We do all our organizing and communication via the secure Signal app. To join our team, you’ll need to install the app and send us your signal username or link. Follow these directions to get started.
Please follow each step carefully. Some security choices are not reversible.
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Download Signal
Install the Signal app on your phone: https://signal.org/
Important: When prompted, do NOT allow access to your contacts.
If you have already set up Signal and want to remove access to your contacts, follow these directions:
2. Open and Register
Open the app and tap Continue.
Grant camera permissions if you want to make video calls, and microphone permissions for audio/video calls.
Enable notifications if you want to receive message alerts.
Enter your phone number and tap Next.
3. Verify Your Phone Number
Signal will send a verification code via SMS.
Enter the code manually or tap the notification to autofill.
Note: A valid phone number is required to register, but it can be hidden later to protect your privacy.
4. Set Up Your Profile
Recommendation: Do not use your real name or nicknames, use an alias that cannot be connected to your identity.
We recommend entering a first name only. It can contain spaces.
This is the name other people will see when they are in a chat or a group with you.
Note: Your display name or screen name that you are setting up here is different from your Username that you will set up in step 6. Other people cannot find you by your display name if they are not already connected to you on Signal.
Optionally, add a profile image. Do NOT use a photo of yourself or anything that reveals your identity.
To edit your profile after your account is set up, follow these directions: https://support.signal.org/hc/en-us/articles/360007059952-Edit-my-Profile
5. Create a Signal PIN
Choose a minimum 4-digit PIN (6+ digits or alphanumeric is better).
This PIN secures your account and is used for account recovery and encryption.
Note: Do not forget this PIN. Signal will ask for it regularly to ensure security.
6. Create a UsernamE
Tap your avatar/profile image > Tap your display name. Under @Username, create a unique handle without spaces (not your real name).
Signal will add two digits at the end automatically (you can change this but the particular number isn’t important).
This Username is used for others to find you without using your phone number. It does not display when you are in a chat or group.
When asked for your Signal Username, include your handle, the dot, and the two digits at the end. This is a way organizations and others can find you on Signal without knowing your phone number.
Note: Your Username is different from your display name or screen name that you set up in step 4. Other people cannot find you by your display name if they are not already connected to you.
7. Keep Your Phone Number Private
To prevent others from seeing your phone number:
Go to Signal > Settings > Privacy
Tap Phone Number
Set both options to:
Who can see my number? > Nobody
Who can find me by my number > Nobody
8. Set Up Automatic Disappearing Messages
Signal can be set so that messages automatically disappear after a set amount of time. We recommend to turn this setting on by default for all your chats and groups.
Go to Signal > Settings > Privacy > Disappearing Messages
Tap Default timer for new chats
Select a preset or choose Custom time to set your own. We recommend 1 week.
9. Share Your Profile Securely
Tap your avatar > Tap the QR code icon (top-right corner)
You'll see:
A QR code others can scan
A link (tap the link icon below the QR) you can share. Anyone with this link can start a chat with you. Keep it secure.
A Scan option at the top to add someone else's QR code directly.
Unidos South OC is hosting this resource here on behalf of OCRRN’s efforts in our area.