How to Lock Signal App to Secure Your Privacy

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Norah Hayes
August 24, 2023 Preview 2.3K Preview 0
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Signal is an encrypted messaging app that enables users to send texts, voice messages, photos, videos and other files for free. It can also be used to make voice and video calls. Communications on Signal are end-to-end encrypted. However, we may still face the risk of privacy breach when others use our devices. To further improve the privacy protection level of communication, we can lock the Signal app. This article will show you how to lock Signal app on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android to protect your Signal messages from unauthorized access.

 

Is the Signal app secure?

Yes. Signal is a secure app. Signal uses end-to-end encryption, which means the messages in Signal are encrypted at the sender’s end and decrypted at the receiver’s end. Only the users engaged in communication can read the messages, not even the developers of Signal. However, although Signal is considered a highly secure communication application, you still need to pay attention to your privacy protection while using it. For example, if a person uses your device and open the Signal app, he can easily view the messages in it. It’s necessary to password protect this private app.

 

How to password protect Signal on Windows and Mac computer

Signal is a popular messaging app that enables users to send and receive messages on both desktop app and mobile app. Signal desktop links with Signal on iOS or Android. Some users prefer to use the Signal app on computers. There is one thing to be aware of. When someone is using your computer, he can access the Signal app without your permission. To prevent this, you can use an app locker tool to password protect Signal on computer.

Cisdem AppCrypt is a powerful app locker and website blocker tool for Windows and Mac users. You can use it to lock Signal app with password efficiently. No one can access locked applications on your computer without entering the password you set. Additionally, it can help you automatically lock Signal app after a period of inactive. Below are detailed steps on how to lock Signal app on Windows and Mac computer:

1. Download and install Cisdem AppCrypt on your Windows or Mac.

Free Download Windows 11/10/8/7 Free Download macOS 10.12 or later

2. It’ll ask you to set a password when you first launch it.

set a password

3. Click the lock icon on the desktop menu bar. Choose Open Main Window.

choose Open Main Window

4. Enter the password you just set to access this tool.

enter the password to access AppCrypt

5. On Mac computer: click the Plus icon under the App Lock tab. Select Signal app from the application list. Click Open.

lock Signal app on Mac

On Windows computer: directly drag the desktop shortcut of Signal into the main window.

Or if you can’t find the shortcut of Signal on the desktop, click the Plus icon on AppCrypt main window. Then find the EXE file of Signal app on computer. Open it.

lock Signal app on Windows

Now Signal is locked with password on computer.

Signal app is locked on computer

Tip: How to set the auto lock time for Signal app on computer?

AppCrypt can help you lock Signal app automatically when the app is inactive or after you leaving your computer for a period of time. You can go to the Preferences window to set the auto-lock time. In this way, you don’t need to enter the password frequently but also keep your Signal messages safe.

AppCrypt Preferences window

How to lock Signal app with Touch ID or Face ID on iPhone

There are two ways to lock Signal on iPhone.

Use the built-in lock

On iPhone, you can use Touch ID or Face ID to add an extra layer of security to the Signal app. Make sure no one can pick up your phone and see your Signal messages.

1. Open the Signal app. Click the Profile icon in the upper left corner to enter the Settings interface.

2. Select Privacy option.

3. Scroll down the Privacy window, and then you'll see an option for Screen Lock. Enable it. Once enabled, you’ll need to use the Touch ID, Face ID, or your device passcode to access this app.

Screen Lock iPhone

4. You can also set up the Screen Lock Timeout setting. This way you don't need to frequently unlock the app for a short period of time.

Now quit the Signal app and reopen it. You'll be asked to authenticate with Touch ID or Face ID. Once verified, you'll be able to access it.

Use Cisdem AppCrypt

1. Install AppCrypt from the App Store.

Download on theApp Store

2. Click App Lock.

App Lock

3. Click Add/Remove.

4. Search for Signal app. Select it. Click Done.

5. Click Preferences > Notifications. Enable Notification and Notification unlock.

Notification

6. Then it'll prompt you to set a password, which helps prevent your setting from being changed by others. 

set PIN

Now Signal app is locked with PIN on your iPhone.

 

How to protect Signal messages with PIN or fingerprint on Android

There are two ways to add the protection.

Use the built-in lock

While the Signal app is already extremely secure, your privacy can be compromised when a friend or family member uses your phone and opens the app. Here’re detailed steps on how to lock Signal app with PIN or fingerprint on Android.

1. Open the Signal app.

2. Tap the 3-dots menu icon in the upper left corner.

3. Select Settings from the menu.

4. Tap on Privacy.

5. Find Screen Lock and turn it on.

Screen Lock Android

6. You can also set up the Screen lock inactivity timeout setting, so that you need to unlock the app only once, and can open the app without the password for a short time.

Now, when you reopen the Signal app (if you have a Screen lock inactivity timeout set, wait the time runs out), it will ask you to enter the PIN or use your fingerprint to unlock and view Signal messages.

 

Use Cisdem AppCrypt

Cisdem AppCrypt is also available for Android. You can use it to easily protect any apps installed on your device, including Signal.

1. Install Cisdem AppCrypt from the Google Play Store.

GET IT ONGoogle Play

2. When you launch it for the first time, you need to set a PIN or pattern.

set a PIN

3. In the App Lock tab, find the Signal app.

4. Toggle the switch next to it to the on position.

the App Lock tab

Now Signal is locked with the PIN or pattern you set.

 

Some Signal privacy settings you should know

As a private messenger app, Signal offers several built-in features to help users protect their personal information and conversations in it.

Screen security: Signal has a Screen Security feature that prevents people from taking screenshots within the Signal app. Also, when someone else is using your device, he won't be able to see your conversations from the recent app menu. To enable this feature, click the menu icon in the upper right corner and select Settings. Select Privacy. Enable the Screen Security switch.

Incognito keyboard: Incognito keyboard is designed to prevent the possibility of third-party keyboard from tracking and stealing your typing data. Enhance the privacy of your communications. You can enable the Incognito keyboard feature on the Privacy window.

Disappearing messages: The Disappearing messages feature makes the message you send or receive disappear automatically after a period of time. This feature is helpful for users who don’t want to keep any chat history. Enter the chat window that you want to enable this feature. Click the 3-dots icon on the upper right. Turn on Disappearing messages. In the pop-up window, you can choose how long to automatically disappear after the messages are read, for example: 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, etc.

 

Conclusion

Signal app becomes popular for its security. Third parties cannot access the messages in it because they are always end-to-end encrypted. However, when someone is using our computer or mobile phone, he can still easily view the conversations in it. This article talked about how to lock Signal app on computers and mobile phones. Help you further keep your Signal messages private and secure.

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Norah Hayes

Norah Hayes likes to share her tips on how to improve focus and stay motivated at work. She believes it is essential to eliminate all online distractions during work hours.

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