Signal Desktop
Free private messenger for Mac with end-to-end encrypted chats and calls, linked to your phone.
Signal Desktop is the Mac app for the Signal messenger. It links to Signal on your iPhone or Android phone, so you can read and send messages from your Mac.
Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol, which is itself open source, and Signal says it cannot read your messages or hear your calls. You get one-to-one and group chats, voice and video calls, and encrypted stickers, including packs you make yourself.
Signal is run by an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by grants and donations. The app has no ads, affiliate marketing or tracking. It suits anyone who wants private messaging with a full keyboard and a bigger screen.
The desktop code is licensed under AGPL-3.0. Current versions need macOS 13 or later, with separate builds for Apple silicon and Intel. You can install it from signal.org or with Homebrew, and a beta channel is available too.
Frequently asked questions
Is Signal Desktop free?
Yes. Signal is free, has no paid tier and shows no ads. It is funded by donations, which you can make from inside the app.
Is Signal Desktop safe and open source?
Messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted with the open source Signal Protocol. The desktop app's code is public on GitHub under AGPL-3.0.
How do I install Signal Desktop?
Download it from signal.org/download, or run brew install --cask signal in Terminal. Then link it to the Signal app on your phone.
What macOS version does Signal Desktop need?
Current versions need macOS 13 Ventura or later, according to the Homebrew cask. There are native builds for Apple silicon and for Intel Macs.
Do I need a phone to use Signal Desktop?
Yes. Signal has to be installed on your iPhone or Android phone first. The desktop app then links to that account.
Is there a beta version of Signal Desktop?
Yes. Signal offers a beta build for people who want to test new features early. On a Mac you can install it with brew install --cask signal@beta.
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