Signal is a popular encrypted messaging app that allows you to communicate securely. With Signal, you can add new devices like phones, tablets or computers and sync your chat history across them.
Table of Contents
Adding a New Device
Adding a new device to Signal is straightforward. Here are the steps:
Install Signal
First, install the Signal app on the new device. Signal is available for iOS, Android, Windows, Mac and Linux devices. Download the app from the official website or app store.
Register Your Phone Number
Open Signal on your new device and register your phone number. This is the same number used on your existing Signal account. Signal will send a verification code to confirm your number.
Transfer Your Data
After registering your number, Signal will detect your existing account. It will prompt you to transfer your encryption keys to the new device. This allows Signal to access your message history. Tap Transfer Data to begin.
Signal will generate a 226 character alphanumeric transfer code. Go to your existing Signal device and open the app menu. Tap Transfer Account > Show Transfer Code, and type in the code. This links your new device to your account.
After entering the code, your chat history and groups will begin transferring to the new device automatically. Wait for this process to complete.
Name Your Device
Finally, add a name for your new device like “Personal Phone” or “Office Tablet”. This helps identify it when sending messages from multiple devices.
That’s it! Your new device is now linked to your Signal account and ready to use.
Verifying Safety Numbers
Signal uses end-to-end encryption to secure your chats. Part of this encryption relies on unique safety numbers between each pair of users.
When you add a new device, your safety numbers will change for all previous conversations. As a safety precaution, Signal requires you to verify these new numbers manually.
Here’s how to verify safety numbers on a new device:
- Open each previous chat thread individually.
- You will see a “New safety number” warning for each contact.
- Tap Verify and follow the verification steps with your chat partner to confirm your new safety numbers.
- You need to verify numbers one-on-one with each past contact before continuing your encrypted conversation. Verified contacts will show a blue verified symbol.
Verifying safety numbers ensures there are no “man-in-the-middle” attacks from unauthorized devices intercepting your chats. This process helps keep your extended conversation history secure.
Linking a Computer or Tablet
So far we’ve covered linking a second mobile device to Signal. You can also link Signal on your Windows, Mac or Linux computers and tablets.
Here is how to link Signal Desktop:
Download Signal Desktop
Go to the Signal website and download the desktop app for Mac, Windows or Linux. Install the app on your computer.
Open Signal App on Mobile
Make sure you already have the Signal app installed on your phone. Open the Android or iOS app.
Select Link Desktop Device
Go to the app menu > Settings > Linked devices. Tap Link desktop device.
Scan QR code
A QR code will appear on your phone. On the Signal Desktop app, click Link Device and scan the QR code with your camera.
That’s it! Signal Desktop will now sync your full message history. You can seamlessly send and receive Signal messages from your computer or tablet.
Managing Multiple Devices
With Signal, you can link up to 5 mobile devices and 1 desktop computer per account. Here are some tips for managing multi-device use:
- Name Your Devices – Give each device a name like “Personal Phone” or “Office Tablet” for easy identification.
- Sync Your Data – When switching devices, keep them running simultaneously for a short time. This allows Signal to sync message updates across devices.
- Verify Safety Numbers – Remember to verify safety numbers whenever you reinstall Signal or wipe device data. This maintains end-to-end encryption.
- Prioritize One Device – You can select one device to be your primary device. This device will receive messages and calls if other devices are offline.
- Log Out Remotely – If you lose a device, you can remotely log out that device via Signal on another device. This revokes access if someone finds your lost device.
