Got it—here’s a quick, no-nonsense setup for Signal Private Messenger. If you meant a different “Signal,” say the word and I’ll pivot.

iPhone & Android

1. Install & register

   • Download “Signal — Private Messenger.”
   • Enter your phone number → verify via SMS or voice call.
   • Create a Signal PIN (used for registration lock and some settings).

2. Lock it down (recommended)

   • Settings → Privacy
     • Registration Lock: ON (prevents someone from registering your number without the PIN).
     • Screen Lock: ON (Face ID/Touch ID or device lock).
     • Phone Number Privacy: Hide your number and set a username (so people can find you without your number).
     • Blocked Users: Add any you need.

3. Messaging defaults

   • Disappearing Messages: Set a default timer (e.g., 24 hours or 7 days) under Settings → Privacy → Default timer.
   • Read Receipts / Typing Indicators: Toggle to taste.
   • Media auto-download: Limit on cellular if you want to save data.

4. Backups / storage

   • iPhone: Use Signal’s device-to-device transfer when moving to a new phone (no iCloud chat backups).
   • Android: Enable encrypted local backups (Settings → Chats → Chat backups). Save the backup file + 30-digit passphrase somewhere safe.

Desktop (Mac/Windows/Linux)

1. Install Signal Desktop from signal.org and open it.
2. On your phone: Settings → Linked devices → Link new device, scan the QR on your computer.
3. Let it sync. (Your phone remains the primary; desktop is a linked device.)

Verifying contacts (anti-impersonation)

• Open a chat → tap the contact’s name → View safety number → Compare in person or via a trusted channel. Mark as verified.

Moving to a new phone (summary)

• iPhone → iPhone: Use Signal’s in-app Transfer Account flow (local, encrypted, quick).
• Android → Android: Create encrypted backup, move the backup file to the new phone, restore with the passphrase.
• Cross-platform (Android ↔ iPhone): Start fresh; media/chats don’t migrate across platforms (keep old device for reference if needed).

Quick troubleshooting

• Didn’t get the code? Request Call me; check you have signal/data and correct time/date on device.
• Notifications missing? Allow notifications + background activity for Signal; disable battery optimizations for Signal on Android.
• Can’t link desktop? Update Signal on phone + desktop, then try linking again via Linked devices.

If you want, tell me your device (iPhone/Android, plus desktop OS) and whether this is for personal use or a work profile, and I’ll give you a super-specific, click-by-click setup.