Signal gives iOS users the option to transfer their data to another device

Signal has made a new feature available to its iOS app that allows users to securely transfer their information, such as chat history, to a new iPhone or iPad. The new feature has been available since the 3.9.1 update, which has been out since last week.

Signal explains that this tool, which transfers data to a new device, features end-to-end encryption and transfers the data over a local connection, which would be similar to AirDrop. According to the company behind the messaging app, this means that large amounts of data can also be transferred quickly. Previously, it was not possible to deploy a new iOS device without losing any data.

The process works by telling the new device to transfer the account and chat information from another iOS device. The transfer must then be confirmed on the older device and the displayed QR code must also be scanned on the new device. Then the data transfer starts.

Such a feature for easily and securely transferring account data and chat history has been available on Signal’s Android app for some time now. The company says it’s a different way of doing things with iOS, as a file system is still an unknown concept to many iOS users. Also, according to Signal, Apple’s Files app is relatively new and not yet available on all supported devices.