Signal iOS Backups: Free & Paid Options

Signal is enhancing user data protection by introducing secure backup features for iOS devices. This new functionality allows users to safeguard their message history and media files, providing peace of mind against device loss or malfunction. Users can opt for a free backup service, which includes storage for up to 100MB of text messages and the past 45 days of media.

For those requiring more extensive storage, Signal offers a paid subscription for $1.99 per month. This premium service backs up all text messages indefinitely and includes all media files beyond the 45-day cap. This feature, first rolled out for Android users in September, utilizes end-to-end encryption to secure all backed-up data.

To enable these secure backups, users can navigate to the Settings menu within the Signal app, select Backups, and follow the setup prompts. A crucial 64-character recovery key is generated, which users must store securely, as Signal cannot assist in its recovery if lost. The platform also plans to extend this backup capability to its desktop application, facilitating seamless message history transfers across all devices.