Signal Setup

Signal Setup Guide

Signal is the recommended platform for rapid response communications due to its end-to-end encryption and privacy features.

Initial Setup

1. Download Signal

Download from:

2. Verify Phone Number

Open Signal
Enter your phone number
Verify with the code sent via SMS

3. Set Up Your Profile

Add your name (use your real name or a consistent pseudonym)
Add a profile photo (optional)

4. Set Up Username (Important!)

Setting up a username allows you to be added to groups without sharing your phone number.

Steps:

Click on the circle in the left corner with your initials
Click “Settings”
Click your name and number at the top to reach Profile
Find the “Username” box
Click “Set Up Your Username”
Follow the prompts

Video guide: How to set up Signal username

Security Settings

Enable Registration Lock

Prevents someone from re-registering your number:

Settings → Account → Registration Lock
Enable the toggle

Set Up PIN

Settings → Account → Signal PIN
Create a PIN you’ll remember

Screen Lock

Settings → Privacy → Screen Lock
Enable and set timeout

Disable Lock Screen Notifications

So messages don’t show on your lock screen:

Settings → Notifications
Set “Show” to “No name or content” or similar

Disappearing Messages

For group chats, consider enabling:

In the chat, tap group name at top
Disappearing messages
Select time period (e.g., 1 week)

Group Setup for Admins

Creating a Group

Open Signal
Tap the pencil icon (compose)
Select “New group”
Add initial members
Name the group clearly
Add a description with rules

Group Settings

Admin permissions:

Settings → Group settings
Consider requiring admin approval to join
Set who can edit group info
Set who can add members

Recommended group description template:

[Network Name] - [Channel Purpose]

RULES:
1. Use SALUTE format for reports
2. No identifying photos of detained individuals
3. Keep channel clear during active incidents
4. [Additional rules]

Questions? Contact @admin_username

Managing Membership

Adding members:

In group, tap group name → Add members
Add by phone number or username

Removing members:

In group, tap group name → view members
Swipe left on member → Remove

Admin designation:

In members list, tap member → Make admin

Using Signal Effectively

For Rapid Response

During incidents:

Short, clear messages
SALUTE format for reports
Acknowledge with reactions (thumbs up) rather than text
Keep channel clear for operational messages

Status updates:

Use clear prefixes: “UPDATE:”, “VERIFIED:”, “FALSE ALARM:”
Include time stamps
Tag relevant people if needed

Message Types

Report:

REPORT: Possible ICE at Main & First. 2 unmarked SUVs. Verifying. 10:45am

Verified:

VERIFIED: ICE confirmed at Main & First. 4 agents, POLICE ICE vests. Need more responders.

Update:

UPDATE: Vehicles moving east on Main from First. 10:52am

All Clear:

ALL CLEAR: Vehicles have left the area. No detention observed. 11:05am

Desktop Usage

Signal Desktop is helpful for admins:

Download from signal.org
Scan QR code from your phone
Faster typing for coordination

Privacy Best Practices

Protect Your Number

Use username instead of phone number when possible
Set phone number privacy to “Nobody” (Settings → Privacy → Phone Number)

Protect Your Location

Don’t share live location
Be careful about location metadata in photos

Protect the Group

Vet new members before adding
Remove inactive or problematic members
Don’t share group links publicly
Use admin approval for sensitive groups

Troubleshooting

Not receiving messages

Check internet connection
Check notification settings
Make sure Signal is updated

Can’t add someone

They may need to set up their username
They may have privacy settings blocking adds
Try having them contact an admin

Group issues

Only admins can fix group settings
If admin is unavailable, may need to create new group