Signal Messaging: Where are messages stored?

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Whether you’re new to Signal or a loyal follower since its inception, you may have wondered where all your messages go. Let us tell you right from the start: they don’t go very far.

In this article, we will reveal exactly where your Signal messages are stored. We’ll also discuss other privacy-related topics, such as whether Signal can be tracked, how secure this app is in general, and much more.

Where are messages stored in Signal?

You may have been using Signal for months without thinking about where your messages are stored. However, you may need to back up your messages or delete data from your device, so knowing where to find your messages can be helpful. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, we’ll show you where to find your messages.

Where are Signal messages stored on iPhone and Android?

All messages you send on Signal are stored locally on your device. Signal does not have any access to your messages or any data you send through the app. The text messages you send exist on Signal servers only while they are in transit and are end-to-end encrypted. The only way to get access to your stored messages on any device is to enable chat backups.

Enable chat backup in Signal

If you want to keep a log of your messages, your only option would be to run a messages backup. We will provide you with steps on how to do this below.

1. Launch Signal on your device.
   
2. Tap your profile icon. It’s the small, round icon in the top left corner of the screen. You will now be taken to “Signal Settings”.
   
3. Scroll down to “Chats & Media” > “Chat.”
   
4. You will see a 30-digit passphrase. Signal will ask you to enter this passphrase when you want to restore your backup. Write down the passphrase or copy it to a safe place.
   
5. You will need to confirm that you have entered the passphrase.
   
6. Select the “Enable backups” option.
7. Check the time of the last backup to verify if it was completed.
   
8. Signal will show where to find your backup. Save your backup folder to another device.

Additional FAQs

Where is Signal backup stored?

Once you’ve enabled a backup, Signal will show where you can find it. See above for steps on how to enable backup in Signal. Here’s how to find your backup folder:

• Launch Signal on your device (mobile only).

• Click the small round avatar at the top of the screen to enter “Signal Settings”.

• Go to “Chats & Media” or just “Chats.”

• Go to “Chat Backups” > “Backup Folder”. You will see the location of your backup folder. You can access it by going to “My Files” or by connecting your phone to a computer.

The backup file should say “signal-year-month-date-time.backup”. If you are using an older version of Signal, you may find your backup in “/InternalStorage/Signal/Backups” or “/sdcard/Signal/Backups”.

Can signal messages be recovered?

Yes, your messages on Signal can be recovered if you have enabled chat backups beforehand. Here’s how to recover your messages:

For Android users

• Enable a backup on a phone that has your Signal message history. Follow the steps listed above on how to enable a backup.

• Save your 30-digit passphrase.

• Move the Signal folder with the backup file. It is the file called “signal-year-month-date-time.backup”. If you are using the same phone, move the file to your computer. If you have a new phone, move the backup file there.

• Install Signal from the app store and paste the 30-digit passphrase before entering your phone number.

For iOS users

If you are an iOS user, you can only transfer your messages from one iOS device to another.

First, both devices must be connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, running the latest version of Signal (3.21.3 or later), and running on iOS12.4 or later. For iOS14, you need to enable the “Local Network” permission in iOS Settings > Signal.

Your new phone must be in the same room and registered with the same number as your old one.

Make sure your old phone’s camera is working properly, as Signal will ask you to scan a QR code to pair your devices.

• Install Signal on your new phone or iPad. You can download it from the App Store.

• Complete registration.

• Click “Transfer from iOS Device” to get a QR code.

• On your old phone, select “Next.”

• Move your old phone to the new device and scan the QR code.

• Use your new phone to send a text message.

Please note that your chat history will be deleted from your old phone.

Can I recover my messages if I forget my 30-digit passphrase?

Unfortunately not. You can’t restore your messages without the passphrase. You will have to create a new backup and obtain a new password. First, disable the backup of your old chat. Then turn it back on to create a new one.

Can the Signal app be tracked?

Signal is a heavily encrypted messaging app. Its end-to-end encryption prevents third-party software, mobile service providers, public networks, or even Signal itself from reading your messages. Unless you are using the app to send unsecured SMS/MMS messages, your conversations cannot be tracked.

However, you should keep in mind that an attacker can always find a way to access your phone if they want to. Signal has a way to combat attackers by setting a unique security number. This feature allows you to check how secure your messages and calls are. For example, if someone texts you from a new phone pretending to be your friend, you’ll see a security number change.

How can I see the security number?

To view the security number for a specific chat, simply follow these steps:

• Open the chat whose security number you want to see.

• Tap your header.

• Scroll down and tap “View Security Number.” You can verify the encryption of your chat with a specific contact by comparing the number to the number on their device.

How secure is the Signal app?

Due to its end-to-end encryption system, we can say that Signal is very secure. Their system works to encrypt the sender’s message in a specific way that can only be unlocked by the receiver’s device. If we tell you that some of the most well-known political institutions in the world prefer this application, you will get an idea of ​​how secure your messages are.

However, you can do a few things to ensure an even higher level of security for your messages. Yes, we know that not even Signal can spy on you, but what happens if you receive a notification and a person next to you reads it on the lock screen? Or if someone steals your phone? Thieves can easily access your messages. You can hide the preview of the new Signal message on your phone screen and set an unlock pattern on your phone. As an added security precaution, you can enable Signal to only open once you’ve entered a password or biometric scan. This will prevent potential intruders from collecting your private conversations.

Bonus Tip: How to hide new signal message preview on screen?

For Android users: Open your app settings > “Device” > “Sound & notification” and select “When the device is locked”. Choose “Hide sensitive information content.” This way, you’ll receive a notification when you receive a message, but you’ll only be able to see the content and sender when you unlock your phone.

For iPhone users: Open your app’s Settings > “Notifications” > “Background Notifications” and select “Show”. Choose the option you like best, but we recommend “No name or message”. This way, you’ll receive a notification when you receive a message, but you’ll only be able to see the content and sender when you unlock your phone. You can completely remove Signal notifications by going to your iPhone’s Settings app. Select “Notifications” > “Signal” and turn off “Show on lock screen.”

Does Signal store data?

No, Signal does not store any of your data. Any files, messages, photos or links you send will be stored locally on your device. Signal does not have any access to your data.

Keep your messages secure

As you can see, Signal made it notoriously difficult for an intruder to access your messages on its app. Signal has set the standard when it comes to earning the trust of its users with its robust security system. Since the app does not store any of your messages on its servers, you can only restore them by enabling chat backups. After reading this article, you now know how to do just that.

Have you enabled chat backups on your device? How often do you make backups? Share your experience in the comments below.