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Signal is a secure, encrypted messaging service that offers instant messaging, voice, and video calls, with a strong focus on privacy. It supports text messages, voice notes, images, videos, and file sharing in both individual and group chats, ensuring safe and reliable communication.
Signal is a secure, cross-platform solution with a mission. Developed by the non-profit Foundation, the software is designed to serve its users, not advertisers or corporations. It is completely free and open-source, with code available for public review, offering strong transparency and trust within the industry.
Signal is designed to work wherever you are. The app supports all major platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, for seamless device switching. Unlike many other apps, the official Android app runs flawlessly without requiring Google Play Services. To get started on a desktop, you only need an Android or iOS device for registration.
Your privacy is our priority. Signal identifies users by their mobile numbers and automatically protects every conversation with powerful end-to-end encryption. For added peace of mind, the app lets you independently verify your contacts, ensuring you’re always talking to the right person and that your data channel remains fully secure.
Signal offers flexible registration options to suit your needs. You can register with any number you choose, including a VoIP or a landline, since it doesn’t have to match the SIM card on your device. Make sure you can receive the verification code. Each number can be linked to just one mobile device at a time, and initial account registration requires an iOS or Android phone.
Features:
Share Without Insecurity
State-of-the-art end-to-end encryption (powered by the open-source Signal Protocol) keeps your conversations secure. No one can read your messages or listen to your calls — not even the developers. Privacy is central to the app and is not treated as an optional feature.
Say Anything
Share text, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files for free. This app uses your phone’s data connection to avoid SMS and MMS fees.
Speak Freely
Make high-quality voice and video calls to anyone, anywhere, without long-distance fees.
Make Privacy Stick
Add a new layer of expression to your conversations with encrypted stickers. You can also create and share your sticker packs.
Get Together with Groups
Group chats help you stay connected with your family, friends, and coworkers.
No ads. No trackers.
Enjoy an ad-free and privacy-focused experience. Focus on sharing meaningful moments with loved ones without distractions or tracking.
Signal – Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Uses end-to-end encryption by default, helping keep messages, voice calls, video calls, and shared files private. | ✗ Requires a phone number to create an account, which may not appeal to users seeking complete anonymity. |
| ✓ Provides a clean, distraction-free interface focused on secure communication without advertisements or user tracking. | ✗ Offers fewer social, business, and community features than many mainstream messaging platforms. |
| ✓ Supports group chats, voice calls, video calls, disappearing messages, and file sharing for both personal and team communication. | ✗ Some contacts may not use Signal, making it less practical as a primary messaging app for everyone. |
| ✓ Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS phones, allowing conversations to stay synchronized across multiple devices. | ✗ Media backup and device migration options are more limited than those offered by some cloud-based messaging services. |
| ✓ Regular updates introduce new features, security improvements, and usability enhancements while maintaining a strong focus on privacy. | ✗ Desktop messaging depends on linking the app to a mobile device, adding an extra setup step for new users. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use Signal without sharing your phone number?
Yes, Signal lets you start conversations using a username instead of sharing your phone number with other users. Standard account registration still requires a phone number, although Signal has introduced a separate phone-numberless registration option in its Android beta.
Is Signal end-to-end encrypted?
Yes. Conversations and calls are protected with end-to-end encryption by default, so the content is intended to be accessible only to the participants. The service also provides safety-number verification to help users confirm that they are communicating with the correct contact.
Can Signal be used on a desktop without a phone?
A phone is required for the initial account registration because the desktop version must be linked to an Android or iOS device. Once the account is set up, the service supports desktop use on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Can Signal work without Google Play Services?
Yes. The official Android app can run without requiring Google Play Services. This can be useful on Android devices that do not include Google’s proprietary mobile services.
What is the difference between Signal and WhatsApp?
Signal is a nonprofit, open-source messaging service focused strongly on privacy, with end-to-end encryption enabled by default and no advertising or user tracking described on the page. WhatsApp also provides end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls, but it operates within Meta’s broader ecosystem and offers a wider range of mainstream communication and social features.
What’s New in Version 8.32.0:
- The unread filter is now also supported in message folders and the search interface, so you can easily see what you’ve been missing.
- Improved upload reliability under poor network conditions.
- The “(N)” shortcut correctly points to the thumbs-down emoji.
Official Homepage – https://signal.org
Supported Operating Systems:
- Windows 11, 10 x64
- macOS 10.13 and above
- iOS 13 and higher
- Android 5.0 and higher
