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Is Signal safe to use?

Safe

Yes. Signal is the most private mainstream messenger, run by a non-profit that collects almost nothing.

Checked October 2026

Quick facts

Owned by
Signal Technology Foundation (non-profit)
Based in
Mountain View, USA
Encryption
End-to-end for everything by default: chats, groups, calls, stickers and profile details.
Data it collects
Your phone number, account creation date and last connection date. Signal says that is all it can hand over to courts.
Minimum age
13+

What keeps you safe

  • Open-source code that security researchers review constantly.
  • Usernames let you chat without sharing your phone number.
  • Built-in proxy support helps in countries that block it.
  • No ads and no tracking.

Risks to know about

  • The 2025 "Signalgate" leak was people adding the wrong person to a group, not a flaw in Signal.
  • State hackers have tricked users into scanning fake "linked device" QR codes to read their messages.
  • Your contacts still see your number unless you hide it.

Scams to watch for on Signal

  • Fake group invite or QR codes that link a hacker's device to your account.
  • Messages pretending to be Signal Support (Signal never messages you first like that).

Is Signal legit?

Signal is legit and widely recommended by security experts and journalists. Only install it from official app stores or signal.org.

Is it safe for kids?

Signal has no parental controls. It is safe in the privacy sense but has no supervision features.

How to use Signal safely

  1. Set a Signal PIN and turn on Registration Lock.

  2. Hide your phone number and use a username.

  3. Check Linked devices regularly and remove anything you don't recognise.

  4. Turn on disappearing messages for sensitive chats.

Where Signal is restricted

Does a VPN make Signal safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and protects you on public Wi-Fi. It can't stop Signal collecting data or scammers messaging you.

Picked for privacy and getting messages through.

Proton VPN

Swiss-based with open-source apps and a free tier, plus a Stealth protocol for restrictive networks.

For strict networks: the Stealth protocol.

Try Proton VPN

NordVPN

Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.

For strict networks: NordWhisper or obfuscated servers.

Try NordVPN

ExpressVPN

Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.

For strict networks: automatic obfuscation (protocol set to Automatic).

Try ExpressVPN
Not sure about these three? See 3 more VPNs Private Internet Access, Surfshark and CyberGhost

Private Internet Access

Open-source apps, unlimited devices and servers in every US state, at a low price.

For strict networks: the Shadowsocks proxy option.

Try Private Internet Access

Surfshark

Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.

For strict networks: NoBorders mode.

Try Surfshark

CyberGhost

Servers labelled for specific streaming services and a 45-day refund window on longer plans.

For strict networks: a nearby server (CyberGhost has no stealth mode).

Try CyberGhost

We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick and how we make money

Questions people ask

Is Signal safe to use?

Yes. Signal is the most private mainstream messenger, run by a non-profit that collects almost nothing.

Is Signal legit?

Signal is legit and widely recommended by security experts and journalists. Only install it from official app stores or signal.org.

Is Signal encrypted?

End-to-end for everything by default: chats, groups, calls, stickers and profile details.

What data does Signal collect?

Your phone number, account creation date and last connection date. Signal says that is all it can hand over to courts.

Is Signal safe for kids?

Signal has no parental controls. It is safe in the privacy sense but has no supervision features.

Does a VPN make Signal safer?

Partly. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts traffic on public Wi-Fi, so your network and ISP can't see what you do on Signal. It does not stop Signal itself from collecting data, and it does not protect you from scams inside the app.

Sources