---
title: "Signal"
category: "Messaging and meetings"
tagline: "End-to-end encrypted messages and calls, linked to the Signal app on your phone."
source: "Flathub"
package: "org.signal.Signal"
replaces: ["WhatsApp", "iMessage"]
website: "https://signal.org/"
code: "https://github.com/signalapp/Signal-Desktop"
---

## What it is

Signal is a messaging app run by the nonprofit Signal Foundation. Every message, call and attachment is end-to-end encrypted with the Signal Protocol, and the service keeps as little data about you as it can. Signal Desktop is the computer version: it links to the Signal app on your phone and shows the same chats.

## Why it's here

- **Private by design.** Encryption is always on, for everyone, with nothing to configure.
- **Type on a real keyboard.** Chats, group calls and file sharing from your phone work on the desktop too.

## On CoreDesktop

CoreDesktop installs Signal as a Flatpak from Flathub. Open it from the app grid and scan the QR code it shows with Signal on your phone (**Settings › Linked devices**). The sandboxed AI agents can't read Signal's data. `update` keeps it current along with your other Flatpaks.