Backup iOS chats

[tipyn]

Hey there - I used to be able to back up my chats from my iPhone to a folder on my iMac. It included all the attachments and media separately. This seems to only let you do it from the desktop app now? What changed? Why can’t it happen from an iPhone that’s plugged in?

[tipyn]

Also I’m not 100% certain this is the same repo I used. It was about a year ago but I can’t find that one anymore.

[LiroyvH]

To my knowledge, it has never been possible to export Signal chats from your iPhone with any tool; only from the linked desktop client on MacOS (and probably Linux, maybe Windows). Signal has set special flags on the Signal for iOS app that ensures its prohibited to export the database in any way. It's also not included in your iCloud backups, its inaccessible with AMB (backup over USB or WiFi, if you will) and cannot be accessed through "Files" either.

Unless you have a rooted iPhone, it's not possible unfortunately - Signal simply does not wish to allow you the means to safeguard your important conversations and memories. Pray they won't block this route on the Desktop client either. :)

Whatever the case, this was indeed not the repository. This tool has always only allowed exports through Signal Desktop.