Signal User Guide
I. Registration & Login
Download and install Signal from your mobile app store. Registration is required using your mobile phone number. On the computer, you can only log in with your mobile phone account.
Enter your mobile phone number, receive a 6-digit verification code via SMS/voice to complete verification, set a nickname and avatar, and create an account PIN code (essential for account recovery and backup).
II. Quickly Switch to Chinese
Click your avatar → Settings → Appearance → Language, select Simplified Chinese, and restart the app for the changes to take effect.
III. Basic Chat Usage
Adding Friends
Method 1: Allow access to your contacts; the app will automatically match registered Signal contacts.
Method 2: Search by phone number, customize your username, or share your personal QR code to add friends.
Chat Operations
Enter text in the chat box, long-press the microphone to send a voice message, swipe left to cancel recording; tap "+" to send pictures or files; the top icon allows you to initiate voice/video calls. All chats and calls are end-to-end encrypted by default.
Creating Groups
Create a new conversation on the homepage → Create a new group (maximum 200 people). You can set an administrator and a group invitation link.
Chat Interface
IV. Essential Privacy Settings (Settings - Privacy)
Screen Lock: Enable fingerprint/password lock; app access requires verification.
Screen Security: Disable system screenshots and hide the multitasking preview interface.
Disable read receipts and typing status; others cannot see your read or typing status.
Disappearing Messages: Set automatic message deletion time (5 seconds to permanent) for one-on-one chats/group chats; messages will be automatically deleted across the entire network upon expiration.
Unknown Message Management: Disable private messages from unknown senders to prevent harassment.
V. PC Usage
Mobile Signal → Profile Picture → Connected Device → Scan QR code to bind the PC client; messages are synchronized in real-time.
VI. Tips
Keep your PIN safe; chat backups can be restored when switching phones.
Enable call relay to hide call IP.
Message recall has a time limit; messages cannot be deleted after the timeout.