How to Use Signal Group Call Options

The app supports end-to-end encrypted video calls

by
Jerri Ledford
Jerri Ledford
Writer, Editor
Jerri L. Ledford has been writing about technology since 1994. Her work has appeared in Computerworld, PC Magazine, Information Today, and many others.
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Jerri Ledford
Updated on February 05, 2021

What to Know

  • Tap the pencil icon > New Group > select members > Next > name the group > Create.
  • Open the group > tap the video icon Start Call button.
  • Group calls can have up to 8 participants.

This article outlines how to create a group and set up or join a group call using the Signal Private Messaging app.

How to Create a Group in Signal

Before you can create a group call in Signal, you'll need to create a group.

  1. Open the Signal app and tap the pencil icon in the upper right corner of the screen.

  2. Then, on the New Message page, tap New Group.

  3. Select the Signal members you would like to add to your group and then tap Next.

  4. On the next screen, type a name for your group and tap Create.

    Screenshots showing how to create a group in Signal.

Doing this creates a group with the members you selected. If you want to invite other friends, tap Invite Friends > Enable and Share Link button on the main group page. Then choose the option that matches the way you want to share the invitation link with your friends.

How to Create a Group Call in Signal

Once you've created a group on Signal, then you can make a Group Call.

If there are more than eight members of your group, not everyone will be able to join the call at the same time. On the free version of the Signal app, you're limited to 8 participants on a group call.

  1. Open the the group you want to call and tap the video icon at the top of the screen.

  2. Your selfie camera comes on. Tap the Start Call button.

  3. This starts the video call, and the other members of the group will receive notification that a group call has been initiated. They can also open the group page and join from there.

  4. On the call screen, you can control your video, microphone and tap the red phone button to leave the call when you're done.

    Screenshots showing how to start a group call on the Signal app.

How to Join a Group Call on Signal

If you aren't the person starting the call on Signal, you can still join a call happening in a group if you're a member.

  1. In the Signal app, tap the group that's having a call.

  2. On the main group page, tap Join in the upper right corner.

  3. Your selfie camera will be activated. And you'll see controls to flip the camera, mute your microphone or activate/deactivate your video camera. When you have the settings you want, tap Join Call to be added to the group call.

    If you want to see who is on the call before you join, tap the list of participants at the top of the screen before you tap the Join Call option.

    Screenshots showing how to join a Signal group call.
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