Signal removes SMS integration from Android app to keep its security

Signal will soon stop supporting SMS in its Android app. There are several reasons for this decision.

Signal is removing the ability to send and receive SMS messages in its Android app. Those using Signal as their default SMS app will receive an alert advising them to switch. It will be possible to export SMS messages and import them into another application (of course, if the latter allows it).

Signal will soon stop supporting SMS in its Android app

However, this change will not happen instantly. “You’ll have several months to opt out of texting in Signal, export text messages to another app, and tell the people you’re talking to that they should switch to Signal or find another platform to stay in touch with you,”Signal explained in a blog post.

Signal also recalled that it included this SMS support to make everyday use easier, so you don’t have to convince your friends to use Signal before messaging them in the app. While this move is very convenient for those using Signal as their primary messaging service, the company has put forward a number of practical reasons for the move.

First, SMS messages are not end-to-end encrypted. Moreover, given the evolution of data and SMS pricing in recent years, it is often more expensive to send an SMS than a Signal message today. “We had some feedback from users complaining about high bills because they thought the SMS messages they sent were actually Signal messages, and in fact their carrier might be charging,” Signal explained in the post. “It’s a terrible experience with very real consequences.”

There are several reasons for this decision.

Signal also wants people to not confuse SMS and Signal messages in the app. The distinction between the two has “significant implications for UX and design.”In addition, Signal explains that deprecating SMS will free up resources to work on other projects and features.

The decision came after a data leak from her verification partner Twillio. Signal explained that as a result of the incident, about 1900 phone numbers and SMS codes of its users were disclosed. No one knows if the removal of this feature is a direct consequence of this shortcoming.