
Sure enough, she emailed me with her details. She was from the "Executive Relations EMEIA" based in Ireland.

Xenomorph said:

That's PhoneClean program does *not* clean up SMS Attachments.

It can only access normal user-areas, not the system area like the SMS Attachments.

A clean restore or a jailbreak are the only sure ways to delete SMS Attachments right now.

Another method is to make a backup, zero-out the files (very time consuming), then restore that backup. That caused my device to reboot over and over, though.

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At least they've fixed it now though, so that deleting a message on 6.1 actually deletes the attachment too. Just means losing all message to clear out all current attachments.
I'm waiting for the JB so I can clear out any others myself.