What is Signal and why choose this app?

Signal is a free messaging app known for its excellent privacy and security. The app was developed by the Signal Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to secure communication. Unlike many other messaging apps, Signal collects almost no user data, and all messages are end-to-end encrypted by default.

More and more people are worried about their online privacy. WhatsApp, for example, shares data with its parent company Meta, whereas Signal was designed with privacy as its top priority. Well-known advocates such as Elon Musk and Edward Snowden have publicly recommended Signal as a secure alternative to other messaging apps.

Downloading and installing Signal

Installing Signal is easy and works on both smartphones and computers. Below you'll find the steps for different devices.

Installing Signal on Android

To install Signal on your Android phone, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Google Play Store on your phone
  2. Search for "Signal Private Messenger"
  3. Tap "Install" on the official Signal app (by Signal Foundation)
  4. Wait until the download and installation are complete
  5. Open the app and follow the registration steps

Installing Signal on iPhone

For iPhone users, the installation works as follows:

  1. Open the App Store on your iPhone
  2. Tap the search icon and type "Signal"
  3. Select "Signal - Private Messenger"
  4. Tap "Get" or the cloud icon with the arrow
  5. Confirm with Face ID, Touch ID or your Apple ID password
  6. Open Signal after the installation

Using Signal on your computer

Signal also offers a desktop version for Windows, Mac and Linux. Note: you must have Signal installed on your phone first before you can use the desktop version.

  1. Go to signal.org/download on your computer
  2. Click the download button for your operating system
  3. Install the program
  4. Open Signal Desktop
  5. Scan the QR code with the Signal app on your phone

Creating your Signal account

After installing the app, you need to create an account. Signal uses your phone number as a unique identifier, but this number is stored encrypted and is not shared with others.

Registering step by step

  1. Open the Signal app
  2. Accept the terms of service
  3. Enter your phone number with the country code (+31 for the Netherlands)
  4. You'll receive a text message with a verification code
  5. Enter this code (or Signal detects it automatically)
  6. Create a PIN of at least 4 digits
  7. Enter your name (optionally a profile photo)
  8. Grant permission for contacts and notifications

The PIN is important for recovering your account. Keep it safe, because without your PIN you can't get your account back when you switch phones.

Sending messages with Signal

Sending messages in Signal works much like other messaging apps, but with extra security features.

Starting a new conversation

  1. Tap the pencil icon at the top right of the app
  2. Select a contact from your list (Signal only shows contacts who also use Signal)
  3. Type your message at the bottom of the screen
  4. Tap the send button (arrow)

Sharing media and files

You can send more than just text messages through Signal:

  • Photos and videos: Tap the camera icon to take a photo or tap the plus icon to select existing photos
  • Voice messages: Press and hold the microphone icon to record a voice message
  • Files: Tap the plus icon and select "File" to share documents
  • Location: Share your current location securely with your contacts
  • GIFs and stickers: Signal has a built-in GIF search and its own sticker packs

Advanced privacy features

Signal offers various features that give your privacy extra protection. These features set Signal apart from other messaging apps.

Setting up disappearing messages

With disappearing messages, your messages are automatically deleted after a set time:

  1. Open a conversation in Signal
  2. Tap the contact's name at the top
  3. Select "Disappearing messages"
  4. Choose a duration (from 30 seconds to 4 weeks)
  5. Messages now disappear automatically after this time

Turning on screen security

Prevent others from taking screenshots of your conversations:

  1. Go to Signal settings (three dots at the top right)
  2. Tap "Privacy"
  3. Turn on "Screen security"

Setting up screen lock

Add an extra layer of security to Signal:

  1. Open settings in Signal
  2. Go to "Privacy"
  3. Turn on "Screen lock"
  4. Set after how much time the app locks

Calling and video calling with Signal

Besides sending messages, you can also make secure calls through Signal. All calls are end-to-end encrypted.

Starting a voice call

  1. Open a conversation with a contact
  2. Tap the phone icon at the top right
  3. Wait until the connection is established

Video calling with Signal

  1. Open a conversation
  2. Tap the camera icon at the top right
  3. Grant permission for the camera and microphone if asked
  4. You can turn your camera on and off during the call

Group chats in Signal

Signal supports group chats with up to 1000 participants for messages and up to 40 participants for group video calls.

Creating a group

  1. Tap the pencil icon
  2. Select "New group"
  3. Choose the contacts you want to add
  4. Tap the arrow to continue
  5. Give the group a name and optionally a photo
  6. Tap "Create"

Signal versus other messaging apps

Why would you choose Signal over WhatsApp or Telegram? Here are the most important differences:

  • Privacy: Signal collects minimal data, only your phone number. WhatsApp shares data with Meta.
  • Open source: Signal's code is fully open source and can be checked by anyone.
  • Nonprofit: Signal is run by a foundation, not by a commercial company.
  • No ads: Signal never shows ads and doesn't sell data.
  • Encryption by default: All communication is automatically end-to-end encrypted.

Tips for getting the most out of Signal

To get the most out of Signal, here are some handy tips:

  • Back up your conversations regularly via the settings
  • Use a strong PIN and keep it in a safe place
  • Turn on two-step verification for extra security
  • Regularly check the safety numbers of your contacts
  • Encourage friends and family to use Signal too

Signal is an excellent choice for anyone who values privacy. The app combines ease of use with strong security, making secure communication accessible to everyone.

Frequently asked questions

Is Signal really more secure than WhatsApp?

Yes, Signal is generally considered more secure than WhatsApp. Signal collects minimal user data, is fully open source so its security can be verified, and is managed by a nonprofit organization. WhatsApp, on the other hand, shares data with its parent company Meta, and its source code is not public.

Can I use Signal without a phone number?

No, Signal requires a phone number to register. However, this number is stored encrypted and is not shared with other users. You can choose to hide your number from other Signal users in the privacy settings.

What happens if I forget my Signal PIN?

If you forget your Signal PIN and want to recover your account on a new device, you have to wait 7 days before you can register again. Your message history is then lost. So keep your PIN in a safe place, for example in a password manager.

Can I see whether my messages have been read in Signal?

Yes, Signal shows read receipts with two blue check marks, similar to WhatsApp. You can turn this feature off in the privacy settings if you don't want others to see when you read their messages.