The privacy-first messaging app now offers cloud backups with robust encryption, giving users new options for storing conversations and media.
A Long-Awaited Backup Solution
Signal, known for its privacy-focused messaging, has introduced its first-ever cloud backup feature—a much-requested update for users wary of losing their chat history.
- Previously, Signal offered no cloud backup, only local transfers between devices.
- Losing or breaking a phone meant total message loss.
- This update makes Signal more competitive with other encrypted messaging apps, like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Free Plan: Texts and Limited Media Storage
Signal’s new free tier offers essential backup features while respecting user privacy.
- Users get 100MB of encrypted cloud storage.
- This plan covers text messages and 45 days of media, enough for most everyday users.
- Messages are compressed before upload, allowing more data to fit into the 100MB cap.
Paid Plan: More Media, Same Security
For users with heavier storage needs, Signal has introduced its first paid feature: a $1.99/month plan with 100GB of media backup.
- This includes full media backup beyond the 45-day limit.
- Signal emphasized that the fee covers storage infrastructure costs, not profit.
- The subscription enables Signal to remain ad-free and privacy-respecting.
How It Works: Zero-Knowledge Encryption
Signal’s backup system uses zero-knowledge encryption, which ensures that only the user can access their data.
- Backups are not tied to accounts, phone numbers, or payment methods.
- Users receive a 64-character recovery key, generated on-device.
- This key is required to decrypt and restore backups, meaning Signal cannot access or recover them on your behalf.
Availability and What’s Coming Next
The backup feature is currently in beta for Android users.
- Cross-platform support (iOS and desktop) is in development.
- In future updates, users will be able to store backup archives on custom locations and transfer message history across platforms.
- These enhancements will bring Signal closer to feature parity with mainstream apps, while maintaining its core commitment to privacy.
Competitive Context: How Signal Compares
While Signal is late to offer cloud backup, its privacy-centric approach sets it apart.
- WhatsApp offers end-to-end encrypted backups, but users must opt in.
- Signal’s approach makes privacy the default, not the exception.
- By charging for extended media storage, Signal avoids ad-based monetization or metadata harvesting.
