Signal
Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC • Communication
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Signal is a leading cross-platform encrypted messaging service, offering secure instant messaging, voice, and video calls. Developed by the non-profit Signal Foundation and its subsidiary, Signal Messenger LLC, this software is entirely free and open-source, prioritizing user privacy above all else. It allows users to send text, voice notes, images, videos, and other files in both one-to-one and group conversations.
Designed with a centralized computing architecture, Signal ensures all communications are protected with state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption, powered by the open-source Signal Protocol. This means that only the sender and intended recipient can read messages or listen to calls, not even the developers of the app. Available across Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux, Signal uses mobile telephone numbers as identifiers, though registration for desktop use requires an iOS or Android device.
In This Post
Expert Tips
Enhance Your Privacy with Key Signal Settings
- Open Signal and tap your profile icon (or go to Settings).
- Navigate to the Privacy section.
- Enable Always Relay Calls to route calls through Signal’s servers, masking your IP address from contacts.
- Turn on Screen Lock to require a passcode or biometric authentication to open the app.
- Activate Registration Lock to protect your account with a PIN if you re-register or install on a new device.
- Under Notifications, adjust Show settings to hide message content or sender names on your lock screen for added discretion.
Why: These settings provide crucial layers of security, preventing unauthorized access to your conversations, protecting your identity during calls, and ensuring sensitive information isn’t visible in notifications.
Mastering Signal Group Chats
- To start a new group, tap the compose icon, then New Group. Select contacts and give your group a name.
- For existing groups, tap the group name to access Group Settings.
- Enable Disappearing Messages with a default timer for new chats to automatically delete messages after a set period.
- If you are an admin, enable Group Link and optionally Approve New Members to control who joins your group via invitation links.
- Utilize Member Labels (version 8.4.1+) to describe roles within a group, enhancing organization.
Why: Effective group management and privacy features are essential for secure and organized team or family communication. Disappearing messages reduce data retention, while admin controls prevent unwanted participants.
Quick Start: Sending Your First Secure Message
- Ensure Signal is installed and registered on your mobile device.
- Open the Signal app and tap the compose (pencil) icon.
- Select a contact who also uses Signal from your list, or type in their phone number.
- Type your message in the text box and tap the send icon.
- To make a secure call, tap the phone or video icon within an individual chat.
Why: This quick guide helps new users immediately experience Signal’s core functionality: sending end-to-end encrypted messages and making secure calls, establishing private communication from the outset.
Download Signal
File size: 125 MB
OS support: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Windows
Download Signal 8.8.0 for Windows – x64
macOS
Download Signal 8.8.0 for macOS – Universal
Android
Download Signal from Google Play
iOS
Key Features
- State-of-the-Art End-to-End Encryption: Utilizing the robust open-source Signal Protocol, all your conversations, including texts, voice, and video calls, are secured with advanced end-to-end encryption. This ensures that only you and your intended recipient can access the content, guaranteeing ultimate privacy.
- Free Messaging and Media Sharing: Communicate without incurring SMS or MMS fees. Signal allows you to share text messages, voice notes, photos, videos, GIFs, and various files for free, leveraging your phone’s data connection for seamless communication.
- Crystal-Clear Voice and Video Calls: Enjoy high-quality voice and video calls to contacts anywhere in the world without long-distance charges. Signal provides clear and reliable connections, making it easy to stay in touch with loved ones or colleagues.
- Encrypted Stickers and Custom Packs: Add personality to your chats with a diverse range of encrypted stickers. You can also unleash your creativity by designing and sharing your own custom sticker packs, enhancing your conversations while maintaining privacy.
- Effortless Group Communication: Stay connected with family, friends, and coworkers through secure group chats. Signal makes it simple to manage group conversations, share updates, and coordinate activities with multiple participants, all under end-to-end encryption.
- No Ads, No Trackers: Signal is committed to user privacy by completely eliminating ads, affiliate marketers, and intrusive tracking mechanisms. This allows you to focus solely on meaningful interactions without concerns about data exploitation or unwanted advertisements.
Hardware Requirements
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10, 11 (x64); macOS 12 (Monterey) and above; Linux 64-bit distributions supporting APT (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian); Android 6.0 or later; iOS 15 or later
Tech Specs
| Software Name | Signal |
|---|---|
| Version | 8.8.0 |
| License | Free and Open-Source |
| File Size | 125 MB |
| OS Support | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS |
| Language | Multi-language |
| Developer | Signal Foundation and Signal Messenger LLC |
| Homepage | https://signal.org/ |
| Changelogurl | https://signal.org/blog/ |
| Last Updated | April 29, 2026 |
Installation Guide
Installation Steps
- Click the download button above for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS).
- For desktop, locate the downloaded installer file (e.g., .exe for Windows, .dmg for macOS) and double-click to run it. For mobile, the app will install directly from the app store.
- Follow the on-screen installation wizard to complete the setup process. On desktop, you will need to link Signal to your mobile device by scanning a QR code.
- Register your phone number on your mobile device to activate your Signal account.
Compatibility: Compatible with Windows 10 and 11, macOS 12+, Linux 64-bit, Android 6.0+, and iOS 15+. Ensure your device meets the minimum OS requirements for optimal performance.
Troubleshooting
- Issue: Desktop app not linking → Solution: Ensure Signal is installed and active on your mobile phone first, and that both devices have a stable internet connection.
- Issue: Unable to receive verification code → Solution: Verify the phone number entered is correct and that you can receive SMS or calls to that number.
Common Questions
Is Signal free to download and use?
Yes, Signal is a free and open-source application. It is developed by a non-profit organization and relies on donations, ensuring there are no hidden costs, ads, or trackers.
What operating systems does Signal support?
Signal is cross-platform, supporting Windows 10 and 11, macOS 12 (Monterey) and above, Linux 64-bit distributions (like Ubuntu or Debian), Android 6.0 or later, and iOS 15 or later.
How does Signal ensure my privacy and security?
Signal uses state-of-the-art end-to-end encryption (powered by the open-source this application Protocol) for all communications, meaning only the sender and recipient can read messages or hear calls. It also has no ads, no trackers, and offers various privacy settings like screen lock and call relaying to protect your IP address.
How can I adjust privacy settings in Signal?
You can adjust privacy settings by tapping your profile icon, then selecting Privacy. Options include Always Relay Calls to hide your IP address, Screen Lock for app access, Registration Lock for account security, and managing notification details.
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