Signal

This is useful for private conversations and groups in which everyone wants to use the same app. It suits you if standard encryption is important. For messages to people using only another service, you must first reach them via that service or agree to switch.

Open Signal on your phone and connect the desktop app via the shown QR code. After linking check your list of connected devices.

Signal-to-Signal messages and calls are end-to-end encrypted. The receiving person may still retain or further share information. So also protect your computer account. Remove links with devices you sell or no longer use, and treat an open desktop app as access to your conversations.

For the first decor you need Signal on a suitable phone. A new linked device doesn't necessarily contain all your old conversation history.

A linked desktop is not automatically your complete recovery plan. Before a telephone change check which transfer and backup options you use. In case of sensitive calls, verify the identity of your contact outside an unexpected message. Disappearing messages can't make recording by a receiver impossible.

Signal is a strong choice if you want to exchange personal messages and conversations by default end-to-end encrypted. The desktop app lets you use the same communication from a computer. The most important condition is that your contacts use Signal and that you manage your linked devices. Encryption on the go does not prevent someone from viewing an unlocked device or a received message.

The usability depends on the accessibility of your contacts: they must use the same service. In addition, review notifications on shared screens and list linked devices. For personal calls, standard encryption can be decisive. It remains necessary to protect local access, as an open call is readable on the computer on which you receive it.