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Messenger

WhatsApp to Signal

Encrypted, ad-free, non-profit

Time Needed

20 min

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 matches your contacts locally on your device – nothing is sent to a server.

    • 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.

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