How do I restore deleted Signal messages and chats?

Applies to: Signal Messenger (Android, iOS, Desktop)
Last updated: September 2025

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Problem

Unlike Telegram (cloud-based), Signal stores messages only on your device for privacy. If you delete messages or uninstall Signal without a backup, they are permanently lost. Many users want to know if they can recover deleted Signal chats.

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Solution

Signal messages cannot be restored from Signal’s servers (they are not stored there). However, you can recover messages if you previously created a local backup (Android) or restored from iOS encrypted backups.

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Step-by-step Instructions

Method 1: Restore from Android local backup

1. On your old device, open Signal > Settings > Chats > Chat backups.
2. Confirm a backup exists (.backup file stored locally).
3. Copy the backup file to your new device’s storage.
4. Install Signal on the new device.
5. During setup, tap Restore from backup.
6. Enter the 30-digit passphrase created when the backup was made.
7. Wait for chats and media to restore.

Method 2: Restore from iPhone (iOS backups)

• Signal does not provide in-app backups for iOS.
• Chats can only be restored if you included Signal in your iOS device backup (iCloud or iTunes encrypted backup).

1. Restore your iPhone from the full device backup.
2. Signal chats will reappear if included in the backup.

Method 3: Transfer via Signal built-in migration (iOS → iOS, Android → Android)

• Signal supports encrypted device-to-device transfer when setting up on a new phone.
• Both devices must be nearby and connected.
• Follow on-screen instructions to move messages securely.

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Optional Methods or Tools

• Third-party recovery apps (Dr.Fone, iMyFone, etc.) cannot recover Signal messages without a valid backup, due to Signal’s encryption.
• Always enable backups if you want future recovery options.

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Best Practices / Tips

• Enable Android chat backups:
  • Signal > Settings > Chats > Chat backups > Turn On.
  • Store the backup passphrase in a safe place.
• On iPhone, rely on full device backups for Signal.
• Use Signal Desktop for parallel access — though messages sync only while linked, not as a permanent backup.
• Remember: Secret and private chats deleted manually are unrecoverable without backup.