Encrypted messaging app Signal has recently gained popularity following several celebrity endorsements and an ill-conceived privacy policy update. © by WhatsApp. In fact, Signal iOS app recently topped App Store download ranking in various countries including Austria, France, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong , India and Switzerland. However, do you know that it can also be used on desktop computers like WhatsApp and Telegram? Today we are going to show you how to use Signal Messenger on your Windows 10 and Mac computer (desktops and laptops).
Use Signal Messenger on your desktop computer (Windows and Mac)
Unlike WhatsApp, Signal does not have a web app, but offers desktop apps on Windows, Mac, and Linux. However, like WhatsApp, the Signal mobile app must be installed and running on your phone (android or iPhone) for it to work on your PC. So, without further ado, let’s see how you can use Signal Messenger on your Windows 10 and Mac computers (desktops and laptops).
To note: I’m using Windows 10 for this demo, but the process is the same on Mac. The process is also similar for Android and iPhone users but with a slight difference which we will clearly mention in our tutorial.
Bind and use the signal on your PC
- To get started, download and install Signal Desktop on your computer (the windows / mac). Once the app is open, you will see a QR code. It needs to be scanned by the Signal mobile app to sync chats and messages.
- Now open Signal Messenger on your phone and tap the menu button (three dots) in the upper right corner. Then select “Settings” from the context menu.
- On the Settings page, tap on “Paired devices”. Next, tap the “+” button on the bottom right on Android. On iOS, go to Settings > Paired Devices > Pair New Devices.
- Scan the QR code on your computer screen and the two apps will sync in a moment or two. Once they are synced, tap “Link Device” as seen in the second screenshot below.
- On the desktop app, choose a name for your paired devices and tap “End Pairing Phone”.
Your desktop app will automatically sync your contacts to your phone, and you can send and receive messages on Signal Desktop. Synchronizing all your chats, messages and contacts between the two devices may take a few minutes.
Unlink Signal Desktop from your phone
- You can unpair the two devices by going to Settings > Paired devices on your phone. Simply tap on the name of the device you want to unpair and confirm by choosing “OK”.
Signal Desktop is no longer tied to your Signal mobile app. You will need to link the two again the next time you launch the application on your computer.
Use the best encrypted messaging application on your computer
One of the best alternatives to WhatsApp and Telegram, Signal Messenger has been endorsed by several tech luminaries, including Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, American whistleblower Edward Snowden and the person most richest in the world, Elon Musk. Although you now know how to use Signal on your desktop and laptop computers (Windows and Mac), you’ll probably still use it most often on your phone. So check out the best Signal tips and tricks to get the most out of the mobile app. If you’re still using WhatsApp, find out how you can switch to Signal from the Facebook-owned service.
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