The continually developing courier market offers clients an ever-increasing number of choices. Like this, Signal dazzles, most notably with its security. Notwithstanding start-to-finish encryption, courier furnishes its clients with much more. Due to security, numerous clients have concerns while utilizing WhatsApp, Facebook Courier and Co. Those searching for a more secure option are progressively running over the name “Signal.” The courier, funded solely from gifts, is expected to guarantee that clients’ information traffic is as safeguarded as possible.
Availability And Requirements
The Signal app is available to Android users (Android 4.4 or later) and iOS users (iOS 12.2 or later). The service has desktop versions for Mac, Windows, and Debian-based Linux. All versions are free for the consumer.
The Most Important Functions
Among Signal’s features are the usual emoji reactions and chat adornments. A series of shortcuts make using the service in the desktop version much easier and more efficient. In addition, users can choose between a normal and a dark mode, similar to WhatsApp or Telegram. This applies to both the smartphone and the computer versions. One of the essential functions of Signal is undoubtedly the encrypted sending of SMS/MMS and secure phone calls. However, the SMS/MMS function is only available to Android users since Apple does not allow replacing the standard SMS app. On the other hand, Android users can set Signal as the default application for SMS and MMS. Thus, content on this message path is provided with the same protection as signal messages.
In addition, two new features have been available since the end of 2022, initially in the test phase: Stories and Payments. As already known from other apps, the user can take photos or videos, share existing ones, and add text. Stories automatically disappear after 24 hours. With the cryptocurrency MobileCoin, which focuses on transaction anonymity, user-friendliness, transaction speed, low environmental impact and low fees, payments between Signal users can be processed. This requires access to a trading platform that supports MobileCoin to send the coins to a wallet linked to Signal. Payouts should also be possible. A list of the service’s features can be viewed on this website.
Account Transfer To Another Device
If the device is changed, the previous account can be transferred to the new device along with all messages, images and other files stored locally. The prerequisite for this is that the old device has access to Signal’s conversation history and has the same operating system installed on both devices, i.e. a transfer from Android to Android or from iOS to iOS is intended. Furthermore, the latest Signal version must be installed on both devices and WLAN, and Bluetooth must be activated. Devices must be close to each other. During the transfer, the data is moved from the old to the new device and is therefore no longer available on the old device – it is then no longer possible to use the Signal to send and receive messages there.
If the old device is no longer available (e.g. due to a defect or loss), the app can only be restored on the new device using the “Restore from backup” option. Of course, the data backup must have been activated beforehand and saved externally (e.g. on a memory card). The Signal does not offer cloud backup via Google or Apple accounts. Once all the preparations have been made, the actual transfer can begin. The following steps are executed sequentially:
- On the new mobile phone, under “Settings,” “Account,” select “Transfer or restore the account,” activate permissions, “Transfer from Android device,” and then select “Continue.”
- On the old mobile phone, under “Settings,” “Account,” select “Transfer account,” and then “Continue.”
- Confirm the notifications on the old phone. (The two devices must be close together to do this.)
- If the seven-digit code matches on both devices, select “Continue” on both devices.
- Select “Continue registration” on the new device and register the device.
- Uninstall Signal on the old device.
Delete Signal Account
Users can quickly delete their Signal account with just a few clicks. All you have to do is call up your profile on your smartphone. The account and all previous messages can be deleted via the “Account” or “Settings” tab and then “Account.” Users of the desktop version can also delete their messages and data immediately via the settings in the desktop application.
Privacy
Among other things, Signal sees itself as a platform for users whose freedom of expression is restricted by reprisals from the countries in which they live. The service not only encrypts messages with end-to-end encryption but also offers the assistance of a security number. With this number’s help, the communication partner’s verification should be guaranteed and protected against so-called “man-in-the-middle attacks.” After successful verification, the chat can be marked as “Verified.”
Although Signal uses telephone numbers to identify and register users (Threma, for example, is more secure with an anonymous ID), the service with the security number and end-to-end encryption that cannot be switched off offers a high level of security for the consumer. Signal also gives users the option of bypassing censorship using special domain frontings. This makes it much more difficult for users to block words or content, for example, by repressive regimes. Only the server location in the USA could be a thorn in the users’ side since the service could theoretically escape data protection regulations. In principle, however, the short message service is one of the safest WhatsApp alternatives alongside Threema and Wire.
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