Troubleshooting Signal not syncing messages with Desktop

Applies to: Signal Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) + Signal Mobile (Android, iOS)
Last updated: September 2025

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Problem

Messages you send or receive on your phone don’t appear on Signal Desktop, or messages sent from Desktop don’t sync with mobile. Sometimes entire chats are missing.

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Solution

Signal Desktop relies on your phone to relay messages. Sync failures usually come from network issues, outdated apps, or problems with the device link.

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Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Check phone connectivity

• Ensure your phone is online (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• If your phone loses internet, Signal Desktop cannot sync.

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Step 2: Refresh Signal Desktop

• Close and reopen Signal Desktop.
• On Web, refresh the browser tab.

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Step 3: Update both apps

• Update Signal on mobile (Play Store/App Store).
• Update Signal Desktop from signal.org/download.

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Step 4: Re-link Signal Desktop

1. On your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices.
2. Tap the existing desktop session and choose Unlink.
3. Open Signal Desktop → Scan QR code with your phone.
4. Wait for re-sync.

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Step 5: Check storage and permissions

• Ensure your phone has enough storage to handle sync.
• On mobile, allow Signal background data (Android/iOS settings).

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Optional Methods or Tools

• If using VPN/Proxy, disable it — it may block Signal’s encrypted sync.
• Check Signal Status to confirm if there’s a global outage.
• On Desktop, clear app cache if sync issues persist (via AppData folder on Windows or ~/Library/Application Support on Mac).

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Best Practices / Tips

• Keep your phone charged and connected — Desktop depends on it.
• Unlink devices you no longer use to avoid sync conflicts.
• Restart your phone and computer regularly to refresh services.
• Avoid using multiple desktops with the same account if unnecessary — it can delay syncing.