Signal - Private messaging assistant

Signal is a messaging app that puts privacy at its core. This easy-to-use, free application ensures a fully private communication experience through powerful end-to-end encryption. - **Free Messaging:** Send text messages, voice messages, pictures, videos, stickers, GIFs, and files for free. Signal uses your phone's data connection, saving you on SMS and MMS fees. - **High-Quality Encrypted Calls:** Enjoy crystal-clear encrypted voice and video calls, making conversations with friends smooth and secure. Group calls support up to 40 participants. - **Robust Group Chats:** Connect with up to 1,000 people in group chats, facilitating easy social interactions. Admin controls allow you to manage who can post and oversee group members. - **Disappearing Messages:** Share time-sensitive photos, texts, and video updates that automatically disappear after 24 hours. Customize visibility for each post in privacy settings. - **Privacy First:** Signal is designed to protect your privacy. We do not collect any information about you or your contacts. Our open-source Signal Protocol ensures that we cannot read your messages or listen to your calls. There are no exceptions—no backdoors, no data collection, and no compromises. - **Non-Profit Organization:** Signal is powered by a different kind of organization. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we rely on user donations to operate, with no ads or investors. Enjoy a private, secure, and seamless communication experience with Signal.

### How to Use Signal Signal is a secure messaging app designed to keep your communications private. Here’s a guide to help you get started with Signal and make the most of its features. #### 1. Getting Started **Download and Install Signal:** 1. Visit the Signal website or your device's app store. 2. Download the Signal app suitable for your device (Android, iOS, PC, or Mac). 3. Install the app by following the on-screen instructions. **Create an Account:** 1. Open the Signal app. 2. Enter your phone number and verify it via the code sent to you. 3. Set up your profile by entering your name and optionally adding a profile picture. #### 2. Sending Messages **Text Messages:** 1. Open the Signal app. 2. Tap the pencil icon to start a new message. 3. Select a contact or enter a phone number. 4. Type your message in the chat box and tap the send icon. **Voice Messages:** 1. In the chat window, tap and hold the microphone icon. 2. Record your message and release the icon to send. **Multimedia Messages:** 1. In the chat window, tap the attachment icon (paperclip). 2. Select the type of media you want to send (photo, video, file, GIF, sticker). 3. Choose the media from your device and tap the send icon. #### 3. Making Calls **Voice Calls:** 1. Open a chat with the contact you want to call. 2. Tap the phone icon to start a voice call. **Video Calls:** 1. Open a chat with the contact you want to video call. 2. Tap the video camera icon to start a video call. #### 4. Group Chats and Calls **Creating a Group Chat:** 1. Tap the pencil icon and select “New Group.” 2. Add group members from your contacts. 3. Set a group name and optionally add a group picture. 4. Tap “Create” to start the group chat. **Managing Group Chats:** 1. Open the group chat. 2. Tap the group name at the top to access settings. 3. Manage group members, set admin controls, and adjust group settings. **Group Calls:** 1. Open the group chat. 2. Tap the phone or video icon to start a group call. 3. Group calls support up to 40 participants. #### 5. Disappearing Messages **Setting Disappearing Messages:** 1. Open a chat. 2. Tap the contact or group name at the top to access chat settings. 3. Tap “Disappearing messages.” 4. Set the timer for how long messages should remain visible (e.g., 24 hours). #### 6. Privacy Settings **Adjusting Privacy Settings:** 1. Tap your profile icon in the top left corner. 2. Select “Privacy.” 3. Adjust settings such as screen lock, incognito keyboard, and read receipts. **Sealed Sender:** 1. Tap your profile icon and go to “Privacy.” 2. Enable “Sealed Sender” to send messages without revealing your identity. #### 7. Advanced Features **Signal PIN:** 1. Tap your profile icon and go to “Privacy.” 2. Set up a Signal PIN to secure your account and settings. **Backup and Restore:** 1. Tap your profile icon and go to “Chats.” 2. Select “Chat backups” to create or restore backups. **Linked Devices:** 1. Tap your profile icon and go to “Linked devices.” 2. Follow the instructions to link your Signal account to other devices, such as a desktop or tablet. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to effectively use Signal to keep your communications private and secure. Enjoy the full range of features that Signal offers for a secure messaging experience.