Alex Ruben
How To Export Data from Signal in 2025
Trying to get your Signal chat history out or move everything to a new device can feel kinda confusing, mainly because Signal keeps things pretty locked down for privacy. Unlike some apps, there’s no option to just download a plain text backup of your messages. Instead, the app uses encrypted transfers for device switches, which is good for security but can trip you up if you’re expecting an easy export. So, if you’re moving to a new phone or want to save some settings, it’s important to be aware of these limitations and understand how the process actually works. Basically, what you get is a secure transfer rather than a simple file export.
How to Fix Signal Data Export or Migration Issues
Method 1: Use the Built-In Transfer Feature for New Devices
This is technically the only supported way to move your Signal data to a new phone, but it’s kinda hidden. When setting up Signal on your new device, look for the prompt to transfer your account. It involves scanning a QR code on the new device using your old one. This effectively copies your messages, settings, and profile info over, but not as a plain text file—you’re doing an encrypted handoff. Why it helps? Because Signal’s designed to keep your stuff private, so they don’t give you a dump of your chat history, just a secure transfer. It applies whenever you’re switching phones, especially Android to Android or iPhone to iPhone, but some features might vary depending on OS. Expect the transfer to take a few moments and ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network, or at least connected to the internet.
Method 2: Manually Create a Backup (Limited but Useful for Some)
On Android, Signal does let you create backups, but these are encrypted and only workable within the app itself — no plain text exports. To do it:
- Open Signal and go to Settings > Chats > Chat backups.
- If it’s your first time, you’ll probably need to enable backups and set a backup PIN. Make sure to remember it because you’ll need it later.
- Tap Create backup and save the generated file (called a `.backup` file).
- Note the file path — usually it’s in /Internal Storage / Signal / Backups. You’ll want to copy this file somewhere safe, like a PC or cloud storage, just in case.
Why bother? Well, this isn’t a full chat export, but it can help restore messages if you reinstall Signal later. Useful if you’re planning to reset your device or switch phones, but keep in mind — this backup isn’t readable outside of Signal.
Option 1: For iPhone Users — Rely on iCloud and Signal’s Transfer
If you’re on iPhone, things are a bit more locked down. Signal uses iCloud to help with device transfers, but there’s no way to just get a chat dump. When setting up Signal on a new iPhone, it’ll ask if you want to transfer the account from your old device via QR code. The transfer works similarly, encrypting your data during the switch. Just make sure iCloud backups are up to date, and both devices are connected to Wi-Fi. Because of course, Signal has to make it difficult to just grab your data.
Other Tips & Common Pitfalls
- Always update Signal on both devices before trying any transfers. Compatibility issues can kill the process otherwise.
- If the QR code scanning acts flaky, try tightening the lighting or making sure your camera isn’t too blurry. Sometimes an unstable environmental setup trips it up.
- Check that your device’s date & time are correct — that can mess with the transfer too.
- Store your backup PIN somewhere safe. If you forget it, restoring backups becomes a nightmare.
- Don’t forget, Signal’s encryption is awesome, but it means there’s no way to access your messages outside the app unless you use those built-in backups and restores.
If these don’t do the trick, there’s always the Signal Help Center (signal.org/en/help/) which is surprisingly useful for troubleshooting, especially since mobile OS quirks can interfere with transfers.
Wrap-up
Moving your Signal data isn’t as straightforward as just exporting a file, but using the app’s built-in transfer tools, backed up with a pinch of patience, does get the job done in most cases. Expect a bit of fiddling, especially with QR codes and network connections, but once it’s done, your chat history and settings are right there, sealed with Signal’s usual security. If all else fails, restarting devices or updating the app might just do the trick — the usual tech hero moves.
Summary
- Use Signal’s device transfer feature during setup for a secure move.
- Create encrypted backups on Android if you want a bit more control, but can’t just export messages.
- On iPhone, rely on iCloud and the built-in transfer prompts.
- Keep apps updated and double-check network connections for smooth transfers.