3 min read
Signal is known for its strong security measures. Users can choose to have their messages disappear after a certain amount of time has passed or remain visible for a certain amount of time; the platform automatically encrypts all communications from beginning to end; users can use usernames instead of phone numbers; users can share meeting links; and more.
Notably, the software supports multiple devices, much like WhatsApp. Connecting a second device is as simple as scanning a QR code, and this is true even when you’re attempting to connect to the app’s standalone desktop client.
You should know that in the past when you connected your main account to your Signal instance on Dekstop or iPad, it would require you to start over with the linked account. Because of this, customers were unable to view their previous messages or media on the freshly connected iPad or desktop. Signal, on the other hand, just synced fresh messages after the connecting process.
The New Sync Feature: Bringing History to New Devices
Users will soon be able to import their whole message history including media files, videos, photos, and lengthy texts as well as their call log, group status, quotations, reactions, and delivery/read receipts, finally bringing it up to par with linked accounts on other iOS and Android devices.
In a recent blog post, the messaging giant revealed the update, suggesting that it will be available in a beta version soon. “Instead of starting fresh, and having only new messages show up, you can choose to bring your chats and your last 45 days of media with you. Or, you can choose not to,” reads Signal’s blog post, adding that the feature will roll out to stable Signal builds “over the next several weeks.”
How Does It Work?
Signal, the open-source communications behemoth, has come up with a safe mechanism to transmit message backups, as one would expect from a service that prioritizes user privacy. The procedure begins with the main device producing an encrypted and heavily compressed copy of the user’s chat history, attachments, and everything else.
The newly released PC or iPad companion receives the compressed and archived history via Signal’s servers.
“To link a new Desktop or iPad device to an existing Signal account, the new device must prove it has the account holder’s permission to connect to the existing Signal account and obtain a set of keys from the primary device.” When you use your main smartphone to scan the QR code of your companion device, you have completed the first step in creating a new linked account. With this key, the secondary device can decode the conversation history. After decryption, the associated device “can throw away the key forever.”
The update will soon be available in beta, and users may anticipate a wider deployment in the coming weeks.
