How You Can Use Signal On Your Desktop Computer

  Signal is a popular app for people looking for a privacy-focused alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger. It has a lot of functionality you'd expect from a messaging service, like a web version. We're going to show you how it works.

One of the key selling points for Signal is the automatic end-to-end encryption of messages. If that's something you're interested in, you probably want it all over the internet, not just on your computer. Signal has the same privacy features in its desktop software.

You must have the Signal app installed on your iPhone, iPad, or Android computer to use Signal on your desktop. Signal for Desktop is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux applications.

After you have installed Signal for Desktop on your computer, open the app. The first thing you're going to see is a QR code. This is how the web app binds to your smartphone app.

You can open the Signal app on your phone or tablet. Next, on Android, tap the three-dot menu icon in the top-right corner, then go to Settings > Connected Devices and pick the "+" button. On the iPhone and iPad, tap the "Settings" menu in the top left corner of your profile picture, then select Linked Devices > Connect New Device.

You will need to offer Signal permission to use your camera to scan the QR code.

Line the camera with the QR code displayed on the desktop app.

The phone app asks if you're sure you want to link to the desktop app. Tap the "Link Device" button to proceed.

Tap Link Device

Now we can go back to the desktop app, which will ask you to select a name for your computer. Enter the name and press the "Finish Link Phone" button.

Enter Name and Finish Linking Phone

The desktop app will sync your phone's contacts and classes. It can take a couple of minutes.

Syncing Contacts and Groups

If that's done, you'll see your conversations in the sidebar. Notice that no messages will be synced to the conversations. It's a security feature. From this point on, you'll see any new messages you send from your desktop or phone.

Contacts on the sidebar

The desktop interface is very similar to that of the mobile app. You can make video and voice calls, send audio messages, attach photos and videos, and use stickers.

Desktop UI

The sticker packs you download on your phone will be available on your device automatically.

This is it! You can use Signal from your phone and your machine at the same time. Keep in mind that if you use Signal as your default SMS app on Android, SMS conversations will not appear on your desktop app.