How to Export and Transfer Messages from Signal Desktop

If you’re trying to export messages from Signal Desktop, you might find it’s not as straightforward as it seems. However, there are several methods that can help you achieve this.

How can I export chats from Signal Desktop?

1. Utilize SQLite Browser

1. First, navigate to the Signal database and create a copy on your Desktop. You can find the database at this path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\Signal\sql\db.sqlite
2. Then, download SQLite Browser.
   

   

3. Launch SQLite Browser and open the copied database file.
4. You will be prompted for a passphrase.
5. Change the passphrase setting to Raw Key.
6. Next, access the config.json file located in: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\Signal
7. Input 0x into the SQLite Browser, then paste the key from the config.json file, excluding the quotes.
8. Search for the conversations table and locate the id corresponding to the conversation.
9. Filter the messages using the conversation ID and proceed to export the table.

2. Employ sigtop

1. Go to the sigtop release page and download the latest version. Save it in your Downloads folder.
   

   

2. Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges. To do this, press the Windows key + S , type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
   

   

3. Change your directory to the Downloads folder by typing cd C:\Users\WindowsReport\Downloads
   

   

4. To extract your messages, execute sigtop export-messages messages
5. For downloading attachments, use sigtop export-attachments attachments

This method is somewhat advanced, so we suggest reviewing the official documentation for detailed information.

You can also explore signalbackup-tools. Although this tool is primarily intended for Android, it may work for the Desktop version, too.

Where are my messages stored in Signal Desktop?

As noted in method 1, signals save messages in the following path: C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Roaming\Signal\sql\db.sqlite

Is it possible to transfer messages from Signal Desktop?

Currently, the transfer feature is officially available only for Android devices. Unfortunately, Signal Desktop lacks this capability, necessitating reliance on workarounds or third-party tools.

As demonstrated, exporting messages from Signal Desktop can be challenging. Although there are tools available, they may become nonfunctional after updates to the application.