Signal Private Messenger
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Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
Signal Private Messenger is a communication application developed by Signal Foundation, focusing on private and encrypted messaging. It provides features for text, voice, and video communication, including group interactions. This application is suitable for users prioritizing strong privacy measures in their digital conversations.
What is Signal Private Messenger?
Signal Private Messenger is a communication application designed to offer private messaging services. It is developed by Signal Foundation, a nonprofit organization.
The application is available on Google Play, where it has received a rating of 4.5 stars from 2.9M ratings. The Google Play listing indicates that it was released on 2010-05-25 and last updated on 2026-05-01, with its current version being 8.9.1. It falls under the Communication category.
The developer states that Signal is built with privacy at its core, utilizing strong end-to-end encryption to keep communications private. It uses the phone's data connection for various features, aiming to help users avoid SMS and MMS fees.
Latest on Signal Private Messenger
Is this the real Signal Private Messenger app?
- Established since 2010Listed since May 25, 2010, 100,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | Signal Foundation |
|---|---|
| Android package name | org.thoughtcrime.securesms |
| On the stores since | May 25, 2010 |
| Installs on Google Play | 100,000,000+ |
| Developer website | signal.org |
| Content rating | Google Play: Everyone |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and files.
- The app facilitates encrypted voice and video calls, supporting group calls for up to 50 people.
- Group chats are available for up to 1,000 people, with options for admin permission settings.
- Stories can be shared, which disappear after 24 hours, and include privacy settings for viewer control.
- The application utilizes the phone’s data connection to manage communication.
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Privacy and permissions
The developer emphasizes that Signal is built for privacy, stating that they know nothing about their users or their conversations. The open-source Signal Protocol is used, which means messages and calls are encrypted and cannot be read by the developer or others, without backdoors or data collection.
For its operation, the application requests several permission groups, including Identity, Contacts, Location, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information. Privacy settings are also available for Stories, allowing users to control who can see each Story.
Signal Foundation publishes its privacy policy at signal.org.
Signal Private Messenger permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 10 permission groups. Google Play also lists 17 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is more than most productivity & email apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 7).
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Signal Private Messenger at a glance
| Developer | Signal Foundation |
|---|---|
| Category | Communication |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.5 out of 5 (2.9M ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | Everyone |
What changed in the latest Signal Private Messenger version
Google Play · Listing updated Oct 13, 2026
The release notes say:
“★ A new and improved keyboard for emojis, stickers, and animated GIFs is our GIFt to you.”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
Signal Private Messenger is listed with a price of 0 on Google Play, meaning it does not require an upfront purchase. However, the Google Play listing indicates that the application does include in-app purchases.
The developer clarifies that Signal operates as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, supported by donations rather than advertisers or investors. The specifics of what the in-app purchases entail are not detailed in the Google Play listing.
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How to get Signal Private Messenger safely
To ensure the safe installation of Signal Private Messenger, users should only obtain the application from the Google Play listing. It is important to verify that the developer listed is 'Signal Foundation' to avoid unofficial or altered versions.
Users should exercise caution and refrain from downloading the application from alternative sources such as APK mirrors or modified versions, as these may pose security risks. Before installation, it is advisable to review the permissions requested by the app, which include Identity, Contacts, Location, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information.
How to install Signal Private Messenger
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Signal Private Messenger, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Signal Foundation.
- Check that your device meets the listing's requirement: Android 6.0 and up.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
Signal Private Messenger version and app details
| Google Play | |
|---|---|
| Last updated | Oct 13, 2026 |
| First released | May 25, 2010 |
| Package name | org.thoughtcrime.securesms |
| Requires | Android 6.0 and up |
| Content rating | Everyone (Users Interact, Shares Location) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($1.99 - $2.99 per item) |
| Contains ads | No |
| Developer | Signal Foundation |
Who Signal Private Messenger is for
Signal Private Messenger is intended for individuals who prioritize the privacy and security of their digital communications. Its strong end-to-end encryption and the developer's commitment to no data collection make it suitable for users who wish for their messages and calls to remain private.
The application also caters to users needing robust group communication features, as it supports group chats for up to 1,000 people and group calls for up to 50 participants. With a content rating of 'Everyone', it is accessible to a broad audience seeking a communication tool that operates as a nonprofit, independent entity.
Signal Private Messenger for kids and families
Pros
- Employs strong end-to-end encryption for all communications.
- Offers a comprehensive suite of messaging features, including texts, media, and files.
- Supports encrypted voice and video calls for both individual and group interactions.
- Provides extensive group chat capabilities, accommodating up to 1,000 members.
- Operates as a nonprofit organization, relying on donations rather than advertising or investors.
Cons
- The Google Play listing indicates the presence of in-app purchases, without specifying their nature.
- Requires a broad range of device permissions for its functionality.
- The Google Play listing indicates availability on Google Play, but does not detail other platforms.
Signal Private Messenger: frequently asked questions
Is Signal Private Messenger available at no cost?
Yes, the Google Play listing states the application has a price of 0.
On which devices can Signal Private Messenger be used?
The Google Play listing states the application is available on Google Play, indicating support for Android devices.
Who is the developer of Signal Private Messenger?
Signal Private Messenger is developed by Signal Foundation.
What is the primary focus of Signal Private Messenger?
The primary focus of Signal Private Messenger is providing private communication through strong end-to-end encryption.
What type of content can be sent using the app?
Users can send texts, voice messages, photos, videos, GIFs, and various files through the application.
What is the average rating of Signal Private Messenger on Google Play?
On Google Play, Signal Private Messenger has an average rating of 4.5 stars.
Signal Private Messenger
- Category
- Communication
- Version
- Varies with device
Download
Looking for the Signal Private Messenger website or sign-in? Go to signal.org →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Signal Private Messenger ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.5 average from 2,931,316 ratings
- 576%
- 413%
- 34%
- 22%
- 16%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 15, 2026.
