Signal Messaging

I know this is one more app to install, but I think Signal may make things much easier for us.

Signal works a lot like WhatsApp in the basic way you use it: we can send messages, photos, voice notes, and call each other. The big difference is that I’d rather not use WhatsApp because it is owned by Meta, and I’m not very comfortable using Meta products for private conversations.

I’m suggesting Signal because it is built around private messaging and calling. It is also commonly recommended by privacy advocates, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, and by people who work with journalists and secure communication. I’m not trying to make this complicated or dramatic — I just want us to have a simple, reliable way to stay in touch.

It should work whether you are in the UK, in Romania, or traveling between them, as long as your phone has Wi‑Fi or mobile data.

Another reason I like Signal is that I can use it across my Apple devices — my iPhone, Mac, and iPad — so I’m not stuck checking only one device. For you, we would start with your Huawei Android phone, and then if you want, you can also put it on your Windows computer later so you can type from a keyboard.

A little background, if you want to know why I prefer Signal

Signal has a long history in the privacy world. It grew out of encryption work by people who wanted private communication to be available to normal users, not just technical people.

One interesting part of the history is that the Signal Protocol became very influential. Even WhatsApp used the Signal Protocol for its end-to-end encryption. So my issue is not that WhatsApp has no encryption; my concern is that WhatsApp is owned by Meta, and I would rather not use a Meta product for private conversations if we have a good alternative.

Signal is different because it is run by a nonprofit foundation and is focused on private communication instead of advertising, social media, or collecting attention.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation and journalist-safety groups often point people toward Signal because journalists, sources, lawyers, activists, and privacy-minded people need communication tools that are simple but safer than ordinary texting.

I’m not saying Signal is perfect or that we need to be secretive about everything. I just think it is a sensible choice for us: it lets us message and call privately, it works across countries through internet data, and it avoids depending on Meta.

If you want to read more before installing it, you can look at:

I will send you a Signal invite from my phone

I will also send you a Signal invite from my Signal account on my phone to your phone number.

You may receive it as a normal text message with a link to install Signal. If you receive it, open the link on your Huawei Android phone and follow the steps to install Signal.

If the invite does not arrive, don’t worry. The international text problem is exactly why we are trying Signal. You can still install Signal manually using the steps below.

First: install Signal on your Huawei Android phone

If your Huawei phone has Google Play Store

  1. Open Google Play Store.
  2. Search for Signal Private Messenger.
  3. Install the one made by Signal Foundation.
  4. Open Signal.
  5. Sign up using your phone number.
  6. If it sends you a code by text or phone call, enter that code.

If your Huawei phone does not have Google Play Store

Some Huawei phones do not have Google Play Store. If yours does not, try this:

  1. On your Huawei phone, open the app you use to visit websites — for example Chrome, Huawei Browser, Petal Browser, or whatever browser is already on your phone.
  2. In the address bar at the top, type:
    https://signal.org/install
  3. Tap Go or Enter.
  4. Choose Android.
  5. Download Signal from the official Signal website.
  6. If the phone asks for permission to install it, press Allow.
  7. Open Signal.
  8. Sign up using your phone number.

Please don’t download Signal from random websites. Use Google Play or Signal’s official website only. If this part gets confusing, just stop and tell me, and I’ll help.

Then: find me on Signal

Once Signal is working on your phone:

  1. Save my number in your phone contacts like this:
    +[country code] [my phone number]
  2. Open Signal.
  3. Tap the new message / pencil button.
  4. Search for my name or my phone number.
  5. Tap my name.
  6. Send me this message:
    “Hi, it’s me.”

After that, we can message each other there.

To call me, open our Signal chat and press the phone icon.

Optional: use Signal on your Windows computer too

You do not have to do this right away. Start with your Huawei phone first.

If you want Signal on your Windows computer later:

  1. On your Windows computer, go to:
    https://signal.org/download
  2. Download Signal for Windows.
  3. Install it.
  4. Open Signal on your Windows computer.
  5. It will show a QR code.
  6. Open Signal on your Huawei phone.
  7. Go to Settings.
  8. Tap Linked devices.
  9. Tap Link new device.
  10. Scan the QR code on the computer.

After that, you can send Signal messages from your Windows computer too. Your Huawei phone is still the main device; the Windows computer is just an extra place to use it.

One small thing: if you don’t use Signal on the Windows computer for a long time, you may have to reconnect it later. That is normal.

When you are traveling

Signal should work in the UK and Romania as long as you have internet.

If you are on Wi‑Fi, that is easiest.

If you are using mobile data, it may use your phone data, and if you are roaming, your phone company may charge you depending on your plan.

If Signal stops working after you cross a border, check:

  1. Mobile data is on.
  2. Roaming is on, if needed.
  3. Airplane mode is off.
  4. Signal is allowed to use mobile data.
  5. You have a good Wi‑Fi or mobile data connection.

If a call does not connect, don’t worry. It may just be a weak connection. Try again on better Wi‑Fi or mobile data.

A few important things

  1. Signal only works if we both have it installed.
  2. It needs Wi‑Fi or mobile data.
  3. Do not share your Signal verification code with anyone.
  4. If Signal asks you to make a PIN, choose one you can remember.
  5. Keep access to the phone number you used to sign up.
  6. If you change SIM cards, Signal should still work, but don’t delete the app unless you have to.
  7. If messages are delayed, open the Signal app directly. Huawei phones sometimes delay notifications to save battery.
  8. If anything gets confusing, just stop and tell me. I’ll help.

No rush. I just think this will be easier, more private, and more reliable than trying to force international text messages to work.

Once it is working, just send me:

“Hi, it’s me.”

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