Signal is a free, open-source messaging app for texts, voice messages, voice and video calls, and files, all end-to-end encrypted. It is run by Signal, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and funded by donations rather than advertising. The phone app is the main one; the desktop apps for Windows, macOS and Linux link to it. Signal Desktop 8.28.0 was published on September 23, 2026.
Who it suits
People who want private conversations without ads, and groups that agree to move a chat to Signal. The Microsoft Store description mentions group chats of up to 1,000 people and group calls of up to 75. The other people in a conversation need Signal too.
Get the official version
- Android: Google Play is Signal’s recommended route.
- iPhone and iPad: only the App Store.
- Windows: signal.org or the Microsoft Store listing it links to.
- Mac: signal.org/download/macos.
- Linux: signal.org/download/linux gives commands to add Signal’s signed apt repository on Debian-based systems, or an AppImage with a GPG signature for other 64-bit distributions.
To use the desktop app, Signal must first be installed on your phone.
The Android APK
Signal publishes a direct APK at signal.org/android/apk for “advanced users with special needs”, while saying most users should install from Google Play. The page lists the SHA-256 fingerprint of Signal’s signing certificate and the apksigner verify --print-certs command to check it before installing. Do not install Signal APKs from any other site.
Price
Free, with no ads and no subscription. Google Play shows “In-app purchases” on the listing; Signal is funded by donations.
System requirements
From Signal’s installation guide: Android 6.0 or later; iOS 15 or later; Windows 10 or 11; macOS 13 or later; Linux on amd64 (x86_64) distributions only. On Ubuntu 24, the AppImage needs an AppArmor profile, which Signal’s support article explains.
Questions
Can I use Signal Desktop without a phone?
No. Signal says the phone app must be installed first; the desktop app links to it.
Is Signal open source?
Yes. The code is on GitHub; Signal Desktop is licensed under the GNU AGPL v3.
Can I install Signal with winget?
Yes: winget install OpenWhisperSystems.Signal downloads from updates.signal.org.
