How to Download Signal App | Install on Every Device

Download Signal from the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or signal.org — the desktop version requires a phone linked first.

Signal is one of the most secure messaging apps available, but its download path varies by device. The official Signal installer works on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, macOS, and Linux, with one catch: the desktop apps only function when linked to a phone. Below is exactly where to find the right version and how to set it up on your system.

Where to Download Signal on Each Platform

Every official download source is listed in the table. Signal Foundation publishes the app under Signal Private Messenger on Google Play and Signal — Private Messenger on the App Store.

Choosing the wrong source is the most common reason the installer fails. Stick to Signal’s own download pages or the official app stores listed above.

How to Install Signal on Each Platform: What You Need First

Signal needs a phone number that can receive an SMS or voice verification code. The phone app is the anchor — without it, the desktop and iPad apps cannot function.

Installing on an Android Phone

Open the Google Play Store on your phone and search for Signal Private Messenger. Tap Install, then open the app and follow the on-screen registration. Signal requires you to enter your phone number, wait for the six-digit code sent via SMS or call, and create a PIN for account recovery. The registered phone is now your Signal identity — calls and messages arrive over your data connection rather than your SMS plan.

The main chat screen appears with a prompt to set your profile name and photo.

Installing on an iPhone

Open the App Store and search for Signal — Private Messenger. Tap Get, install, and open the app. Registration follows the same flow: enter your phone number, verify with the received code, and set a PIN. iPad users install the same app from the App Store, but during setup choose Link as a Secondary Device instead of entering a phone number — the iPad then scans a QR code from your phone’s Signal app to pair.

The phone app shows your contact list; the linked iPad displays a “Linked Devices” confirmation in your phone’s settings.

Can You Download Signal Without a Phone First?

No — the official download page states plainly that Signal Desktop requires Signal on a phone first. The desktop app has no standalone registration. Users who install it before setting up the phone app will see a QR code scanner with no way to proceed. The same applies to the iPad: it links to the phone rather than registering independently.

This design is intentional — Signal uses your phone number as the account anchor and your phone’s registration to verify identity across linked devices.

How to Install Signal Desktop on Windows, Mac, or Linux

Once Signal is running on your phone, the desktop setup takes about two minutes.

Windows and Mac

Go to signal.org/download and download the installer for your OS. Run it, open Signal Desktop, and you will see a QR code. On your phone, open Signal, tap your profile icon or the three-dot menu, choose Linked Devices, then Link New Device. Scan the code on the desktop screen. The desktop app syncs your conversations and becomes usable immediately.

Your message history appears in the desktop window and you can send messages from your computer.

Linux (64-bit distributions supporting APT)

Signal’s official Linux install uses the terminal. Open a terminal and run the following four commands in order:

# 1. Install Signal's official signing key
wget -O- https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt/keys.asc | gpg --dearmor | sudo tee /usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpg > /dev/null

# 2. Add the Signal repository
echo 'deb [arch=amd64 signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/signal-desktop-keyring.gpg] https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt xenial main' | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/signal-desktop.list

# 3. Update your package list
sudo apt update

# 4. Install Signal Desktop
sudo apt install signal-desktop

Launch Signal Desktop from your application menu, then link it to your phone using the same QR code process described for Windows and Mac.

Signal opens and shows a QR code after the first launch, meaning the repo and package installed cleanly.

Common Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Several pitfalls trip up first-time Signal users. The table below explains each one so you can avoid them from the start.

Final Setup Checklist

1. Confirm your device meets the minimum OS version.
2. Download Signal from the official source in the table above.
3. Register or sign in using a phone number that can receive SMS or calls.
4. Set your PIN and store it securely.
5. For desktop use, link each device from your phone’s Linked Devices menu.

With these steps complete, Signal is ready for end-to-end encrypted messaging and calls on all your devices.