One of the best features of Signal is that you can use it on your desktop, including Windows, macOS, Chrome OS and Linux. I’m using Signal on my Chromebook and it’s been a flawless experience so far. The funny thing is, Signal on Chromebook works independently. Whether your smartphone is connected to the internet or on a public WiFi network, Signal works and maintains end-to-end encryption as well. So, if you want to install Signal on a Chromebook, check out our guide below.
Install Signal on a Chromebook (2021)
1. First of all, you Linux support needed Before installing Signal on your Chromebook. As such, it’s unlikely that you’ll initially install Signal on school-issued Chromebooks. However, check if your Chromebook comes with Linux support and how to set it up.
Note: If you’re using Chrome OS 89 or higher, the Settings page will show “Linux (Beta)” as “Developers”.
2. After installing Linux, open Terminal on your Chromebook and run the following command. Update Linux to the latest version. If you encounter any errors in this process, don’t worry, just move on to the next step.
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade -y
3. After that, run the following command upload signing key.
wget -O- https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt/keys.asc |\
sudo apt-key add -
4. Next, execute this command as follows: Add Signal’s repository to your Linux repository.
echo "deb [arch=amd64] https://updates.signal.org/desktop/apt xenial main" |\
sudo tee -a /etc/apt/sources.list.d/signal-xenial.list
5. Finally run the following command. Install Signal on your Chromebook.
sudo apt update && sudo apt install signal-desktop -y
6. After installation, open the App Drawer and click “Linux applications“. It should be on the last page.
7. Open it and you will find the Signal app. Now, open app.
8. Here you will be prompted Connect Signal app on your smartphone via QR code.
9. Open Signal on your smartphone and tap the 3-dot menu. here, open Settings -> Connected Devices -> tap the “+” button. Now, scan the QR code on your Chromebook and voila, Signal on your Chromebook will connect to your smartphone and all your messages will be synced to the Linux app.
10. This is what Signal looks like on a Chromebook. As I mentioned above, Signal works independently On a Chromebook, it means you don’t need to be on a public WiFi network with the connected smartphone. Also, unlike WhatsApp, your connected smartphone does not require an active internet connection.
Use Signal on Your Chromebook Now
This is how you can install and use Signal on your Chromebook. Although the commands may seem complicated on your face, you don’t have to worry about that. Just copy and paste the commands and you’re ready. If you want to know what benefits Signal brings to WhatsApp and Telegram, then check out our linked explainer. Anyway, that’s it for us. If you found our article helpful, comment below and let us know.
