How to backup signal messages

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Did you just get a new phone and want to back up your old Signal messages and files? If so, you’re in luck: the app supports backup and restore features. However, if you erased your phone, don’t have an older device, or changed your number, you may not be so lucky. But do not worry. We are here to help.

In this article, we will show you how to backup messages and files based on your phone’s operating system. Additionally, we’ll answer any additional questions you may have related to Signal backups.

How to backup signal to new iOS device

To backup the Signal app on your new iPhone, follow the instructions below.

Important note: You can only transfer data from other Apple devices.

1. Update both devices to the latest versions of Signal and iOS.
   
2. Enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Local Network permission in the settings of both devices.
   
3. Disable Low Power Mode in the settings of both devices.
   
4. Make sure the registration of your new iPhone or iPad is complete.
5. Install Signal on your new device and sign up.
   
6. During registration, select “Transfer from iOS device”, then “Next”
   .
7. Click “Next” on your old device and scan the QR code that appeared on your new device.
   
8. Check the backup again by sending a message from your new device.

How to backup signal on new Android device

You can transfer Signal data between any Android device by doing the following:

1. To enable a backup on your old device, click your profile icon and select “Signal Settings,” “Chats & Media,” then “Chat Backups” and press “Activate.”
   
2. A 30-digit password will appear. Copy it.
   
3. Click “Enable Backups.”
   
4. To move the folder containing your Signal data, use a cable to connect your old phone to the new one. Some phones provide instructions on storage settings.
5. Install Signal on your new device.
   
6. Click “Transfer or Restore Account” or “Continue.” Accept the permissions.
   
7. Choose the backup folder (“Signal”) and the file.
   
8. Enter the 30-digit password.

How to backup signal to desktop

You may want to move your Signal messages to a new computer. To do so, follow the steps below, depending on your operating system:

1. Exit the desktop version on the old device.
2. Unlink the desktop version. Click your profile picture, then select “Linked Devices” > “Edit” > “Delete” for the desktop device > “Unpair.”
3. Install and open the desktop version on your new PC.
   
4. Open the Signal app on your phone, click your profile photo, and select “Signal Settings,” then “Linked Devices.”
   
5. Click “Pair new device” for iOS or the plus icon for Android.
   
6. Scan the QR code that appeared on your desktop with your phone.
   
7. Give the paired device a name and click “Finish.”
   
8. To remove Signal data from your old computer, locate the “Uninstall Signal.exe” file in C:\Users\ \AppData\Local\Programs\signal-desktop and delete C:\Users\\AppData \Roaming\Signal for Windows.

For macOS, delete the Signal.app file from the application directory, then delete the local data from Library/Application Support/Signal.

For Linux, use “apt-get remove signal-desktop” and remove “~/.config/Signal”.

How to decrypt signal data

All Signal messages are encrypted, meaning no one, including the app, can read them except the people in the conversation. This can sometimes cause issues with backups since Signal does not save your data to cloud storage. There is no official tool to decrypt your Signal data. However, it is possible with the help of GitHub.

1. Visit the “Versions” page and download a binary file based on your operating system.
2. Run this link.
3. Copy a backup file from the old device to the new one.
4. Run this link to export messages.
5. Run this link to export media.

If you own an iPhone, another method is to use the Elcomsoft Phone viewer. Elcomsoft iOS Forensic Toolkit can extract keychain items from your iOS device. The element is required for decryption.

1. Install and launch the Elcomsoft application. Find the Signal file system image and open it through the app.
2. Select the Signal icon and then choose the keychain file. The app will decrypt your data automatically.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find Signal backup file on Android phone?

The Signal backup file can be found in the backup folder. To access it, click on your profile photo, then select “Chats & Media” > “Chat Backups” > “Backup Folder.”

What to do if I lose my 30-digit backup password?

Backup is impossible without the passcode and the code cannot be restored. Therefore, to process the data transfer, you will have to start a new backup.

I’m having trouble transferring my data to an iOS device. Which is the reason?

Various issues may arise related to Signal backup on iOS.

The most common reason is that you have registered too frequently. To fix it, wait about an hour and try again.

If the QR code does not scan, try increasing the screen brightness and moving the camera as close as you can.

Do I get a “Wrong Device” alert after scanning the QR code? If so, your devices are probably not paired. Check the “Linked Devices” settings which can be accessed by clicking on your profile photo and selecting “Signal Settings.”

Make sure you don’t exceed the limit of five paired devices. If you are using VPN or Firewall, allow port *.signal.org, *.whispersystems.org and TCP 443.

What to do if I have a new phone number?

If you have changed your number, you will not be able to make a backup. To prevent messages from being lost, you may want to delete your old Signal account. Leave all your Signal groups on the old phone. Unregister the old phone number in the Signal app and download Signal on a new device. Relink Signal Desktop, if you were using one.

How to manage Signal permissions on my device?

If app permissions are disabled, you may not be able to transfer your data.

To enable permissions on Android devices, open the Settings app and navigate to Apps & notifications. Then, find the Signal app icon, click on it, and select “App Permissions.”

If you own an iOS device, open the iPhone Settings app and navigate to “Signal” or “Privacy.” Through the “Privacy” settings, you can manage particular permissions for each application. For example, allow only the use of one microphone or location for all apps. In Signal settings, you can manage all permissions for the Signal app only.

The permissions requested by Signal are:

Location – allows GPS to identify your location.

Contacts – required for backup function. It gives the app access to all the contacts on your phone.

Photos – gives Signal access to your gallery. You must enable this permission to back up media.

Local network – Signal uses this permission only to transfer data to your new device. By default, it will be disabled until you turn it on.

Microphone – allows the use of voice messages.

Background app refresh and mobile data – this permission is required to receive and send messages without delays.

Why does my device show no backups?

If your last backup information says “Never”, you need to make sure app permissions and backups are enabled. To do so, visit your phone’s settings, find Signal app permissions, and turn them all on. Try to free up some space on your device and remove your SD card so that the backup can be saved to the internal memory of the device.

Keep in contact

Backups are necessary to save your contacts, information and memories stored in the app. Your data should now be transferred to a new device, whether you have an Android or iOS device or are using a computer. If you lost your number or are still having problems, try your device support. Typically this can be found on the official website or in settings.