Signal has announced the launch of secure backups for its iOS app, providing users the ability to save and restore their messages in the event of device loss or damage. The free version of this feature allows users to back up up to 100MB of text messages, along with media items from the past 45 days, which includes photos, videos, GIFs, and files.
For those seeking additional storage, Signal offers a paid option at $1.99 per month. This plan allows users to back up all text messages and provides up to 100GB of media storage beyond the 45-day limit. Signal initially introduced secure backups for Android devices in September, ensuring that user messages and media are stored using end-to-end encryption. Access to these backups is granted through a 64-character recovery key generated on the user’s device, but Signal has clarified that it cannot assist in recovering the key if it is lost.
To enable secure backups, users need to navigate to the Settings menu, select Backups, and then tap on Setup followed by Enable Backups. It is advised to write down or securely store the recovery key. After confirming the recovery key, users can choose between the free or paid plan, after which Signal will begin the storage process for messages and media.
In future developments, Signal plans to extend secure backup functionality to its desktop application, with the aim of allowing encrypted messaging history to be transferred across Android, iOS, and desktop platforms.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/828091/signal-secure-backups-ios-launch