In 2022, Signal Messenger will have its Zoom moment. The trend began when WhatsApp, the world’s most popular IM (Instant Messaging) program, made a contentious privacy policy modification and announced that it would share user data with its parent company, Facebook. Furthermore, a recent tweet from Elon Musk endorsing Signal has resulted in a spike in Signal usage during the last week. How to Use Signal App: Here, you’ll find the top 10 tips to get started in the Signal App. You’ve arrived at the right place if you’ve newly boarded the train and want to learn how to utilize signals. We’ve put together a set of pointers to help you to start with the Signal app.
How to Use Signal App
Let’s start by figuring out why everyone is raving about the Signal app. Signal, founded by Brian Acton, a co-founder of WhatsApp, seeks to provide the most private and secure communication possible with end-to-end encryption. That isn’t to say it isn’t packed with features. The signal is on par with competing for messaging apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, and in some areas, it even outperforms them.
In terms of the front end, Signal operates just like any other texting program. When you launch the app and authenticate your phone number, you’ll see a list of all your synced contacts. The user interface is simple to use, and messages and files function similarly to WhatsApp. All of this comes with a spice of protection and privacy, which is quickly becoming a premium in today’s world.
Now, to start with Signal Messenger, simply follow the steps below.
1. Turn off the “Contact Joined” notification.
You will receive a number of notifications on your device suggesting ‘X Contact Joined Signal‘ based on the current trend. It’s useful to know when a friend or family member joins the Signal platform, but it quickly becomes an annoyance in your notification center.
Signal, thankfully, provides a way to turn off such pop-ups. Go to the app settings in the Signal app. You can disable the Contact Joined Signal option by going to Notifications > Events > Disable Contact Joined Signal.
2. Identify When a Message Gets Read
When the recipient viewed the message, WhatsApp displays a blue-colored double tick. Signal operates in a somewhat different manner. You’ll notice a double-tick, which indicates that the person has received the message. A double-tick with a white backdrop signifies that the recipient has viewed the media, file, or communication. If you want to send disappearing messages check this.
3. Delete messages
You will occasionally send the wrong message to the wrong person or make a typo in a conversation. You may erase the message from both sides with Signal.
Simply pick the delete icon at the bottom after long-pressing on a message you want to delete. Tap the ‘Delete for Everyone’ option from the next menu, and the message will remove from the conversation. However, keep in mind that the other person will see a confirmation that you deleted a chat message.
4. Use Disappearing Messages
This is one of my favorite Signal app add-ons. From the chat details, you may enable Disappearing Messages and choose a specific duration for messages to disappear, ranging from 5 seconds to 1 week.
When you message the other person, you’ll see a live timer that moves around, indicating how much time is left before the message self-destructs. It’s largely for sending OTP messages and other private information to family members.
5. Quote a Message
This one comes in handy during extended chats. You can use the quote function to pinpoint a message to which you’re referring.
Long-press on a message you wish to quote, and then type the message using the left arrow at the bottom.
6. Change Chat Theme: By using the Signal app
This option is only available on the Signal Android app for some reason. You can change the chat color by going to the chat details and selecting the Chat Color option. Signal will prompt you to select one of the 13 color schemes offered. You’ll notice an immediate change in the chat theme after you choose one.
7. Disable Read Receipt and Typing Indicator
You can disable the read receipt and typing indicator in Signal so that the user is unaware when you read or type a new message.
Turn off Read Receipts and Typing Indicators for all users under Signal Settings > Privacy.
8. Block a Number: By using the Signal app
This one is easy to understand. You may effortlessly block those bothersome and undesired Signal chat users. To contact them, simply open their conversation and tap on the name of the person listed above. From the drop-down option, choose Block User.
You will not get any messages or updates from that individual in the future.
9. Lock Signal App
Signal, like WhatsApp and Telegram, allows you to lock the app with your device’s fingerprints. Enable the feature by going to Signal Settings > Privacy > Screen Lock. It’s set at 15 minutes by default. To lock the app, adjust it from Instant to 1-hour duration.
You can turn off the feature at any time by going to the Privacy menu.
10. Link Devices: By using the Signal app
The signal can use on your iPad or laptop, and the account can link to the one on your phone. Assume you’re using Signal on your iPhone and using the QR code feature to connect it to your Mac. This may be discovered in the app’s settings under the Linked Devices functionality. Your account will be linked to your Mac, but none of your prior discussions will. Because all message history is stored on the device itself, this is the case.
Closing Remarks: How to Use Signal App
There’s a reason why celebrities like Edward Snowden and Elon Musk prefer Signal to other communications platforms. Try it out and follow the instructions above to start using Signal like a pro on your iPhone or Android device.
