Signal has been the app people pick when privacy matters. Messages are end-to-end encrypted. The company does not sell your data. But moving your full message history, with photos and voice notes, to a new phone was often messy.
On September 10, 2025, Signal added encrypted media backups as part of Signal Premium. Now you can back up messages plus media in a single file. The file is encrypted on your device and only you can unlock it with a recovery key. Signal cannot read your photos or chats.
This change makes switching phones easier. It also asks a few questions. Should you pay for Signal Premium only for backups? Is the system safe? What happens if you lose the key? And are there good free ways to keep your media safe?
This guide explains the new feature in plain words. You will learn how backups work, what to watch for, who should pay, and simple free alternatives. I will also share practical tips to protect your recovery key so you do not lose access to your memories.
What the feature really gives you
Signal’s encrypted media backups deliver three clear benefits.
One-step migration. Move chats and all media to a new phone without manual copying.
End-to-end encryption of backups. The backup file is encrypted on your device with a recovery key only you hold. Signal cannot decrypt it.
A funded app. Signal Premium links a paid tier to features that help support the app’s development.
Why this matters. Photos and voice notes often carry memories or proof you do not want to lose. Before this, moving everything securely involved many manual steps. Now you get a built-in way that keeps privacy at the center, but it comes with a cost.
How the encrypted backup works, simply
Signal creates a local backup file on your phone. That file holds messages, photos, videos, and voice notes.
The backup is encrypted on your device before anything leaves the phone. You secure it with a recovery key or passphrase that only you control.
You can save the encrypted file to a cloud account or keep it on the device. The cloud provider cannot read the backup without your key.
Key point: encryption happens locally and only you have the key. If you lose the key, no one can restore the backup for you.
The recovery key explained
The recovery key is a long passphrase or string of words. Think of it as the only physical key to a locked box.
Why it matters. You cannot restore the backup without it. Signal does not hold a copy.
Protect it like a password. Do not screenshot it or send it in chats. Here are safe options:
- Store it in a reputable password manager.
- Write it on paper and keep it in a safe place.
- Split the key into parts and store them in two locations, if you want extra safety.
If you lose the key, the backup is gone for good. If someone steals the key and the encrypted file, they can read your data. How you store the key is the single biggest security choice you make.
Cost and what to expect
Signal Premium is a paid tier that includes encrypted media backups and other perks. Prices vary by country and platform. Check the Signal app or your app store for the current price in your country.
Think of the fee as payment for convenience and funding for Signal’s work. If you already pay for cloud storage, compare the value. The main difference is that Signal’s backup file is end-to-end encrypted with a key you control.
Pros and cons — a quick, honest view
Pros
- Fast, one-step restore of all chats and media.
- Strong encryption: Signal cannot read your backup.
- Fewer mistakes than manual copying.
- Helps support Signal through subscriptions.
Cons
- A paid feature. The cost matters for some users.
- If you lose the recovery key, your data cannot be restored.
- A cloud copy still exists if you choose to upload. Even if encrypted, that is another copy of your data.
- You should still keep a local copy or plan for long term access.
If you value convenience and you switch phones often, paying can make sense. If you prefer to avoid fees and are comfortable with manual steps, you can skip the subscription.
Who should pay, and who can skip
Probably pay if you
- Have many photos, voice notes, or long chat histories.
- Change phones regularly.
- Need a reliable, simple restore for work devices.
- Prefer a hands-off option that reduces errors.
Can skip if you
- Rarely switch phones.
- Keep minimal media in Signal.
- Are comfortable doing manual backups and encryption yourself.
- Want to avoid recurring fees.
Safe free alternatives
If you do not want to pay, here are practical options. Each has trade-offs.
1. Local cable transfer
Use a direct phone-to-phone transfer or cable connection when possible. Many phones support app data migration. This avoids cloud storage.
2. Manual media export and encrypted archive
Save crucial photos and voice notes to your phone gallery. Move them to a computer, create a password-protected archive, and store it on an external drive. Use a strong password and keep that password safe.
3. Encrypted local backups
Back up your phone to an encrypted local backup on a PC or Mac. Keep the backup offline. This keeps files under your control without subscription.
4. Personal cloud with client-side encryption
Encrypt files on your device before uploading to your cloud. Only you hold the encryption key.
5. Hybrid approach
Use Signal’s free features for messages and export just the most important media. You can always switch to Premium later and keep both methods.
Each option works. They require more time and care than the built-in backup, but they avoid recurring fees.
Practical tips to protect backups and keys
- Use a password manager for the recovery key.
- Print the key and store it in a safe place.
- Never store the key and the backup file in the same cloud account.
- Test a restore once, before you actually need it.
- Enable two-factor authentication on any cloud account you use.
- Keep at least one offline copy of highly important files.
Testing your restore is crucial. It proves your method works and reduces panic later.
Real-life examples
Example one. A traveler switched phones twice in a year. Paying for Signal Premium let them restore chats and photos on the road. They saved hours and avoided lost memories.
Example two. A student avoided the fee. They exported lecture notes and recordings to a PC, encrypted them, and used a USB drive. The process worked but took time and careful steps.
Both paths are valid. Choose based on how much time you want to spend and how much risk you accept.
FAQ
Is Signal backup safe?
Yes if you protect the recovery key. The backup is encrypted on your device and only you can decrypt it.
What happens if I lose the recovery key?
You will not be able to restore the backup. Signal cannot recover it for you.
How much does Signal Premium cost in India?
Prices vary. Check the Signal app or your app store for the current Signal Premium India price.
Can I backup Signal for free?
Yes. Manual methods and local transfers work. They need more effort and care.
Conclusion
Signal’s encrypted media backup is a useful, privacy-focused feature. It solves the hard problem of moving messages and photos between phones while keeping your data encrypted. Paying for Signal Premium makes sense if you want a fast, reliable, and private way to restore everything.
If you prefer not to pay, manual methods are still safe when done carefully. The core choices are simple. Decide how much convenience you want, how much risk you will accept, and how well you can protect the recovery key.
Do you want a short printable checklist to store your recovery key and test a restore? I can make one for you right away.