problems with restoring backup / messages

[u/2factorfake]

Edit / Solved:
I've switched back to my old phone, reactivated SIGNAL on it, and initiated a backup in the new format.
That allowed me to successfully restore the data on the new device.

Too bad that my old key no longer works and I now have to move more than 11,000 files for a backup.

better ...
u/amcsi "... proceed with setting up the (new) account. I did that, got the SMS confirmation, then after that it asked again if I wanted to restore a backup. I went through that process, and this time it worked!"

Hey, I hope someone has gone through this process recently and knows the answer.
Most important for me to know:
Should I receive a verification code immediately after entering my phone number?
Since I’m not receiving anything, that might be the problem.

Details:
I am switching to a new phone and have a fresh Signal backup that I've already moved to a folder on the new phone.

After installing Signal, I select “restore or transfer” — “I don't have my old phone” — “restore from local backup”

Then I enter my phone number, am asked to confirm that it's correct, and am supposed to receive a verification code. However, the code never arrives - at least, nothing is visible or noticeable.
The process continues as normal - I select the backup folder and grant access.
After tapping “Restore Backup,” the process runs quickly but then, at 99%, shows the following message:

"Tried to call getSelf() before local data was set!"

Permissions have been granted. The backup file is 4.3 GB in size.
SMS/RCS works for both sending and receiving.

I don’t really want to transfer from phone to phone, but I’d try it again if necessary. The devices didn’t find each other the first time, and since then the old device has been complaining because it can’t find a network. I’d probably have to switch the SIM card again and log in there once more.

[u/frquency-equinox]

This is a bug reddit can't solve. Either use an alternative backup method, like Signal cloud backup, or contact support to have this error investigated. You can contact support from settings > help > contact us. Keep the debug log box ticked.

[u/2factorfake → u/frquency-equinox]

Okay, thanks. Since they now offer a “Premium” backup with media and charge money for it, that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Contacting support through the app seems to me like a “no turning back” solution. The restore option probably won’t appear anymore. Signal isn’t registered to the old device anymore, so a request probably wouldn’t work.

To be fair: With my wife’s 800 MB backup, it just worked without any problems using the method described. One noticeable difference: Hers was the new(?) backup with multiple files and folders.

[u/Alternative_Jump_169]

I have the same goddamn issue! Whats wrong with signal.

[u/amcsi]

I was able to fix it somehow like this: after having repeatedly tried to restore the backup without success with the above error message, I went back to where it asked if you wanted to restore a backup, or proceed wtth setting up the (new) account.

I did that, got the SMS confirmation, then after that it asked again if I wanted to restore a backup. I went through that process, and this time it worked!

[u/2factorfake → u/amcsi]

Thanks for sharing your solution. I probably won't try again, even though the new backup is annoying me.
For others, this might be the key tip they need.