Signal
13+
Minimum age according to Signal
13+
Minimum age according to Signal
What is Signal?
Signal is an encrypted messaging app. You can send messages, images, videos and voice notes, and make audio and video calls. Messages and calls on Signal are end-to-end encrypted, which means that all messages flowing through the platform are secured so that only the sender and the recipient can view them.
Signal gives you the option to create a username. This allows someone to add you on Signal without using your phone number. Your username is different to the profile name in your chat. It is also different to a social media username – it is not displayed as a public handle and Signal does not have searchable directory of usernames. You will still need to use a phone number to sign up for Signal even if you want to use a username to start chats with others in the app.
By default, your phone number on Signal is only visible to people who already have it saved in their phone. You can also limit who can find you via your phone number in your settings.
You can send ‘disappearing messages’, which automatically disappear after a set amount of time. This timing can be between 5 seconds and 4 weeks. You can also send ‘view once’ images and videos, which disappear after they're viewed.
On Signal, you can have group chats of up to 1000 people and group calls of up to 75 people.
Signal also has a feature called ‘Stories’ where people can post temporary photos or videos that are only available for 24 hours. Stories are posts shared with your Signal connections through the Stories section, whereas ‘view once’ photos and videos are sent directly to a person or group in a chat.
The app automatically links with your existing contacts if you grant it permission, so you can see who else you know is using the app. Signal runs on desktop and mobile platforms.
Signal is free to download and has no ads.
Signal is owned by the Signal Foundation, an American nonprofit organisation.
Platforms: Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, Apple iOS.
Website: signal.org
Apps: Android, Apple iOS
How do people use Signal?
Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use secure messaging and audio/video calling apps like Signal.
Signal is used for: encrypted, messaging/online chat, online relationships, photo/video sharing, video calling and voice chat.
How do I report security concerns, or block a user or group?
These links are provided by Signal:
- Contact Support
Use this form to submit a Signal Support request. - Block a user or group
Get instructions on blocking another Signal user or group who may be behaving inappropriately.
How can you protect your personal information?
These links are provided by Signal:
- Privacy Policy
Read Signal’s policy on how they handle your information. - Is it really private?
Learn how to tell if your communication is secure on Signal. - Unregister or delete an account
Get instructions on disabling your phone number from being recognised as a Signal user. - Safety numbers
Understand what end-to-end encryption is and what it means as well as and Signal’s ‘safety numbers’.
Key safety links
These links are provided by Signal:
- Report a security vulnerability
What to do your if security is compromised while using Signal. - Terms of Service
The legal terms you agree to by using Signal.
Related eSafety links
Find other resources to help keep you safe online:
- Illegal and restricted online content
- How to manage your digital safety settings
- Protecting your personally identifiable information
Other eSafety Guides:
About this Guide
This guide is provided by the eSafety Commissioner to help people stay safe online and better understand digital platforms.
Last updated: 18/08/2026