You can set messages to self-destruct, share videos and documents and participate in group chats of up to 200,000 users. (Yes, Telegram really does support group chats that large.) However, chats with more than two participants won't be end-to-end encrypted.Ī caveat? Telegram uses its own custom MTProto encryption rather than a more proven system. To get it, you'll have to switch to a Secret Chat mode. However, end-to-end encryption is not enabled by default on Telegram. It has grown into a worldwide social-media platform, with huge user groups and broadcasts that let accounts reach millions of followers in an instant. Like Signal and WhatsApp, Telegram lets users link their phone number to a Telegram account to send fast, encrypted messaging over the internet, with client-server encryption for standard chats.īut Telegram is much more than just a messaging service. Here's our guide on how to use Signal.ĭownload Signal: Android (opens in new tab), iOS (opens in new tab)Įnd-to-end encryption isn't enabled by default

User-friendliness without compromising on security makes Signal a fantastic option for users looking for an encrypted messaging and calling app. But unlike Facebook, Signal's parent company is a non-profit foundation created by an anarchist cryptographer and one of the founders of WhatsApp.Įase of use and strong, open-source, regularly audited encryption makes Signal a favorite of the security-conscious, with accolades from Edward Snowden and other privacy advocates. Signal's encryption protocol is so strong that WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger use it too. A new update lets you change phone numbers while keeping Signal account data as long as you're staying on the same device. You can transfer Signal accounts (opens in new tab) from one Android phone to another, and from one iOS device to another. A Chrome browser plugin (opens in new tab) lets you use Signal from your desktop as well.

Recent updates have added user-friendly features such as custom wallpapers and animated stickers, and Signal group video chats can now have up to 40 participants.Īll Signal messages can be set to self-destruct after a certain amount of time. You can send text messages, voice calls, group messages, media and attachments to your phone contacts, all without having to mess with PIN codes or special login credentials.

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