The end-to-end encryption promised by Signal is also available on desktop. Those using the app on phone would want it on desktop too as it keeps the conversations secure across platforms. Here we have explained how to use Signal on laptop. The process is simple and allows you to enjoy all the features of the app on your laptop. You Might Also Like – Signal App Features Promise a Secure Experience Note that there is no web version of Signal available unlike WhatsApp and Telegram. Therefore, to use the app on laptop, you will have to install its desktop version. Signal for desktop, however, is similar to WhatsApp Web in the sense that both involve scanning a QR code for syncing the mobile account to the laptop.
How to Use Signal on Laptop
To use Signal on laptop, you will be needing the app on your phone as well on the laptop. If you are a first-time user, you will have to make an account on the app after downloading it from the Play Store or App Store. Signal cannot work on desktop if there is no prior account on the mobile version of the app. The following steps explain how to use Signal on laptop. Step 1. Download the Desktop version of Signal on your laptop. The app is available for Windows, Mac and Linux and can be easily installed by following the on-screen instructions. A minimum of 64-bit Windows 7, 64-bit Linux distributions supporting APT or macOS 10.10 is required for the app to work on these platforms. Step 2. After Signal Desktop has been installed on the laptop, open the app to get the QR code. The next step in the process of how to use Signal on laptop is to log into your account by scanning the QR code. For this, open the app on your phone and follow the below mentioned process for Android and iPhone:
If you are an Android user, click on the three dots in the top right side to open the menu. Choose ‘Signal Settings from the menu and then select ‘Linked Devices’. There you will see a ‘+’ icon, tap on it.For iPhone users, the first step is to open ‘Settings’ by clicking on the profile picture in the top left side of the screen. Next, open ‘Linked Devices’ and then choose ‘Link New Device’.
You will have to allow the app to take pictures and record video for it to scan the QR code. Step 3. Once the camera opens, scan the code shown on the laptop. A message will appear on the phone asking you to confirm if you want to link the new device to your account. Select ‘Link Device’ to connect the desktop app to the mobile app. Step 4. Switch back to the desktop app and enter a name for the new device. Hit ‘Finish Linking Phone’ and you are ready to use Signal on laptop. The contacts and conversations on the phone will be synced to the laptop. Before understanding how to use Signal on laptop, know that older messages on the phone will not appear on the desktop version. Since Signal is a highly secure app, it will only show the new messages sent and received once the app has been synced to the laptop. An interesting feature of Signal for Desktop is that it can be used independently on laptop. Once the mobile app has been linked to the desktop app, you can engage in end-to-end encrypted conversations without needing your phone. However, the mobile app will be needed for performing additional functions such as managing read receipts, groups, etc.
Is Signal SMS Feature Available on Laptop?
Signal Desktop does not support SMS conversations. This means that if Signal is your default SMS app, the text messages will not be synced to the laptop. This is to ensure a secure messaging experience on desktop by encouraging users to not use the insecure SMS feature.
