Signal-desktop: Mobile not syncing conversations with desktop client

[wolfhog]

• [X] I have searched open and closed issues for duplicates
  https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Desktop/issues/2298
  https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Desktop/issues/2068

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Bug Description

Signal does not synchronize existing conversations between iOS and Desktop application on Windows 10

Steps to Reproduce

1. Install Signal in iOS
2. Send message to someone
3. Install Signal client on Windows 10
4. Link device by scanning QR code with iOS device.
5. Conversation does not appear on the Windows client.

Actual Result:

No conversations appear on the desktopclient.

Expected Result:

Conversations started on mobile client should appear on the desktop client.

Screenshots

Platform Info

Signal Version:

iOS: 2.44.0.19
Desktop: 1.27.4

Operating System:

Windows 10 Pro Version 1809

Linked Device Version:

iOS 13.1

Link to Debug Log

iOS log: https://debuglogs.org/a1bae2e982f40e67f5dc7403ff36fab06d32c4fd785fd381d8a3ef207456a532.zip
Windows 10: https://debuglogs.org/7a002102f5852d7c8d1ddf5cd5fe83675ea6679130802d2432dfca8ee66a43b7

[kenpowers-signal]

This is by design. Your Signal Desktop instance operates as its own device and will only receive new messages, no old messages will be sync'd.

[dagguh]

@kenpowers-signal I assume this is a security feature. Old messages are not synced, because they're not stored in servers (obviously) and they're not resent from the mobile device to reduce the attack surface. Is that accurate?

If so, could the rationale be explained upon linking new devices, so it's not a surprise for the users? Or a FAQ?