How to Install Signal on a PC or Mac

Last Updated: August 21, 2017

This wikiHow teaches you how to use Signal on Windows or macOS by installing the Signal Desktop Chrome extension. You’ll need your mobile device handy to set up the app.

Steps

1
Open Google Chrome. You’ll need the Chrome web browser on your computer to use Signal. Look for the round red, yellow, blue, and green icon in the Windows menu (PC) or Applications folder (Mac).
2
Navigate to https://chrome.google.com/webstore/category/extensions. This is the official Google Chrome web store.

Advertisement
3
Type signal into the search box and press ↵ Enter.
4
Click +Add to Chrome next to Signal Private Messenger. A confirmation message will appear.
5
Click Add App. When the installation is complete, a pop-up will appear that says “Welcome to Signal Desktop.”
6
Click Get Started. You will now be prompted to install Signal on your Android or iPhone if you haven’t yet done so.
7
Click Got it. Now you’ll see a QR code, as well as instructions on how to get your mobile device to scan the code.
8
Open Signal on your mobile device. It’s a blue icon with a white chat bubble.
9
Tap ⁝ on the mobile device.
10
Tap Settings on the mobile device.
11
Tap Linked devices on the mobile device. If you have another device linked to Signal, it will appear here. Otherwise, it will be blank.
12
Tap + on the mobile device. Your mobile device’s camera/scanner will appear.
13
Scan the QR code on the computer screen with the mobile device. Once the code is read, you’ll see a message asking if you want to link the device.
14
Tap Link device on the mobile device. You will see a message that says “Device approved” on the mobile device.
- You can now put away your mobile device.
15
Type a computer name into the blank on the desktop app. It’s the blank right beneath “This computer’s name will be.” This is to distinguish this computer from other devices you link to Signal in the future.
16
Click Looking Good. Signal will now sync your groups and messages. You can now use Signal on your computer.