How to link Signal to my desktop without a cellphone? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) by Zeon@lemmy.world to c/privacy@lemmy.ml

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To my understanding, Signal requires that you have a physical phone to use the desktop version. Is there any way to scan the QR code without a physical device? I'm trying to make an anonymous Signal account.

My idea:

1.) Set up Android VM on Linux laptop

2.) Use laptop camera to scan the QR code on my desktop

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[-] eldavi@lemmy.ml 4 points 2 months ago

this stopped me from joining and it makes me wonder why it's so heavily endorsed in privacy circles.

[-] GaumBeist@lemmy.ml 11 points 2 months ago

Because privacy is a spectrum, and it makes a good stepping off point for the people that still use text messages and social media chat clients to stay in touch. I can't convince half of my nerd friends to leave Discord for literally anything less shit, but I can convince even my tech-averse mother to use Signal instead of FaceTime.

[-] herseycokguzelolacak@lemmy.ml 6 points 2 months ago

I think Signal is still better that Whatsapp. But it is not the magic app that Signalbroa hype.

[-] eldavi@lemmy.ml 0 points 2 months ago

haven't tried either because of my paranoia (lol) and never heard of signalroa, thanks for making me aware.

[-] sakuraba@lemmy.ml 3 points 2 months ago

is that a thing or just a typo for signalbros?

[-] eldavi@lemmy.ml 1 points 2 months ago

a typo; i cruise lemmy left the left hand and work with the right hand. lol

[-] Valarie@lemmygrad.ml 2 points 2 months ago

I use it but just barely because it is better than things like discord for mildly sensitive stuff

this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2026

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