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Signal - Private Messenger: What Users Actually Complain About

Signal Messenger, LLC · Social Networking · iOS · App Store 4.7★ · 1,107,729 ratings

295 reviews analyzed 94 negative (≤3★) 7 pain clusters updated Oct 31, 2026

Overview

Signal users primarily face privacy concerns and message delivery issues, with secondary problems in notification reliability, group management, and media sharing. The app needs improvements in core functionality while maintaining its security focus.

Top complaints

1. Privacy Concerns

cluster 1/7
30% of complaints●●●●○ sev 4/530 reviews

Users have concerns about privacy including phone number requirements and data identification issues.

“My friends and I got this to be we hope to be more secure, and it may in fact be that. On the other hand they do everyth”
“Signal still requires registering with a phone number, which can be used to identify you. SimpleX Chat requires zero ide”
“Such promising functionality and features BUT, alas, I only downloaded this app for security and privacy reasons - only ”

2. Message Delivery and Sync Problems

cluster 2/7
25% of complaints●●●○○ sev 3/525 reviews

Users experience delays in message delivery and issues with message synchronization across devices.

“Sometimes I won't get a message for up to 24 hours when it was sent earlier. Usually I have good cellular or Wi-Fi cover”
“For at least 4-5 years, Signal has purported to provide a way to sync your message history with a new device, but it con”
“I now have issues with the app connecting under WIFI and it won't send or receive messages when it's connected”

3. Notification Issues

cluster 3/7
10% of complaints●●○○○ sev 2/510 reviews

Users face problems with notification reliability, pop-ups, and settings.

“Every time you load the app and asked if you want to turn on notifications doesn't give you the option to to dismiss tha”
“I often miss calls and texts because Signal won't always signal that I have a call or text coming in”
“a pop-up comes up on the bottom of the app that tells you notifications are turned off”

4. Group Management Limitations

cluster 4/7
7% of complaints●●○○○ sev 2/57 reviews

Users report limitations in group creation, management, and functionality.

“This app needs to be edited so that the administrator/creator of a group can select multiple people to remove from the g”
“The app doesn't let me see any groups I'm on and wouldn't let me create a group”

5. Media Sharing Issues

cluster 5/7
10% of complaints●●○○○ sev 2/510 reviews

Users experience difficulties when sharing media files, particularly multiple images.

“Sending multiple picturesOn the WhatsApp group chat was possible, but sending them on the signal group chat doesn't seem”
“Camera will often stop responding when trying to snap a photo from inside a message in signal”

6. App Update and Backup Problems

cluster 6/7
9% of complaints●●●○○ sev 3/59 reviews

Users face issues with app updates, backups, and performance after updates.

“With every 'update' I hold my breath hoping the core defects such as frequent loss of connectivity with the server resul”
“Can you please update the app, so that it notifies you when you need to update it?”

7. User Interface Issues

cluster 7/7
6% of complaints●●○○○ sev 2/56 reviews

Users report problems with the app's interface including access and functionality.

“The app itself is fine once you finally get access to it. Changed numbers for a new job. The new number previous owner h”

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