Where Are Signal Backups and Data Stored?
Signal desktop data folder on Windows, macOS and Linux, plus Android chat backup location and passphrase.
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Signal Desktop keeps its encrypted database per OS user profile. Android keeps chat backups as encrypted files in internal storage, protected by a passphrase shown in the app.
Desktop and phone stores are separate. Linking a new desktop pulls fresh history; it does not read the Android backup file.
Where Signal stores this, by platform
%APPDATA%\Signal
Desktop database and attachments. Quit Signal fully before copying it, and treat the folder as sensitive since it holds message history.
~/Library/Application Support/Signal
Same role as the Windows folder. In Finder use Go > Go to Folder, since Library is hidden.
~/.config/Signal
Desktop database and attachments. Flatpak installs may redirect this under the Flatpak data dir, so check the app permissions if the folder looks empty.
/storage/emulated/0/Signal/Backups
Visible as Internal storage/Signal/Backups in a file manager. Exact path may vary by version due to scoped storage rules. Enable backups under Signal Settings, Chats, Chat backups to generate files here.
Frequently asked questions
Where is my Signal backup passphrase?
In Signal on Android under Settings, Chats, Chat backups. Write it down; restores fail without it and Signal cannot recover it for you.
Can I read Signal backup files on a PC?
No. They are encrypted blobs for restore only. Move them through the in app restore flow on Android.
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