What is Signal and how does it work as a WhatsApp alternative?

Signal utilizes end-to-end encryption that is powered by the open-source Signal Protocol to keep all your conversations secure. In different words, the messaging platform can’t read your messages or listen to your calls and it says no one else can either.

There are no adverts and no trackers, and the company isn’t tied to any other company, nor can it be ever be acquired by one – WhatsApp is owned by Facebook but Signal can never be, it says. Instead, it is an independent nonprofit with development supported by grants and donations.

Signal allows you to do most of what you would expect from a messaging app, along with plenty more. You can use the app to send text messages, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, contacts, location, and files for free, just like you can with rival apps like WhatsApp.

It’s also possible to audio call and video call through the Signal app, start a group chats with other contacts who have Signal and send encrypted stickers. Yes, not just stickers, encrypted stickers.

There are some other great features besides the typical ones though. You can turn read receipts on or off, turn typing indicators on or off, choose whether or not you want calls to appear in your recent list, and choose to all relay calls through a Signal server in order to avoid revealing your IP address, for example.

There’s also the option to prevent the Signal chat screen from appearing on the app switcher on iOS, turn on Screen Lock so you need Touch ID, Face ID or your passcode on iOS to unlock Signal’s screen, and turn on Registration Lock that will require the Signal PIN you set up when you register to use your phone number with Signal again.

You can view the safety number to verify the security of your end-to-end encryption with a specific contact for example, as well as turn on a feature called Disappearing Messages and choose the time you want the messages to stay visible after being read.

WhatsApp has Disappearing Messages too but you can’t choose the time, with a seven-day default. And that’s not even all the options. Signal also has a specific feature set for each chat too.

It’s also possible to select different message sounds for each chat and mute specific chats – both of which you can do on apps like WhatsApp too.