More and more people around me are switching from WhatsApp to Signal. Now I also want to switch, but how do I ensure a smooth switch? Jasmijn B.
Souhayla Badwy
Many people use WhatsApp, because it is an easy and fast way of communicating. That is why you regularly read articles about WhatsApp on pcactive.nl, such as: how do I get WhatsApp on my computer?
Many people are currently switching from WhatsApp to Signal, but why? And how do you transfer all your data? This is a frequently asked question from users who want more privacy and therefore trade in WhatsApp for Signal. In this short workshop you learn step by step how to make the switch as smooth as possible.
Why switch from WhatsApp to Signal?
Due to recent changes to Meta’s privacy policy (the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp), for example that the data of users is used to develop AI, many users look for a safe alternative to WhatsApp. Signal is a popular choice because it does not collect user data. Currently so many people are switching that Signal is now even above WhatsApp in the list of most popular items of the Play Store, with a score of 4.6.
Differences WhatsApp and Signal
WhatsApp and Signal are very similar: with both apps you can send text messages, vessels, emojis and gifs, create video calls, and group chats. But while Meta collects information such as your contacts, with whom you are talking and what other apps you have, Signal does not do that. The advantage of WhatsApp is that just about everyone is on this app, while that is not the case with Signal. WhatsApp also comes more often with new functions.
Step 1 Download Signal
The first step is to download Signal on your smartphone, tablet or computer. You can easily do that on your smartphone or tablet via the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Important: Do not remove WhatsApp (yet), because you need the app to easily switch. And it is not handy anyway to remove it as long as many still use WhatsApp. Incidentally, the size of the app 143.5 MB is useful to download the Signal app via WiFi.
Step 2 SETTAL SET
After downloading or if you had not installed Signal before, you must first set the app. You do that by going through the steps on the screen.
First of all you have to give the app access to your contacts, your camera and microphone. This way you can see who is on Signal and you can video calling. To receive and send photos, you must give the app access to your storage and photo album.
You must then enter your telephone number and country and verify it via an SMS code. Then set your profile with your first and last name and choose to secure a pin code on the app. Finally, tap the blue button to start a new conversation, so that you can immediately chat with the people who already use Signal.
Step 3 transfer contacts and groups
Signal does not import Chats from WhatsApp, but you can easily start conversations with contacts that already have Signal. There is also a handy way to transfer groups from WhatsApp to Signal. You do that by starting a new group in Signal by pressing the blue button and then for New group to choose. You invite someone by tapping. Then give the group the same name as the old group on WhatsApp, so handy.
Once the group is created, you can create a group link. Turn off the check mark in the option that you have to approve every person, so that everyone with the link immediately ends up in the group. Share this link in the old group on WhatsApp. As soon as everyone has switched to the new group on Signal, you can close the old group on WhatsApp.
Do you stay at WhatsApp?
Do you prefer to keep using WhatsApp? Read our WhatsApp tips and tricks that you may not know yet.