When you hop on a phone call, you probably assume your conversation is private. And generally, for standard phone calls, it is. But when you start talking about sensitive topics—work deals, medical appointments, or anything you wouldn’t shout in a crowded room—you should demand the highest level of privacy.
That’s where Signal comes in. You might know it as the gold standard for encrypted messaging, but it’s just as powerful for secure voice calls. If you value your privacy, it’s time to make Signal your go-to for phone conversations, too.
The Security Difference: End-to-End Encryption
Most apps offer some level of security, but the best protection is provided by End-to-End Encryption (E2EE). This is the crucial feature that makes Signal the top choice.
When you make a standard internet-based voice call (like on some older apps), the call might be encrypted in transit, meaning the connection between your device and the company’s server is secure. However, the company’s server still has the keys to decrypt the data.
With Signal, the process is different:
- Encryption on Your End: Your voice is scrambled the moment it leaves your device.
- No Interception: No one in between—not Signal, not the phone company, and definitely not a hacker—can listen in. They simply do not have the keys.
- Decryption on Their End: The call only unscrambles when it reaches your intended recipient’s device.
This means your voice calls are protected from snooping, guaranteeing your conversation remains private and between the two people who are actually talking.
Signal Does More Than Just Message
Signal is designed for comprehensive private communication, meaning it handles more than just one-to-one or group text messages. You can use it just like any other phone app to place crystal-clear, secure voice calls using Wi-Fi or mobile data.
How to Make a Secure Signal Voice Call:
It’s a straightforward process that should be a new habit for your sensitive chats:
- Tap “Compose”: Open the app and start a new message, just like a text.
- Select a Contact: Choose the person you want to talk to, or enter their phone number if they are in your contacts (they must also have the Signal app installed to receive the secure call).
- Open the Conversation: Tap the person’s name to open the chat window.
- Tap the Phone Icon: Look for the small phone icon (usually in the upper corner) and tap it to begin the secure, end-to-end encrypted call.
Your Active Call to Security
Switching your primary communication app might take a little effort (you’ll have to convince your friends and family to join!), but the payoff in peace of mind is enormous. Once you move your important conversations to Signal, you take an active step to eliminate the risk of third parties listening in on your private life.
Don’t leave your confidential voice calls exposed. Make the move to Signal and let E2EE be the guarantee that your conversations stay yours.
