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Signal messaging goes beyond simple text. You can send high-fidelity messages, share media of any type, build group conversations, and even set messages to disappear automatically once they are read. This page covers how to use each messaging feature to communicate privately and effectively.

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Send a Message

Open Signal, select a contact, and type your message in the text field at the bottom. Tap the send button. Signal automatically encrypts the message with end-to-end encryption before it leaves your device.

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Share Media and Files

You are not limited to text. Signal lets you send photos, videos, voice notes, documents, and more:
  • Tap the attachment icon in a conversation to open the media picker.
  • Choose images, videos, files, or capture a photo directly.
  • Signal compresses media securely and sends it through the encrypted channel.
All media shared through Signal is protected by the same end-to-end encryption as text messages.

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Group Messaging

Create a group to keep multiple people in the same conversation.
1

Start a group

Tap the new-message icon, then select New Group. Choose contacts from your address book.
2

Name the group

Give the group a name and, optionally, add a group icon. Tap Create.
3

Send messages

All messages sent in the group are encrypted for every member individually. No one outside the group can read them.

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Disappearing Messages

For sensitive conversations, you can enable disappearing messages. This sets a timer so each new message is automatically deleted from both your device and the recipient’s device after a set period.
Disappearing messages are deleted from your device and the other person’s device, but the recipient could still capture the content with a screenshot or camera before it disappears. Always be thoughtful about what you share.

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Next Steps

Calls

Learn how to make HD voice and video calls.

Privacy & Security

Understand how Signal protects your data.