How to Install Signal on a Chromebook

Feb. 6, 2021



One of thebest features of Signalis that you canuse it on your desktop including Windows, macOS,Chrome OS, and Linux. I have been using Signal on my Chromebook and it has been a flawless experience so far. The interesting part is that Signal on Chromebook works independently. No matter if your smartphone is connected to the internet or it’s in the common WiFi network, Signal just works and maintainsend-to-end encryptiontoo. So if you want to install Signal on a Chromebook then go through our guide below.

  1. First of all, youneed Linux supportbefore you can install Signal on yourChromebook. So at the outset, you are unlikely to install Signal on school-issued Chromebooks. Nevertheless, go ahead andcheck if your Chromebook comes with Linux support and how to set it up.

Note:If you are on Chrome OS 89 or above then “Linux (Beta)” is shown as “Developers” on the Settings page.

  1. Once you have set up Linux, open the Terminal on your Chromebook and run the below command toupdate Linux to the latest build. If you encounter any error in this process then don’t worry, just move to the next step.

  2. After that, run the below command toinstall the signing key.

  3. Next, execute this command toadd Signal’s repositoryto your Linux repository.

  4. Finally, run the below command toinstall Signalon your Chromebook.

  5. After the installation, open the App Drawer and look for “Linux apps“. It should be located on the last page.

  6. Open it and you will find the Signal app. Now,open the app.

  7. Here, you will be asked tolink the Signal appon your smartphone through the QR code.

  8. On your smartphone, open Signal and tap on the 3-dot menu. Here, openSettings -> Linked Devices -> tap on the “+” button. Now, scan the QR code on your Chromebook, and voila, Signal on your Chromebook will be linked to your smartphone and all your messages will be synced to the Linux app.

  9. This is how Signal looks on a Chromebook. As I mentioned above,Signal works independentlyon Chromebook meaning you don’t need to be on a common WiFi network with the linked smartphone. Also, unlike WhatsApp, your linked smartphone does not require an active internet connection.

Use Signal on Your Chromebook Right Now

Use Signal on Your Chromebook Right Now

So that is how you can install and use Signal on your Chromebook. While the commands may look complex on the face, you don’t have to worry about that. Just copy and paste the commands and you are good to go. In case, you want to learnwhat benefit Signal brings over WhatsApp and Telegramthen go through our linked explainer. Anyway, that is all from us. If you found our article helpful then comment down below and let us know.

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.

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