#App imessage for android install#
#App imessage for android android#

While Facebook Messenger is not end-to-end encrypted by default, it is more secure than the fragmented SMS architecture operated by the networks.

#App imessage for android android#

Many Facebook Messenger users on Android have already set it as their standard messenger. More importantly, Facebook-owned WhatsApp is the world’s leading end-to-end encrypted platform and has all the functionality offered by iMessage and Google’s RCS rollout. And while Facebook Messenger (ironically) is nowhere close to adding this by default, its “ secret conversations ” are available. When even Facebook strongly advises you to use end-to-end encrypted messengers, you should take note. Signal used to be clunky but that has now changed, as it targets the mainstream with enhanced functionality, making it a viable default messenger when it was not before.

#App imessage for android install#

But Signal itself has the same rich chat functionality as other mainstream messengers, and you can encourage close friends, family and contacts to install the app. SMS within Signal is just the SMS basics. In shifting from Android Messages, you’ll lose the ability to send RCS messages to other RCS users.

But the desktop Signal app will work just fine for your encrypted messages. “We want to encourage users to move away from insecure legacy protocols,” it says. Signal does not offer its desktop option for this integration. Just like iMessage, you’ll be able to see when your contacts are Signal-enabled or when you’re limited to what it calls “Unsecured SMS.” This integration is only available on your smartphone. The latest production version of Signal will do just fine. This will give you the same experience as the end-to-end encrypted Android Messages, except it will work for groups and does not require beta installations for all those you choose to message. On Android you can select Signal as your default messenger, using Signal and SMS side by side, to deliver a similar user experience.

You’ll be familiar with the blue and green text bubbles that differentiate between the two. On iOS, users run encrypted iMessage and unencrypted SMS side by side within Apple’s default app. And while its install base is modest in comparison to WhatsApp or iMessage, it’s growing fast. Signal is the best secure messenger available. While its standard messenger is not end-to-end encrypted by default, Android offers users the option to select an alternative default messenger that does. Fortunately, there is a simple solution available now. With that in mind, Android users should opt for a different iMessage-like alternative.