Starting a new conversation
1
Open the new conversation screen
Tap the compose icon (pencil) in the bottom-right corner of the main chat list.
2
Find the person you want to message
You can search by:
- Name or phone number — type a contact’s name or enter a full phone number including the country code (e.g.
+1 555 000 1234). - Username — type the
@usernameof a Signal user to start a conversation without sharing phone numbers. The recipient must have set a username in their profile settings.
3
Tap the contact to open the conversation
If Signal cannot find a match by username, verify the username is spelled correctly. Usernames are case-insensitive but must be exact.
You can only message contacts who have Signal installed. If a contact does not have Signal, you will see an option to invite them.
Sending messages
Typing and sending text
Type in the message compose bar at the bottom of the conversation. Tap the send button (arrow) or press Enter to send.Text formatting
Signal supports inline formatting in messages. Select text in the compose bar to reveal the formatting toolbar, or use markdown-style shortcuts:Replying to a specific message
Swipe right on any message bubble to quote-reply it, or long-press a message and tap Reply. Your reply will include a preview of the original message. The original sender is notified that you replied.Mentioning someone in a group
In a group conversation, type@ followed by a name to bring up a list of group members. Select the member to insert an @mention. Mentioned members receive a notification even if they have muted the group.
Disappearing messages
Disappearing messages are deleted automatically from both devices after a timer you set. This timer starts when the recipient opens the message.Setting a disappearing message timer
1
Open the conversation settings
Tap the contact or group name at the top of the conversation to open the conversation info screen.
2
Select Disappearing messages
Tap Disappearing messages and choose a duration from the list — options range from 30 seconds to 4 weeks. You can also select Custom to enter a specific duration.
3
Confirm
The new timer takes effect immediately. A system message appears in the conversation confirming the change.
What happens when the timer expires
- The message is deleted from both the sender’s and the recipient’s device once the timer runs out after the message has been opened.
- If the recipient has not opened the message before the timer expires on the sender’s device, the message is still visible to the recipient until they open it — at which point the countdown begins on their device.
- Attachments (photos, videos, files) sent in a disappearing conversation are also deleted.
Scheduled messages
You can write a message and have Signal send it at a specific date and time.Scheduling a message
1
Write your message
Type your message in the compose bar as usual.
2
Open the send options
Long-press the send button (arrow). A menu appears offering Send now and Schedule message.
3
Pick a date and time
Use the date and time picker to set when the message should be sent, then confirm.
Rescheduling or cancelling a scheduled message
1
Tap the scheduled messages banner
This opens a bottom sheet listing all scheduled messages for the conversation, ordered by send time.
2
Long-press the message you want to change
A context menu appears with options to Reschedule, Send now, or Delete.
3
Choose an action
- Reschedule — opens the time picker so you can choose a new send time.
- Send now — sends the message immediately.
- Delete — cancels and permanently removes the scheduled message.
Scheduled messages are stored on your device and require Signal to be running (or able to start) at the scheduled time to send. If your device is off or Signal is restricted by battery optimisation settings, the message will be sent the next time Signal can run.
Message reactions
React to any message with an emoji without sending a separate reply.Adding a reaction
Double-tap a message bubble to react with a heart, or long-press and tap the emoji picker icon to choose any emoji from the full emoji keyboard.Viewing who reacted
Tap on a reaction bubble below a message to open the reactions sheet. It shows each emoji used and the list of people who sent that reaction.Removing a reaction
Tap the reaction you already sent — on the reaction bubbles below the message — to toggle it off.Starring messages
Star any message to save it for easy retrieval later.Starring a message
Long-press a message to open the context menu, then tap Star message (the star icon). Starred messages are marked with a star indicator in the conversation.Viewing all starred messages
1
Open your profile
Tap your avatar or the Signal icon in the top-left corner to open the main navigation drawer.
2
Tap Starred messages
This opens the Starred Messages screen, which lists all messages you have starred across all conversations, grouped by date.
3
Jump to the original message
Tap any starred message to jump directly to that message in its conversation.
Starring a message within a single conversation
To view starred messages only within the conversation you are in, tap the contact or group name at the top, then select Starred messages.Unstarring a message
Long-press a starred message and tap Unstar message, or open the Starred Messages screen, long-press the item, and select Unstar.Note to Self
Note to Self is a special conversation with yourself — useful for drafts, reminders, and transferring content between devices.1
Open Note to Self
From the chat list, tap the compose icon and search for your own name or phone number, then select Note to Self. Alternatively, scroll to the top of your contact list — Note to Self is pinned there.
2
Send yourself a message
Type text, attach a file, send a voice note, or share a photo exactly as you would in any conversation. Messages you send appear as delivered immediately.