Download Signal: How to use free messaging Download Signal: How to use free messaging

Looking to replace WhatsApp? Adopt Signal, a free, secure, complete instant messaging application that respects your personal data, available on mobile and computer.

Do you know Signal? It is a free instant messaging application, like WhatsApp, Telegram and other Viber. Like most tools of this kind, it allows you to exchange messages via the Internet in text form, possibly with emojis and animated GIFs, photos, videos and other attachments – it can even replace a classic SMS-MMS app on some phones! Available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS and Linux, it also allows you to make audio-video calls, for video conferencing. In short, it is a complete communication app.

Signal: private messaging

The big difference with other messaging systems is that Signal respects the privacy and personal data of its users. This is the creed of the Signal Foundation, the non-profit organization that develops Signal, the application is even distributed in open source – its code is open and usable by everyone. Thus, Signal does not just offer end-to-end encryption of exchanges – all messages and content exchanged are encrypted without it being possible for the publisher to know the content. She does not share any personal data. And this is what makes its great strength at a time when these famous data are the raw material of the digital economy. No wonder many experts recommend Signal. "I use Signal every day," says Edward Snowden on the homepage of the publisher's site. A pledge of guarantee from one of the most famous whistleblowers who unveiled, a few years ago, the massive surveillance system put in place by American security agencies. Even, the European Commission invites its collaborators to use Signal instead of intrusive commercial applications. That is to say !

And it is precisely this feature that propels Signal into the limelight as WhatsApp changes its privacy terms. Indeed, the messaging app now forces its users to share their personal data – phone number, contacts, profile picture, etc. – with Facebook, its parent company. Certainly, European nationals are relatively spared from these changes thanks to the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), Europe and the United Kingdom escaping certain modifications. Although it is still mandatory to accept the update to WhatsApp's terms of service in order to continue using it, Facebook will only be able to use data from companies that host their WhatsApp services on its servers. But that's all it takes to cause a real global outcry and see many users abandon WhatsApp in favor of Signal. And we do not lose the change as the app offers well thought out functions. If you are looking to replace WhatsApp with an application that truly respects your privacy and your personal data, the time has come to discover Signal!

How to install Signal on a smartphone?

The Signal app is available in Android and iOS versions. A few minutes to install it on your phone and start chatting with your contacts.

Download Signal for Android

Download Signal for iOS

How do you tell your friends that you're using Signal?

To be able to use Signal, your correspondents must also have it installed on their mobile, like WhatsApp and other messengers of the same type. Here's how to notify them from the app.

On Android

On iOS

How do I send texts and files with Signal?

Signal is a full-fledged instant messaging app. It therefore allows the sending of very long missives or any file.

Send written messages

Send photos or videos

Send other types of files

If you want to attach something other than a photo or a video, Signal presents at the bottom of the screen several categories: Gif, File, Contact or Position.

How do I make audio and video calls with Signal?

Like WhatsApp or Skype, Signal lets you make audio or video calls.

How do I use Signal on a computer?

Like WhatsApp, Signal offers a computer app. Once linked to your Signal account via mobile, it will allow you to use its services on the big screen. Big bonus compared to WhatsApp: here audio and video calls are allowed!

Download Signal for Windows

Download Signal for macOS

Download Signal for Linux

On iPhone, tap the menu Pair Device, Scan QR Code.

Private messagingInstall Signal on mobileNotify friendsSend texts and filesMake audio and video callsUse Signal on PC or MacDo you know Signal? It's a free app...

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