Chats come across, with a limit for media
Signal plans to introduce the feature in its upcoming betas before a gradual rollout over several weeks. The announcement covers message history and media from the last 45 days. That window concerns attachments; it should not be described as a 45-day limit for all text messages. When linking, the owner will also be able to choose not to transfer their history.
The QR code starts the link, without holding the chats
In Signal’s described mechanism, the new device displays a QR code that lets the primary phone start encrypted communication. History is then sent as an end-to-end encrypted archive. The conversations are therefore not packed into the QR code’s small squares. Understanding a QR code’s contents helps separate that starting information from the transfer carried out by the app.
Linking a device and restoring a backup are different needs
The new feature addresses the case of an available primary phone being linked to a new device. It is not enough to promise recovery of conversations after that phone is lost. Linking opens an additional way to access the account; a backup must address a different preservation and restoration scenario. Before changing hardware, identify the supported path rather than inferring recovery options merely from the presence of a QR code.
A linking code deserves an explicit check
The gesture resembles opening a link, but its scope is different: here it authorises another device. The reference is the QR code displayed in the app you have just opened yourself on your computer or iPad. A code received in a message requires a different level of attention. Checks before scanning help assess the requested action beyond the square’s familiar appearance.