Signal, the popular encrypted messaging app, is finally going to launch a highly anticipated feature: synchronization and transfer of messages and media across multiple devices. This feature is already available on Meta-owned WhatsApp, where users can access their message history and media without a hitch on other devices like desktops or iPads, provided they are linked to their main Android or iOS smartphone.
Multi-Device Synchronization for Signal Users
Signal’s blog post outlines that, in the following weeks, users will be able to bring their chats and the last 45 days of media with them when switching between devices. Users previously had to start fresh on any new device linked to their Signal account, as data could not be transferred from the primary device. There would be seamless cross-device synchronization by retaining message history, photos, videos, files, stickers, call history, group updates, quotes, and even delivery/read receipts.
Data transfer and privacy protection
Signal promised to reassure users that this transfer of data will still keep the value of the app highly secure with respect to privacy. The company said it will encrypt and securely transfer all message history including the backup through its servers. The data will be compressed, encrypted, and then archived before it is transferred to another device that’s linked in. Signal’s encryption ensures that user information will remain private even when being transferred.
Feature Availability
The multi-device synchronization feature will be available first in a beta release, and the stable build will be released over the next few weeks. Users will also still have the option to not transfer data while linking existing Signal accounts to new devices.
The new feature from Signal will improve the user experience with easy access to messages and media across devices without sacrificing end-to-end encryption and security. This follows the multi-device sync feature that WhatsApp has launched, but with the reputation for privacy-first messaging. With the roll out in the coming weeks, users can look forward to an easier and safer management of messages across their devices.