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How To Set Up and Use the Signal Messaging App
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By Jennifer Allen Jennifer Allen Writer Swansea University, Staffordshire University Jennifer Allen has been writing about technology since 2010. Her work has appeared in Mashable, TechRadar, and many more publications. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on March 11, 2021 Reviewed by Jon Fisher Reviewed by Jon Fisher Wichita Technical Institute Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Texting & Messaging Email Texting & Messaging Video Calls What To Know
Enter your phone number and name, then follow prompts to get started. To message someone, tap the pencil icon, select a contact, type a message, and tap the arrow to send.Tap the smiley to send an emoji; tap GIF to share a GIF; tap the plus symbol to send a picture. This article teaches you how to set up and use the Signal private messenger app on iOS and Android and how to add friends and send emojis or GIFs. The screenshots are from the Android version of Signal, but the process is very similar to iOS. How To Set up Signal
The Signal text app needs to be set up first before you can use it. Here's what you need to do to get started. If you haven't downloaded the app yet, use one of the links below. Download for: Android IOS Once you've downloaded Signal, open the app and tap Continue. Enter your phone number and press Next to begin setup. Enter the code you receive via SMS. This may be done automatically by your phone depending on how it's set up. Next is the PIN page. If this is a new device, choose a PIN. Or, enter the same PIN from your other device if you're setting up Signal on a new device tied to an existing number used on Signal. Make sure it's something you'll remember. Enter your name then tap Next. You can also add a profile picture if you want to add a more personal touch. You're now ready to use Signal. How To Add Friends and Send Messages on Signal
Now that you've set up Signal, you can begin messaging friends through the service. Here's how to add friends and message them. Tap the pencil icon. Tap a contact's name or enter a phone number. Enter a message to send. Tap the arrow to the right hand side. If it has a lock next to it, that confirms Signal encryption is in place. You've successfully messaged your friend and your chat history is now listed every time you open Signal. How To Send Emojis or GIFs on Signal
Messaging friends and family isn't just about sending text messages -- it's also fun to send emojis or GIFs to add a bit of personality to your chat. Signal offers both. Here's how to send emojis or GIFs to loved ones via the service. Open Signal. Open or start a chat with someone. Tap the smiley emoji to find the emojis you can send your friend. For a GIF, tap GIF to search for a suitable GIF to send them. Depending on the device, you may need to press the plus button to the right in order to see the GIF option. Tap the arrow icon to send the GIF. You can send multiple GIFs at once by tapping the plus icon next to the first GIF. How To Send Photos on Signal
Sending photos via Signal is a fun thing to do, plus you get to enjoy the benefits of end-to-end encryption, so your photos and files are secure at all times. Here's how to send a photo via Signal Private Messenger. Open Signal. Open the chat window of the person you wish to send a photo to. Tap the plus symbol in the message bar. Find the photo you wish to send. The first time you do this, you may need to allow access to your photos and you may need to choose your photo gallery. Enter a message to accompany it then tap the arrow to send it. How to Use Signal Group Call Options Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App How to Share Your Google Calendar How to Send a Text Message to a Group How to Text a GIF on iPhone and Android How to Use the Emoji Keyboard for Galaxy Phones How to Make a Group Chat in Instagram How to Add Friends on Fitbit How to Send iMessages With iPhone Text Effects The Quick Guide to Snapchat Emoji Meanings How to Set up a Twitter Account How to Check Messages on Instagram How to Post GIFs on Facebook How to PM on Facebook How to Send Images With iPhone Mail How to Use Instagram How to View and Type Emojis on a Computer Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies