HOW TO USE SIGNAL AND ITS FEATURES
Signal App: While Signal has many features that one would have seen on WhatsApp or other messaging apps, the new user interface can leave some users confused. We explain in detail how to set up, use Signal, and the key features.
Signal, a private messaging app, is currently ahead of other apps like Telegram and WhatsApp. The shift towards Signal has been driven by the change in WhatsApp’s privacy policy, which has caused an chaos in user's mind.
Signal app: How to set up
You can download the Signal app from Google Play Store
Just like WhatsApp you need to enter your mobile number to set up the account.
How to find Signal app settings on Android and iOS
On Android, you will see the three dot menu on top. Tap on that, and you will see options for New Group, Mark all Read, Invite Friends and Settings.
In iOS, tap on your profile picture or account name on the top left corner, and the Settings menu should open up.
You can change the app’s appearance from here (Dark or Light theme or system wide settings), tweak the privacy settings, notifications, see other linked devices, and also go to Advanced Settings. The Help option is also there in the Settings, and an option to Donate to Signal as well given it is run by a non-profit.
In iOS, tap on your profile picture or account name on the top left corner, and the Settings menu should open up.
You can change the app’s appearance from here (Dark or Light theme or system wide settings), tweak the privacy settings, notifications, see other linked devices, and also go to Advanced Settings. The Help option is also there in the Settings, and an option to Donate to Signal as well given it is run by a non-profit.
Better Security
When you set up Signal the first time, it will ask you to create a PIN. Signal says this keeps the information stored within the app encrypted ensuring that only you can access it. What it also does is when you restore Signal on the same device, your previous profile, settings and contacts are restored. So make sure you set a PIN that you will remember. Signal says the PIN reminders will be less frequent overtime.In Android and iOS you can turn off PIN reminders in the settings. In Android and iOS, go to Settings>Privacy> Pin Reminders and turn it off.
DOES SIGNAL KEEP BACKUPS - NOOOOOOOO.......
Signal does not have third-party cloud backups like WhatsApp. So when you reinstall Signal on a new device, the old chats will not come back. However Signal does have some steps for those who wish to transfer data from the older device, though keep in mind these only work when you have access to the old device in question, which might not be possible for everyone.It is a very good thing to not having backup if you are an Indian You will definitely relate(comment if u can relate).
How To Chat With Friends - Not so simple
On iOS, you will see a Pen symbol on top. Tap on it. This is to start a new Message. But you will also see an option to search by Phone number. You can manually enter a friends’ phone number and find out if they are on the app and message them. Once they accept your chat request, you can continue chatting with them.
You will also find the option to Invite friends to Signal here. Tap on it and you will be given a choice to send a message or mail to invite them to Signal. If you scroll down, you might see a list of friends who are using Signal. Tap on any friend’s name and message them to start chatting.
If they will accept your chat request only then you will be able to chat with them.
How to create a group in Signal?
On Android and iOS, just tap on the Pen symbol and you will see the option for starting a New Group. Tap on it, you will see a list of friends who are using the app. Choose your friends, Add Group Name which is optional and a group photo if you wish to and create the group. But keep in mind that friends will have to accept the invite to the group. Just because someone is in your contacts, doesn’t mean they are automatically added to a group created by you. You can share Group Links as well to invite more members via a link and also toggle on an option to approve new members who are added. In the Member requests segment, you can see if there are pending invites or any requests to join the group.
Like WhatsApp, the group has admins. If you created the group, you are an admin. You can restrict addition of new members, editing group information to just admins as well. Further disappearing messages can be turned on for group chats as well. You can tap on any user’s name and make them a group admin as well. Each group can have a maximum of 150 members.
DISAPPEARING MESSAGE - WOW FACTOR LIKE INSTAGRAM MESSAGING
Yes, you can tap on an individual chat or group chat and set up disappearing messages. Tap on the user or group name, and you will see the toggle button for disappearing messages in the list of options. Just turn it on. You can set a time from five seconds to one week, and the messages in the chat will disappear after they have seen.
SHARING
Sharing files and other things is just same as whatsapp so you should not worry about that part.
Video and Audio calls
Each Signal chat has the option for video and group call. For group calls, everyone needs to be on the new version of groups and not older legacy groups, so make sure you are on the latest version of the app. We did find that group video calls were a little tough to start and the experience buggy. You also have to make sure that everyone in the group has verified safety numbers in order for the group video call to continue. On the video call front, Signal still needs a lot of work. Group calls are currently limited to 5 participants.
Conclusion-
If you want to know anything else you are welcome to ask in comment section.
