How Many Signal Users Are There in 2026? Global & by Country
As of June 2026, the encrypted messaging app Signal has an estimated 80–100 million monthly active users worldwide. This figure is an industry estimate, as Signal does not publicly disclose official monthly active user numbers. The app experienced explosive growth in early 2021 following WhatsApp’s privacy policy update, and has since settled into steady, moderate growth.
Signal by the Numbers (2026)
- Estimated monthly active users (MAUs): 80–100 million (June 2026)
- Total app downloads (cumulative): over 1 billion (Google Play Store + iOS App Store; estimated 2026)
- Peak daily downloads: 7.5 million (January 2021); current daily downloads estimated at 200,000–300,000
- Countries with highest usage: India, United States, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Brazil
- Revenue model: Non-profit, funded by grants and donations (no ads, no data monetization)
Signal Monthly Active Users (Estimated, 2019–2026)
| Year | Estimated MAUs (millions) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 10–15 | Steady growth among privacy-focused users |
| 2020 | 20–30 | Growth from protests and privacy concerns |
| 2021 | 40–60 | Massive spike after WhatsApp policy change (Jan 2021) |
| 2022 | 50–70 | Retained many new users |
| 2023 | 60–80 | Continued organic growth |
| 2024 | 70–90 | Steady increase |
| 2025 | 75–95 | Minor fluctuations |
| 2026 (June) | 80–100 | Estimated |
Signal Users by Country (Estimated, June 2026)
Signal does not publish country-level MAUs. The following estimates are derived from app store download data, survey data (e.g., DataReportal, Pew Research), and third-party analytics. Figures represent approximate share of total users.
| Country | Estimated MAUs (millions) | Share of Global Users |
|---|---|---|
| India | 15–20 | 20% |
| United States | 10–15 | 15% |
| Germany | 5–8 | 8% |
| France | 4–6 | 6% |
| United Kingdom | 3–5 | 5% |
| Brazil | 3–5 | 5% |
| Russia | 2–4 | 4% |
| Mexico | 2–3 | 3% |
| Canada | 2–3 | 3% |
| Netherlands | 1–2 | 2% |
| Rest of World | 30–40 | 35% |
Historical Growth
Signal was launched in 2014 by the Signal Technology Foundation (non-profit). For years, it remained a niche app for privacy advocates and journalists. The turning point came in January 2021, when WhatsApp announced a controversial privacy policy update that allowed data sharing with Facebook. Users flocked to Signal and Telegram, with Signal gaining over 100 million new installations in a single week. Daily downloads peaked at 7.5 million on January 12, 2021. After the initial surge, Signal retained a significant portion of those users, growing from an estimated 20–30 million MAUs in 2020 to 40–60 million by end of 2021. Since then, growth has been steady but slower, as the app relies on word-of-mouth and occasional privacy scandals at competing platforms.
What Is Driving the Change
Signal’s growth is primarily driven by increasing public awareness of digital privacy and data security. Key drivers include:
- Privacy scandals: Each major data breach or privacy controversy at Facebook, WhatsApp, or Telegram tends to push users toward Signal.
- End-to-end encryption: Signal is widely considered the gold standard for encrypted messaging, with open-source code and no third-party tracking.
- Non-profit model: Signal does not collect user data or serve ads, which appeals to privacy-conscious users.
- Government endorsements: Several governments and official bodies have recommended Signal for secure communication (e.g., European Commission staff).
- Feature parity: Signal has added features like disappearing messages, group calls, and Stories (2024) to compete with WhatsApp and Telegram.
Methodology
Signal does not publish official monthly active user numbers. The figures in this report are industry estimates compiled from app store download data (Sensor Tower, Appfigures), third-party surveys (DataReportal, Pew Research Center), and analyst reports. Country-level estimates are derived from download share and survey data, and should be treated as approximations. Official figures may differ. Statistics change frequently; verify before citing.
Key Takeaways
- Signal has an estimated 80–100 million monthly active users as of June 2026.
- India and the United States account for over one-third of global users.
- Signal’s biggest growth spike occurred in early 2021; growth has since stabilized.
- Signal remains a small player compared to WhatsApp (2 billion users) but is the leading privacy-first messaging app.
- Country estimates are derived from third-party data; official numbers are not disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How many people use Signal in 2026?
A: Estimated 80–100 million monthly active users globally. - Q: Is Signal bigger than Telegram?
A: No; Telegram reported over 900 million MAUs in 2026. Signal is much smaller but more privacy-focused. - Q: How many Signal users are in the US?
A: Estimated 10–15 million MAUs. - Q: Does Signal make money?
A: Signal is a non-profit funded by grants and donations; it does not sell data or show ads. - Q: Why did Signal grow so fast in 2021?
A: WhatsApp’s privacy policy update triggered a mass exodus of users seeking encrypted alternatives.
Key takeaways
- Signal has an estimated 80–100 million monthly active users as of June 2026.
- India and the United States account for over one-third of global users.
- Signal’s biggest growth spike occurred in early 2021; growth has since stabilized.
- Signal remains a small player compared to WhatsApp (2 billion users) but is the leading privacy-first messaging app.
- Country estimates are derived from third-party data; official numbers are not disclosed.
Frequently asked questions
How many people use Signal in 2026?
Estimated 80–100 million monthly active users globally.
Is Signal bigger than Telegram?
No; Telegram reported over 900 million MAUs in 2026. Signal is much smaller but more privacy-focused.
How many Signal users are in the US?
Estimated 10–15 million MAUs.
Does Signal make money?
Signal is a non-profit funded by grants and donations; it does not sell data or show ads.
Why did Signal grow so fast in 2021?
WhatsApp’s privacy policy update triggered a mass exodus of users seeking encrypted alternatives.
