Signal Direct Device Transfer moves your message history directly from one device to another without using Signal Secure Backups. Both devices must be available.
- Start here (All platforms)
- Common limitations
Start here (All platforms)
1. Confirm both devices are available and unlocked
- You must have both the old and new device.
- If the old device is lost, damaged, or reset, Direct Transfer will not work.
2. Verify platform compatibility
- Direct Device Transfer works only between:
- Android to Android.
- iPhone to iPhone.
- Cross-platform transfers (Android to iOS or iOS to Android) are only supported via Signal Secure Backups.
3. Update Signal on both devices
- Make sure Signal is updated to the latest version on both device.
- Older versions may not support transfer or may fail mid-process.
4. Start the transfer during setup on the new phone
- Direct Transfer is available only during initial setup.
- If setup was completed already:
- Uninstall Signal on the new phone.
- Reinstall Signal.
- Start the transfer when prompted.
5. Keep both devices close and connected
- Keep devices:
- Near each other.
- Awake and unlocked.
- Avoid switching apps or locking either device during transfer.
6. Use a stable connection
- Transfers may use:
- Wi-Fi.
- Local device-to-device connections.
- Avoid weak networks or VPNs during transfer.
- Charge the battery so it is not in Low Power Mode.
7. Understand how data is handled
- Direct Transfer moves your message history.
- Once complete:
- History is removed from the old device.
- A backup is not created with this process.
8. Secure Backups are optional but recommended
- Direct Transfer does not create a backup.
- If you want a backup retained after transfer:
- Enable Signal Secure Backups before or after transferring.
Common limitations
9. No recovery after failure
- If transfer is interrupted and not completed, chat history may not be recoverable.
- Consider enabling Signal Secure Backups beforehand as a fallback.