Signal Finally Adds Secure Chat Backups – But It’ll Cost You

Signal, the privacy-first messaging app, is finally delivering something users have been begging for: a way to back up and restore chat histories without jumping through hoops. But as with many long-awaited updates, there’s a twist – unlimited secure backups won’t come free.

Starting now, users can expect a more modern, cloud-like experience with Signal’s new Secure Backups feature, but to keep it forever, you’ll need to pay a monthly fee.

The pain of switching phones

Until this update, changing devices while using Signal was a gamble. Unless you created a local backup and managed a manual transfer, you were forced to start fresh and lose your entire message history. For an app that prides itself on being simple and accessible, this stood out as a glaring weakness. Many users admitted they were reluctant to recommend Signal to friends and family because moving to a new phone felt like a mini tech project instead of a seamless process.

How the new system works

Signal’s Secure Backups, currently in beta for Android, automatically creates encrypted daily backups of your chats. Users get a rolling 45-day backup window at no cost, offering peace of mind if you’re only worried about short-term protection during a device upgrade. However, for anyone wanting to keep years of conversations safe, the subscription plan comes into play. At $1.99 per month, the plan offers ongoing, unlimited backups managed entirely by Signal itself. Unlike competitors, Signal doesn’t rely on Google Drive or iCloud. Instead, it has built its own infrastructure to ensure privacy is never compromised by third parties.

The role of the recovery key

There is one non-negotiable: your 64-character recovery key. This unique key is your lifeline to restoring conversations. Lose it, and your messages are gone for good – even Signal won’t be able to help. For seasoned users, this will feel familiar since Signal has long used security keys to enforce user responsibility. For everyone else, it’s an extra step that’s best handled with a password manager. While some may find the length intimidating, it’s the price of truly private encryption.

Stacking up against WhatsApp and others

For years, WhatsApp has had encrypted backups, allowing smooth transitions between devices by leaning on third-party cloud platforms. That convenience comes at the cost of entrusting data to tech giants like Meta, Google, or Apple. Signal’s approach is different: the subscription fee supports its independent infrastructure, ensuring that backups remain under Signal’s direct control. In effect, the $1.99 isn’t just for storage – it’s a contribution to keeping Signal free from big tech’s grip.

User reactions

Initial responses online highlight just how overdue this feature feels. Some users celebrated the move, noting that the low monthly cost is worth it to protect gigabytes of conversations accumulated over years. Others pointed out that this is one of the few things keeping them from switching completely to Signal, and they now feel more confident recommending it to family members. Yet, not all feedback was glowing. Critics argue that Signal still hasn’t addressed bigger issues, like the lack of true multi-device support or the requirement to register with a phone number – something privacy purists see as contradictory.

A step forward, with caveats

For many, this update is a game changer. Finally, people can change phones without a half-hour ordeal of exporting, importing, and crossing their fingers that nothing breaks. For others, the fee and the responsibility of guarding a 64-character key feel like hurdles that might discourage adoption. What’s clear, though, is that Signal has closed one of the most glaring gaps in its offering, bringing it closer to matching the convenience of mainstream messengers while staying true to its privacy-first identity.

Bottom line

If you’re someone who values control and security over convenience, this is likely a trade-off you’ll accept. The Secure Backups feature doesn’t just solve a practical headache – it strengthens the case for Signal as a serious alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram. Still, until Signal solves its multi-device limitations and rethinks its reliance on phone numbers, the debate over whether it’s truly the most private messenger will continue.