How To Send An SMS From Signal
Last Updated: January 23, 2021
Do you want to use Signal for sending SMS and MMS messages to your local contacts? Or do you want to use it as a unified messenger app? Either way, you can set Signal as your default messaging app on Android. When you do, you get to use the app to send insecure SMS messages to other people.
Apps
Signal Messaging is a secure and private messaging platform that offers encrypted end-to-end communication between its users. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access all of the app’s features.
Aside from that, Android users can also use Signal to send SMS and MMS messages. Although these types of messages are insecure, it can come in handy at times, especially if your contact is offline on the platform.
But before you can send SMS messages through Signal, you must first set it as your default messaging app. Follow our quick guide below to learn how.
How to use Signal as your default SMS app on Android
When you use Signal as your default messenger, you don’t have to switch to another app to send and receive SMS or MMS. In addition to that, your phone contacts also show up on your contacts list when you compose a message.
Here’s a quick tutorial on how to use Signal as your default messaging app:
- Open Signal from your home screen or app drawer.
- At the top left corner of your screen, tap your profile picture.
Alternatively, you can tap More options (three-dot icon) > Settings.
- Navigate to “SMS and MMS.”
- Tap “SMS Disabled” and set Signal as your default SMS app.
After changing your default messaging app to Signal, you can now send insecure SMS messages to both of your Signal and local contacts. Follow our quick guide below to learn how!
How to send an insecure SMS from Signal
If one of your contacts is offline on Signal, you can opt to send an SMS message instead. But before you do, make sure to make the app your unified messenger.
Also, please note that you must have a mobile network connection to send SMS and MMS messages. If you’re having problems, contact your service provider for support.
On Android:
- Open Signal Messaging on your device.
- Open an existing conversation or compose a new message.
- Enter your message on the text input field.
- Tap and hold on the send button and switch to insecure SMS (gray icon).
Note: You don’t need to switch the send button on your contacts that are not on Signal. - Once the button turns gray, send your message.
On iOS:
As for iOS users, you can’t send SMS messages through the Signal app. Apple doesn’t allow its users to change the default messaging app on their device. In turn, you can only send private and secure messages on the Signal iOS app.
On desktop:
Unlike Skype, Signal doesn’t allow its users to send SMS messages on their desktop client. They also won’t receive insecure messages from their contacts.
How do I know if I’m receiving insecure messages on Signal?
If Signal is your default messaging app on Android, you can receive SMS/MMS messages on the app from your contacts or other people. Each insecure message you receive comes with an unlock icon on the message bubble.
As for Signal iOS users out there, you don’t have to worry about insecure messages. All communication on the iOS app is private and secure. You can’t even use it as your default messaging app.
That goes for desktop users as well. The desktop app only allows Signal-to-Signal communication, so you don’t have to worry about sending or receiving insecure messages from your account.
To sum it all up
While Signal is a secure and private messaging service, Android users can use it as a unified messenger to handle all of their messages, including SMS and MMS. By setting Signal as the default messaging app on your phone, you get to use it to contact offline users on the app or those that don’t have an account.
Please note that SMS and MMS messages go through your service provider instead of Signal’s servers. In turn, these messages are less secure compared to Signal-to-Signal communication. Aside from that, you also need a mobile network connection to send and receive SMS and MMS on the app.
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