Signal Messenger to Stop SMS Service for Android Due to Security Reasons—Why?

Signal Messenger expressed its intent to remove the SMS feature for its Android app in the future, and the company is doing this to further improve security and better what it delivers to the public. This development would ensure safety for all, and focus on its end-to-end encryption feature available to users via the app.

Users on the desktop and iOS will see no changes as they do not have the said feature on their versions of the instant messaging app.

Signal Messenger to Remove SMS for Android

Signal detailed in its blog post that it is already planning to remove the SMS feature for all users in the Android app, as it is the only version of its app that has this integration. The company said that those who would be affected most would be people who chose Signal as their default messaging application, even for SMS and MMS.

The plan to remove SMS for Android focuses on security for its users, as well as highlighting the key features of the company with instant messaging using the internet, paired with its end-to-end encryption.

Signal also takes into account that there might be an overbilling for users who have SMS on Signal, and this decision would help in reducing those fees for them. Moreover, it aims to improve its user experience via the app.

What Will Happen to Old Messages?

The company said that Android SMS integration was available even before the company was called Signal, and the main purpose of the app is to transition to new communication features. It aims to leave behind the "outdated" SMS and MMS with what the company offers.

In line with this, Signal offers a way to migrate their data and messages to other apps while in this transition before it fully removes the SMS feature for all.

Signal and its Features

Signal is regarded as one of the most secure instant messaging applications in the world, particularly as it features end-to-end encryption available on everything it offers. It does not need to go on private chats that are different from its main interface to send and receive texts, being a famous alternative to WhatsApp and other apps.

Last year saw the fame and significance of E2E apps for instant messaging as data sharing and access were rampant from tech companies, including Meta's infamous stake.

Since then, Signal and other alternatives have grown in the market and the company maintained its position for safety and security with their features for all. Users can also change their phone numbers via the app itself, something which other apps do not permit as user accounts are tied to said contact details, and doing so would void their data.

Security and safety are the key features of Signal Messenger and the company centered on this since its humble beginnings until the present day. SMS is an old feature for all, and these have dedicated apps from their smartphones to utilize for their needs, with Signal mainly focusing on its instant messaging features via the internet.

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Written by Isaiah Richard