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Troubleshooting Device Transfers

Signal Direct Device Transfer moves your message history directly from one phone to another without using Signal Secure Backups. Both devices must be available. 

  • Start here (All platforms)
  • Common limitations

Start here (All platforms)

1. Confirm both devices are available and unlocked

  • You must have both the old and new phone.
  • If the old phone is lost, damaged, or reset, Direct Transfer will not work.

2. Verify platform compatibility

  • Direct Device Transfer works only between: 
    • Android to Android.
    • iPhone to iPhone.
  • Cross-platform transfers (Android to iOS or iOS to Android) are not supported.

3. Update Signal on both devices

  • Make sure Signal is updated to the latest version on both phones.
  • Older versions may not support transfer or may fail mid-process.

4. Start the transfer during setup on the new phone

  • Direct Transfer is available only during initial setup.
  • If setup was completed already:
    1. Uninstall Signal on the new phone.
    2. Reinstall Signal.
    3. Start the transfer when prompted.

5. Keep both devices close and connected

  • Keep phones: 
    • Near each other.
    • Awake and unlocked.
  • Avoid switching apps or locking either device during transfer.

6. Use a stable connection

  • Transfers may use: 
    • Wi-Fi.
    • Local device-to-device connections.
  • Avoid weak networks or VPNs during transfer.
  • Charge the battery so it is not in Low Power Mode.

7. Understand how data is handled

  • Direct Transfer moves your message history. 
  • Once complete:
    • History is removed from the old phone.
    • A backup is not created .

8. Secure Backups are optional but recommended

  • Direct Transfer does not create a backup.
  • If you want a backup retained after transfer:
    • Enable Secure Backups before or after transferring.

Common limitations

9. No recovery after failure

  • If transfer is interrupted and not completed, chat history may not be recoverable.
  • Consider enabling Secure Backups beforehand as a fallback.

10. Linked devices cannot transfer history

  • Linked devices cannot restore message history to your phone, iPad, or other desktop.

 

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