Signal now allows users to link multiple smartphones to a single account
The Signal messaging app has expanded its linked-device capabilities. Now, a single account can be used on multiple smartphones and tablets at the same time, and users can choose to transfer their chat history from the past 45 days to a new device.
Signal has added a new feature for users who use multiple devices. Now, you can link additional smartphones and tablets to a single account, and messages will be synced across them.
Previously, linked devices in Signal had more limited support. Now, this feature is also available for additional smartphones.
Which devices can be linked
After updating Signal for Android, users can add another Android smartphone or Android tablet to their account. Support for linked devices on iOS has also been expanded. You can now link an additional iPhone to your account. Previously, this feature was available only for iPads.
This means that a single Signal account can be used on multiple devices without having to create a separate account for each smartphone. These new features are available in the Signal Android v8.20 and Signal iOS v8.22 updates. The updates are gradually rolling out to users.
What Happens to Your Chat History
When connecting a new smartphone or Android tablet, Signal offers to transfer your message history. Users can transfer their entire chat history, including media files saved over the past 45 days.
However, transferring old chats is optional. If a user doesn’t want to do this, they can start using the new device without their previous chat history.
Data Remains Secure
Signal notes that data transfer when connecting a new device is protected by end-to-end encryption. The same technology used previously to connect Signal on computers and iPads is used for synchronization.
In other words, users now have more freedom in how they use the messaging app, without compromising its core principle—protecting the privacy of their conversations. The new feature will be especially useful for those who regularly use multiple smartphones or want to access the same Signal account on both their phone and tablet.
New rules for labeling AI-generated content have taken effect in the EU.
The European Union has formed a new working group to monitor the activities of companies that develop and use artificial intelligence technologies. The new body will oversee compliance with AI regulations.
The EU is investing €10 billion in the development of artificial intelligence.
