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Signal is an encrypted, privacy-focused messaging app. It is an alternative to WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger and others. There’s a lot to like about the app, and if you make the switch, it can even replace your SMS app.
Like its competitors, Signal is primarily used for instant messaging to other people who use the app. However, the Android app has an additional feature – it can be set as your device’s default SMS messaging app. Unfortunately, the feature is not available on iPhone.
RELATED: What is Signal and why does everyone use it?
Not only will you be able to communicate with your Signal contacts, but you will also be able to send and receive text messages with your phone number. All of your conversations can be in one place. Let’s do it.
Warning: SMS messages sent through Signal are “insecure”, which means they are not encrypted like messages between Signal users.
First, open the Signal app on your Android device. Next, tap on the three-dot menu icon at the top right corner of the app.
Select “Settings” from the menu.
At the top of the Settings menu, tap “SMS and MMS”.
Then you will see “SMS Disabled” at the top. Select it to continue to make it the default.
A pop-up window will ask you to choose your default SMS app. Select “Signal” and press “Set as Default”.
That’s it. Sending an SMS message is equivalent to sending a Signal message. The contact list will show the people on Signal at the top, indicated in blue.
If for some reason you want to text a Signal contact, you can do that as well. Start by typing a message as you normally would.
This time, instead of pressing the send button, just tap and hold it.
You now have the option to switch to “Unsecured SMS”. As mentioned earlier, SMS messages are not encrypted like Signal messages.
The submit button will now be gray with an unlock icon. Tap on it to send the SMS message.
You are ready! Now you can keep all your conversations, whether via Signal or SMS, in one place. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to access SMS through the Signal Desktop app.
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