I have been using Signal for two years now and I love it.
However I really, really hope they can work on a good backup and restore process as losing my message history because I have to reinstall the app on my desktop[1] or have to reset my phone is a horrible experience.
Just build an encrypted blob and zip it up and pop it on my iCloud or Google Drive or leave it local and let me deal with it but I need something. As my Signal use moves from just messages with friends and family to business contacts I need a reliable way to backup my messages!
[1] I should state I mean losing the desktop copy as it starts "fresh" and does not import any messages from the phone.
Edit: I should probably clarify I am talking about the iOS/macOS applications as these are what I use. iOS does have a migration feature but that doesn't help if your phone is lost/damaged. I need a proper backup and restore process as well as the ability to import messages from the phone to the desktop app.
Exactly! The lack of this feature is completely baffling.
On iOS now, if you’re setting up a new device, Signal will prompt you to transfer your messages from your old device.
Not exactly a backup feature but it covers one use case (I don’t want to lose my chat history when I switch devices).