Signal adds encrypted cloud backups to iOS

Signal has introduced cloud backup support for iOS users. Chats can now be stored in an encrypted form on Signal’s servers and restored on a new device using a personal recovery key. The feature follows a similar Android backup option introduced earlier this year and aims to simplify device transfers.

The important security detail is that backups are encrypted and can only be decrypted with the recovery key you receive when creating the backup. If you lose that key, Signal cannot restore your data — so treat the key like a password and store it in a secure place.

What this change means

• Easier device migration: Moving to a new iPhone is simpler — you can upload an encrypted backup and restore it on the target device with your recovery key.
• Server storage, user‑held key: Backups are stored on Signal’s servers but encrypted client‑side with the key you control, minimizing access risks.
• Security tradeoffs: Convenience improves, but losing the recovery key makes your backup unrecoverable; keep it safe.

How to use it (quick tips)

• Enable the backup from within Signal’s iOS app (check Settings/Chats or the Backup section) and follow the on‑screen steps to create your encrypted archive and recovery key.
• Save the recovery key in a password manager or offline vault — don’t store it only on the device you plan to replace.
• Be mindful of account access: anyone with both your device passcode and the recovery key could restore the backup, so secure both.

For more details, see Signal’s official support and blog pages: Signal Support and Signal Blog.

Discussion: Will you enable cloud backups on iOS for the convenience, or do you prefer local-only backups to avoid storing data on servers? Share your thoughts and how you’d protect the recovery key.