Why Signal?

Signal is a free, open-source messaging app that provides end-to-end encryption for all messages, calls, and file transfers. Unlike most messaging apps, Signal collects virtually no metadata about its users.

End-to-end encryption Only you and the recipient can read messages. Not even Signal's servers can access them.
Open source Signal's code is publicly auditable. Security researchers can verify it works as claimed.
Non-profit Signal is operated by the Signal Foundation, not a company selling your data.

Installing Signal

On Your Phone

1
Download Signal from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android)
2
Open Signal and enter your phone number for verification
3
Enter the verification code sent via SMS
4
Set up your profile with a name (and optionally a photo)
5
Create a PIN to secure your Signal account (this helps recover your account if you change phones)

On Desktop

Signal Desktop links to your phone and syncs messages:

1
Download Signal Desktop from signal.org for Windows, macOS, or Linux
2
Open Signal on your phone, go to Settings > Linked Devices > Link New Device
3
Scan the QR code shown on your desktop with your phone's camera

Essential Privacy Settings

Open Signal Settings on your phone to configure these important options:

Disappearing Messages

Set a default timer for messages to automatically delete after a set period. Go to Settings > Privacy > Default timer for new chats and choose a duration (e.g., 1 week or 4 weeks).

Screen Security

Enable Settings > Privacy > Screen Security to prevent Signal content from appearing in the app switcher and block screenshots within the app.

Registration Lock

Enable Settings > Account > Registration Lock to prevent someone from re-registering your phone number on another device without your PIN.

💡
Remember your PIN!

If you enable Registration Lock and forget your PIN, you may be locked out of your own account for up to 7 days.

Using Signal Effectively

  • Group chats: Create encrypted group conversations for family, friends, or teams
  • Voice and video calls: All calls are end-to-end encrypted by default
  • File sharing: Send documents, photos, and files securely
  • Note to Self: Send messages to yourself as an encrypted notepad
  • Verify safety numbers: Tap a contact's name to compare safety numbers in person, confirming there is no interception

Signal vs Other Messengers

Signal vs WhatsApp WhatsApp uses Signal's protocol but is owned by Meta, which collects extensive metadata. Signal collects almost none.
Signal vs Telegram Telegram chats are NOT end-to-end encrypted by default (only "Secret Chats" are). Signal encrypts everything by default.
Signal vs iMessage iMessage is encrypted but only works in the Apple ecosystem. Signal works on all platforms.

Summary

In this tutorial, you learned:

  • Why Signal is recommended for private communication
  • How to install Signal on phone and desktop
  • Essential privacy settings to configure
  • How to use Signal's features effectively
  • How Signal compares to other messaging apps
🎉
You are now communicating securely!

Encourage your contacts to join Signal too. Encryption only works when both sides use it.

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