Signal users switching between Android and iPhone can now take their complete message history with them, as the encrypted messaging platform finishes rolling out cross-platform backup restoration and local device transfers with version 8.30 for iOS.
Cross-Platform Backup Restoration and Local Transfers
Signal has completed rolling out a new set of backup updates designed to simplify device migration. Users switching from Android to iOS, or from an iPhone to an Android device, can restore their chat backups across platforms. According to the company, these changes build on Signal Secure Backups, an optional end-to-end encrypted backup service introduced in September 2025 following a year of user feedback.
Alongside cross-platform support, the update brings local on-device backups to Signal Desktop and Signal for iOS for the first time. The Android app was rebuilt to utilize this same unified format.
Storage Optimization and Hosted Backup Tiers
Signal redesigned its local backup architecture to reduce storage consumption. Previously, local Android backups stored everything inside a single archive, which caused daily snapshots to consume significant space. Under the updated system, backup media is stored in a separate folder for easier periodic synchronization. Duplicate files are now stored only once, saving space when users mirror on-device backups to external hard drives or network-attached storage (NAS) servers.
For cloud storage, the hosted service provides free backups for text messages alongside the most recent 45 days of media. Users who subscribe to a paid monthly plan can expand their storage to back up to 100GB of media.
Pro Tip: Linked devices can help bridge media gaps. If you open a thread on a newly linked laptop and scroll beyond the 45-day hosted limit, Signal Desktop can securely request missing files directly from your primary device as an end-to-end encrypted attachment. Paid subscribers can also offload older photos and videos while leaving a device thumbnail, a setting Signal states reduces 5GB of unused media down to roughly 600MB.
Security Architecture for Hosted and Local Backups
Hosted backups rely on a dual-key protection system. They are secured by the user’s recovery key alongside a secondary key that rotates daily inside a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE). Signal notes that TEEs represent the best current method for protecting supplemental keys, and this rotating key cannot decrypt a backup independently, adding forward secrecy.
On-device backups operate differently because they can reside on any external drive or storage service, precluding the use of a TEE. A single recovery key decrypts all past on-device backups. Signal explicitly warns users never to share this recovery key with anyone.
Handling Disappearing Messages and Direct Device Transfers
Disappearing messages configured to vanish within 24 hours are intentionally excluded from both local and hosted backup types. Signal explains that expired disappearing messages in on-device backups are automatically skipped during restoration transfers, though users may want to apply shorter timers for additional privacy.
The iOS update also introduces a reworked iPhone-to-iPhone transfer tool that operates locally over an end-to-end encrypted Wi-Fi Aware link. Signal confirms that this release concludes the first phase of its backup project, with non-backup improvements currently in development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Signal Backups
Can I restore a Signal backup from an Android phone to an iPhone?
Yes. Signal users switching between Android and iOS can now take their message history across platforms, as backups can be restored on Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
How are hosted Signal backups secured?
Hosted backups are protected by your personal recovery key and a second key that rotates daily inside a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE).
Are disappearing messages included in Signal backups?
No. Disappearing messages set to vanish within 24 hours are excluded from both hosted and on-device backup types.
What happens to older media on the free hosted backup tier?
The free hosted service stores text messages and the last 45 days of media. Users can access older files beyond that limit if they are available on a linked device, which can securely fetch them from the primary device.