Privacy is non-negotiable when it comes to messaging apps. If you’re going to trust a messaging app with your conversations, the app must be reliable and secure. Signal is one messaging that has risen to prominence due to its privacy-centric features and encryption.
If you’re new to the app and don’t know where to start, here is a quick guide on how to get started with Signal.
How Does Signal Work?
Signal is a free, open-source messaging app that offers end-to-end encryption for secure communication. Developed by the non-profit Signal Foundation, Signal ensures that your messages, voice calls, video calls, and other shared content are encrypted and only accessible to you and the intended recipient.
Signal has gained recognition for its commitment to privacy, with endorsements from tech heavyweights including Elon Musk and Jack Dorsey. The Signal app is available on Android, iOS, and desktop.
You create an account, add contacts, and start messaging. The app also allows you to make voice and video calls and share files with other users. The difference between Signal and other messaging apps is its perceived commitment to privacy and security.
Plus, Signal is run by a non-profit, which makes it stand out from other messaging apps.
How to Use the Signal App: The Basics
To get started with Signal, download and install the app from your device’s app store.
Download: Signal for iOS | Android (Free)
Once installed, you can create an account by entering your phone number and setting up a profile. You’ll then need to verify the phone number with a one-time code.
How to Add Contacts on Signal
You can add contacts by syncing your address book with the app. Signal automatically detects contacts and adds them to your list. You can invite contacts not already using Signal to join you by tapping Invite to Signal at the tail end of your contact list.
How to Start Messaging on Signal
Once you’ve added contacts, you can start messaging by tapping the chat icon at the bottom of the app. From there, you can select a contact to start messaging them.
You can schedule messages for later delivery by holding the send icon for a few seconds. You can choose from a few predefined periods for delayed delivery or pick a custom date and time.
Signal also offers Disappearing Messages. Disappearing messages allow you to send messages that will automatically delete after a set period. To enable this feature, open the conversation, tap on the contact name at the top of the chat window, tap Disappearing Messages, and select your preferred time limit.
How to Make Calls on Signal
Signal also offers voice and video calls. To make a call, open the conversation window and tap on the phone or video icon at the top of the chat window. You can also make group calls with up to 40 participants.
How to Share Files on Signal
You can share images, videos, documents, and audio files with other users. To do this, open the conversation window and tap the plus icon. This will open a window with options to choose your preferred file type. You can also share your location with other users and make payments using the app.
The app also has a built-in feature that allows you to blur out faces in photos before sending them. To blur faces on Signal, open the conversation window, tap the camera icon, and select an image. Tap the marker icon and then the checkerboard icon to access the blur interface.
How to Use Stories on Signal
Signal introduced its Stories feature in 2022 to let users share a series of photos and videos with their contacts for 24 hours. To view your contacts’ Stories, switch to the Stories tab on the bottom right of the app window. From there, you can view Stories from your contacts and post your own stories.
If you’d rather not use the Stories feature, turn it off in your settings. Just open the app, tap on your profile image at the top right of the window, select Stories, then tap Turn off Stories.
Getting Started With Signal Is Easy
Signal is a powerful and secure messaging app that’s easy to use once you get the hang of it. Once you’ve set up your account, adding contacts is easy, and messaging and calling are intuitive. Its advanced features make it a great alternative to traditional messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram.
