New Device Message Sync: History and Recovery

New devices sync your DM and private-group message history automatically, just like WhatsApp. Understand message sync, account approval, retention, and encryption limits.

New Device Message Sync

New devices sync your messages

When you sign in on a new browser device, CipherChat loads your existing DM and private-group message history — just like WhatsApp's "Syncing messages" flow. Your account, contacts, group memberships, and prior conversations all appear on the new device, whether you use a password, Google, or Account Protection.

Returning devices keep their history

Messages created before or after a device's first sign-in are visible on later visits, subject to retention. Logging out and back in or changing login method does not reset your history. Previously registered devices keep their existing history. Clearing browser storage, using a different browser profile, or using private browsing can make you appear as a new device, but all messages still sync.

Account Protection and device approval

Account Protection may still require trusted-device approval or an existing account passcode for password sign-ins. Those controls authorize account access. Once approved, the device receives your full message history. Google sign-in can bypass device approval.

Message retention

The cleanup policy is 14 days for DMs, 21 days for private-group messages, and 7 days for Global Chat, measured from message creation. Pins do not extend the period. Cleanup runs hourly when the scheduled service is deployed; outages and backlogs can delay deletion. Other public groups have no automatic retention period currently. The production cron service must be deployed to activate scheduled cleanup.

Privacy and encryption limits

This is a server-enforced history-access rule, not end-to-end encryption or deletion of the conversation for everyone. CipherChat currently processes and stores readable messages. HTTPS protects transport on secure connections; database encryption at rest depends on deployment settings. Cleanup removes message records, not moderation reports, notifications, already-shared media URLs, recipient copies, or provider backups. Keep sensitive secrets off chat.

Where to learn more

Read the Privacy Policy, security guide, DM guide, and group guide. For account access problems, use the existing account-security tools or contact the team. Never send account passcodes in chat.