Signal Desktop backups let you create an end-to-end encrypted backup of your Signal Desktop data and restore it to Signal on your primary Android device.
*Restoring a Signal Desktop Backup on iOS is not currently supported.
Create a Signal Desktop Backup
- Open Signal Desktop.
- Go to Settings > Backups.
- Under Other ways to back up, select Set up.
- If prompted, enter your computer password to authorize the setup.
- Choose the folder where you want the backup to be stored.
Important: Do not rename the backup folder after it is created. - Signal will generate a 64-character recovery key.
- Save the recovery key in a secure location. You will need this key to restore your backup.
- Confirm that you have stored the recovery key.
- Select Next.
- Review the reminder to keep your recovery key safe, then select Continue to complete the setup.
- Once setup is complete, create a Signal Desktop backup.
Restore a Signal Desktop backup
- Install Signal on your primary Android device.
- Open Signal and tap Restore or transfer.
- Select I don't have my old phone.
- Select Restore on-device backup.
- Enter your phone number.
- Tap Choose backup folder.
- Select the backup folder that was created on your computer and transferred to your phone.
- Tap Continue, then Use this folder.
- Allow Signal to access the folder.
- Tap Restore backup.
- Enter your 64-digit recovery key.
- Choose the folder where future backups will be saved.
- Create and confirm your PIN to complete the setup.
Note: Any previously linked devices will need to be relinked afterwards.
Relink Signal Desktop to Signal on your phone
When you restore a Signal Desktop backup on your primary phone, the existing link between Signal on your phone and Signal Desktop is removed.
If needed, you can relink your device by opening Signal Desktop and clicking the yellow banner prompting you to reconnect your phone.