Signal is a free, secure messaging app. While it may seem complicated at first, this guide should help make it easy to understand. To connect with others, all you need is the app, a phone number, and internet access.
First, make sure the Signal app is installed. It's available in the Apple App store and Google Play Store. Once installed, it will ask for a phone number to verify with. Put in your phone number, then hit Continue/Activate Device, and wait for a 6 digit code to be texted to you. This confirms the number is yours, and if desired, allows for others to contact you by using that number.
You will then be asked to create a PIN. Choose something you'll remember, and save it or write it down somewhere safe. The PIN is what allows you to recover your account, or sign in on other devices.
While Signal allows people to find each other with phone numbers, they also provide the ability to create a username to share instead, for more privacy. It's recommended to create a username to avoid the need to share your real phone number. Note: Don't reuse a username, as it can be connected back to you.
Signal requires something as a first name to use. Your first or last name works, although if you have a distinct name, you may want to use a different name or nickname instead. Don't use your full (first/last) name, as like with the username, it makes it easier to connect back to you. When editing your name, you can also add/change your profile image by tapping on the default grey person icon. If adding an image, avoid faces and other clearly identifying images.
Once Signal is set up, there are several ways to find and communicate with people. The most popular feature is messaging. To create a new message, click on the notepad icon in the upper right corner of your screen. From there, you can create a group to message, or message people individually by putting in their username or phone number. If you connected your contacts, you can message others who also have Signal.
To join groups someone will need to share a link or QR code with you. Some groups may allow link sharing by all members, which can be found by tapping on the group icon and scrolling down past the members list to "Group Link". Tap on that to open a page where you can share the link.
As with regular messages, you can also call and facetime people. It's best to call/video people one-on-one, otherwise it can get a bit chaotic.
Note: It's good practice to turn off message previews, so notifications will let you know there is a message but not display the content. To change the setting, tap on your profile in the upper left-hand corner of the screen, click on settings, notifications, then notification content. Three options are available. "Name, Content, Actions" gives the full message details and is the default choice. "Name Only" just gives the name of who sent the message, and "No Name or Content" just tells you Signal sent a notification. Both of those settings are better choices.
While Signal has many great features, following a few basic guidelines helps make groups more productive and allows for clearer communication.
Groupchats can get very big. By keeping the conversation relevant, it makes it easier for others in the group to immediately see the important parts instead of having to sift through many images or off-topic discussions. In addition, if you press and hold on a message, you can add a reaction, which is a simple way to acknowledge someone without notifying the entire group.
If you have a great discussion going on with one person, consider moving to private messages. By clicking on the icon of the person you're talking to, their profile pops up with an option to message them. That way ideas and thoughts can still be shared, but the rest of the group doesn't get notified for each message.
Headlines can sound really important, and you might want to share it with everyone to let them know too. But first, consider if it's a reliable source, and read the article/post first. When something new happens, there can be many people saying a bunch of conflicting things. By only sharing reliable sources, it reduces panic, rumours, and misinformation. If there's something on Facebook that you see, try googling the headline to see if there's another source that can back up the Facebook post. (Note 1)
Unless you know everyone in a group, don't share sensitive personal information, such as your address, full name, birthday, and so on. People can screenshot what you share (even disappearing messages) and you have no way to control where that information ends up. Additionally, if you have sensitive info about local happenings, send the info to trusted people in private messages, instead of large groups.
Keep conversations respectful. Everyone is trying their best, and we're all human. If you need a break from a group, swipe right on the chat from the home page, and there's an option to mute it. If you want to leave the group, click on the group icon and scroll to the bottom, where an option to leave the group is.
Links are safer than QR codes, and are simpler to use. Sharing direct links is much more secure than QR codes, so when possible use links.
Signal is like your normal phone messaging app, so there's not a logout button.
If you hear a rumor about something being unsafe to use in Signal, or odd changes you should make, check with your local tech nerd to see if it's true before sharing it. A lot of things you may hear only apply to a very small group of people, so most of us don't need to worry.
There's nothing inherently bad about large group chats. Just remember there's lots of people, so don't share your personal info and you're good to go.
Take care of yourself. Make sure to sleep, eat and hydrate. You can help others more effectively if you take care of yourself first.
If you're interested in learning more about how to use Signal, protect your privacy, and more, these are some resources that may be useful.
How to turn off FaceId -Turning off FaceID and fingerprint unlock prevents you from being forced to unlock your phone. (Link)
I'll be adding an overview of why this all is important. Will probably make a side article about managing groupchats. If someone is willing to translate I'm also hoping to get a spanish version once I've finalized everything here.
Note 1. With the rise of AI, it's much easier to spread fake news, either by accident or intentionally. Always double check what you see on the internet. Facebook especially has many accounts using AI with ill intent, and it can be hard to spot them.