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    How to Use Signal on Your Computer

    Signal's desktop app lets you send end-to-end encrypted messages from your Mac or PC — with everything synced from your phone.

    4 min read 5 stepsApril 20, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Download Signal Desktop

    ~15s
    Go to signal.org/download on your computer and click the download button for Mac or Windows. Install the app by opening the downloaded file and following the installation prompts. Open Signal Desktop — you'll see a QR code on the welcome screen.
    2

    Link your phone to the desktop app

    ~24s
    On your phone, open Signal and tap the circular profile photo or gear icon to open Settings. Scroll down and tap "Linked Devices," then "Link New Device." Your camera opens. Point it at the QR code on your computer screen. The devices link within a few seconds.

    Quick Tip

    Your phone needs to be online to complete the linking process. Keep both devices nearby and connected to the internet while setting this up.

    3

    Start messaging from your computer

    ~15s
    Your Signal conversations appear in the left panel. Click any conversation to open it. Type in the text field at the bottom and press Enter or click the send button. Messages are end-to-end encrypted regardless of which device you send them from.
    4

    Use Note to Self for reminders and file transfer

    ~20s
    Click on "Note to Self" in your conversation list (it looks like a conversation with yourself). Send any text, link, or file to this conversation — it shows up on your phone in the same Note to Self thread. This is a great way to pass files between your computer and phone without email.
    5

    Keep Signal updated

    ~25s
    Signal releases updates frequently for security reasons. On Mac, open Signal and check the menu bar for update prompts, or go to signal.org/download to get the latest version. On Windows, Signal typically updates automatically. Running an outdated version can reduce your security.

    Warning

    If your phone is off for an extended period, the desktop app will still work for a time, but some features may be limited. Keep your phone charged and connected to keep both devices in sync.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Use Signal on Your Computer

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Signal is widely considered the most private messaging app available. Every message, photo, voice note, and call is protected by end-to-end encryption — meaning only you and the person you're communicating with can read or hear the conversation. Not even Signal can access your messages. For people who value privacy or discuss sensitive topics like health or finances with family or advisors, Signal is an excellent choice.

    Signal has a desktop app for Mac and Windows that links to your phone account, similar to how WhatsApp Web works. Unlike WhatsApp, though, Signal desktop does require your phone to be on and connected periodically to keep things in sync.

    To set up Signal desktop, first download the app from signal.org/download. Choose the version for your operating system and install it. When you open Signal desktop for the first time, it displays a QR code.

    On your phone, open Signal and go to Settings (the gear icon or your profile photo). Find the section called "Linked Devices" and tap "Link New Device." Your phone camera activates. Scan the QR code on your computer screen and the devices link within a few seconds. Your Signal conversations appear on the desktop.

    One thing to know about message history: when you link a new device, only recent messages carry over. Older message history stays on your phone but may not appear fully on the new linked computer. This is by design — Signal prioritizes privacy, which means it doesn't store your full conversation history in the cloud.

    Using Signal on the desktop is largely the same experience as using it on your phone, but with the advantage of a full keyboard. The Note to Self conversation (a chat with yourself) is particularly useful — send yourself reminders, save links, or transfer files between your phone and computer by sending them to Note to Self and accessing them on the other device.

    Always keep Signal updated — signal.org releases security updates frequently, and running an outdated version reduces your protection.

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    How to Use Signal on Your Computer — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure