Emily Bennett
How To Check for Updates in the Signal App in 2025
Keeping the Signal app updated is pretty much non-negotiable these days if you want the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. Sometimes, certain bugs or security issues only get fixed in newer versions, so you don’t wanna just ignore updates. Plus, it’s annoying when you’re trying to send a message and everything’s buggy because you’re lagging behind on app version. This guide is to make sure you know exactly how to check for updates on both Android and iOS, without spending forever digging through menus.
How to Check for Signal App Updates on Your Device
Open your app store — it’s where updates happen
- On Android, that’s the Google Play Store. Usually, it’s in the app drawer or on the home screen.
- On iOS, it’s the App Store. Looks like a blue ‘A’ icon.
Getting into the app store is the first step — because, surprise, that’s where updates are managed. Sometimes, updates are sneaky and don’t pop up unless you manually check, especially if you’ve got auto-updates turned off.
Search for Signal — find out if there’s a new version
- Type Signal into the search bar and go to its page.
- Here, you’ll see the current version listed, and if there’s an update, the store will usually tell you. On Google Play, a big Update button might appear. On iOS, you’ll see an update button too, or maybe just the version number if it’s current.
Noticing this helps — some versions just sit there forever because people forget to check. Not sure why it works, but sometimes hitting the update button on the app store makes all the difference.
Check for updates — is there a new version waiting?
- If the Update button is there, tap it. It’ll then download and install the latest version.
- If it says Open or Install instead, congrats — your app is already up to date. Usually, though, if the version number’s behind the latest, that button will be there.
This step’s kinda weird, because on some setups the update button refuses to show up immediately. Might need to refresh the page or restart the app store. Because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Set it to update automatically — so you don’t have to worry later
- On Android, open Settings, go to Network Preferences, then tap Auto-update apps and pick Over Wi-Fi only or Any network.
- On iOS, go to Settings, scroll down to App Store, and toggle App Updates to on.
This is kind of a no-brainer for busy folks — because it keeps Signal (and other apps) always fresh without you having to manually check.
Extra tips & common hiccups
- Make sure your internet connection is solid — unreliable Wi-Fi or data can mess with download speeds.
- If the update isn’t showing up, try restarting your device — sometimes Apple/Google just need a reboot to refresh the app store’s cache.
- Also, keeping your device’s OS up to date boosts overall app stability — because an outdated OS can cause weird glitches.
Randomly, on some machines this method might not work the first time, then surprisingly works after a reboot. Not sure why, but worth trying.
Wrap-up
Honestly, checking for updates in Signal is unless you’re the type to ignore it, pretty straightforward. Staying on top of versions means better security, new goodies, and fewer bugs. Having auto-updates on makes it even easier — just sit back and let the device do the work. Hopefully, this shaves off a few hours for someone.
Summary
- Open Google Play Store or App Store
- Search for Signal and check the version/display update button
- Tap update if available
- Turn on auto-updates for hassle-free staying current
- Restart device if updates don’t show up immediately
Final thoughts
Keeping Signal updated isn’t rocket science, but it’s one of those things that’s easy to forget. Managed to get a few people to do it—mostly after a reboot or two—but it’s worth keeping an eye on. If this gets one update moving, mission accomplished. Just something that worked on multiple machines. Fingers crossed this helps.