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Messenger

WhatsApp to Signal

Encrypted, ad-free, non-profit

Time Needed

20 mins

Accessibility

Easy

What you'll need

  • Signal app

    Directly from the App Store / Google Play

  • Phone number

    For one-time verification on first launch only – it remains invisible to other users

The best things are the ones where every layer holds up – not just the surface, but what comes to light when you look more closely. A messenger should be no different: convenient on the outside, honest on the inside. WhatsApp looks familiar, but beneath the crust sits Meta, ad money, and your data as a business model. Signal feels no different in everyday use – except every layer delivers what it promises: encrypted, ad-free, non-profit.

Switching is faster than you think, and many of your contacts are already there.

Why switch:

  • End-to-end encryption out of the box — All messages, calls, and files are encrypted by default, no extra setup needed
  • No data trade — Signal is a non-profit foundation funded by donations, not advertising
  • Open source — The full code is publicly available and regularly audited by independent security researchers
  • No ads, no trackers — No algorithm, no feed, no sponsored messages
  • Works just like WhatsApp — Groups, voice messages, video calls, stickers – all included
  • Signal handles instead of phone numbers — Create a custom handle and share that instead of your mobile number – your number stays private

Steps

  1. Download and install Signal

    Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) and search for "Signal".

    • Tap "Install" and wait for the download to finish
    • Open Signal and tap "Continue"

  2. Verify your phone number

    Signal sends you an SMS with a 6-digit code.

    • Enter your phone number and tap "Next"
    • Enter the code from the SMS – Signal often detects it automatically
    • Set a 4–6 digit PIN and store it safely: it protects your account when switching devices

  3. Discover your contacts

    Signal checks, encrypted on their sever, which of your contacts have an account – Signal can't view this data.

    • Tap "Allow" when Signal asks for access to your contacts
    • Signal immediately shows which of your contacts are already using it
    • Contacts not yet on Signal are shown too – you can invite them directly

  4. Move your groups over

    Bring your most important groups from WhatsApp to Signal.

    • Tap the pencil icon → "New Group" and select your contacts
    • Open the group settings → "Group Link" → enable and copy the link
    • Paste the link into your old WhatsApp group so everyone can join easily

  5. Sign out of WhatsApp

    When you're ready, leave WhatsApp cleanly.

    • Open WhatsApp → Settings → Account → Delete Account
    • Uninstall WhatsApp from your device so you don't accidentally keep receiving messages there

What you gain

Disappearing messages: Enable automatic deletion per chat or globally under Chat Settings → Disappearing Messages – choose anywhere from 5 seconds to 4 weeks.

Signal on desktop: Download Signal for Windows, macOS, or Linux at signal.org/download and link it to your phone.

Notes to yourself: Tap your own name in the contact list to message yourself. The chat works as an encrypted notebook across all your devices.

Caveats

  • You need to have a telephone number to use Signal
  • Signal is a centralized messenger – there is no way to change the hoster or other decentralized alternatives inside of the app
  • The structure of the Signal Foundation and their decision processes are in transparent in parts.
  • Signal is not releasing Finance- or Yearlyreports, as it's common for nonprofit organizations

Go further

If you want to lock Signal down properly:

  • Set your phone number visibility to "Nobody" under Settings → Privacy → Phone Number
  • Enable Screen Lock under Settings → Privacy so Signal requires your device PIN to open