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The original was posted on /r/opensource by /u/KingSash on 2025-01-28 20:45:59+00:00.

Signal is rolling out a new feature that allows users to transfer their message history when linking their primary device to a new desktop or iPad. Previously, only new messages would sync to linked devices, but now users can bring their chats and up to 45 days of media along with them — all while maintaining Signal’s stringent end-to-end encryption.

This feature, currently in beta, required significant engineering work to ensure that messages remain private throughout the transfer process. Unlike many other messaging platforms that store user data on centralized servers, Signal prioritizes privacy by ensuring message history is only accessible on users’ devices. This posed a unique challenge in synchronizing messages across linked devices while maintaining Signal’s core principle of minimal data exposure.