How do I download and set up signal?

Search for Signal in the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and install it. Open the app and tap Continue, then enter your phone number. Signal will send you a verification code — type it in to finish creating your account.

How do I turn on disappearing messages?

Open any conversation in Signal. Tap the contact's name at the top of the screen. You will see an option called Disappearing Messages. Tap it and choose a time limit: 30 seconds, 5 minutes, 1 hour, 8 hours, 1 day, or 1 week. After you set it, every future message in that conversation will auto-delete after the chosen time.

How do I use note to self?

Tap the compose button to start a new message. Search for "Note to Self" — this is your private notepad inside Signal. Tap it and type anything you want to save. Only you can see these notes, and they are protected by the same encryption as all Signal messages.

How do I set a screen lock?

Go to Signal Settings (tap your profile picture or initials in the top-left corner). Tap Privacy. Turn on Screen Lock. Now Signal will ask for your phone's passcode or fingerprint before opening, adding an extra layer of protection if someone picks up your phone.

How do I turn off read receipts?

In Signal Settings, tap Privacy and look for Read Receipts. Turn this off if you do not want other people to see that you have read their messages. When read receipts are off, you also will not see when others have read your messages.

How do I block unwanted contacts?

If someone contacts you on Signal that you do not want to hear from, open the conversation, tap their name at the top, scroll down and tap Block. They will no longer be able to send you messages or call you through the app.

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Signal is a free messaging app built with privacy as its top priority. Every message, phone call, and video call made through Signal is encrypted end-to-end, which means only you and the person you are talking with can read or hear the conversation — not even Signal itself can access your messages. Signal is recommended by security researchers, journalists, and privacy advocates around the world.

Setting up Signal is straightforward. You download it from the App Store or Google Play, register with your phone number, and you are ready to go. Anyone else who has Signal installed will show up automatically as a contact you can message privately.

One of Signal's most useful features is disappearing messages. When you turn this on for a conversation, every message in that chat automatically deletes itself after a time period you choose — anywhere from 30 seconds to four weeks. This is helpful if you share sensitive information and want it gone after a while.

Signal also includes a feature called Note to Self. This works like a private notepad that only you can see. You can send yourself reminders, save links, or jot down information you want to keep — all stored inside your encrypted Signal account.

Because Signal stores almost nothing on its servers, the app keeps your conversations much more private than regular text messages or many popular messaging apps. Even if someone gained access to Signal's servers, there would be very little data there to find.