Signal supports iPadOS 15 and later. For most people who already use Signal on a phone, the right setup is to link the iPad to that existing account: open Signal on the iPad to show a QR code, then scan it from the phone’s Linked devices settings. Registering the iPad separately is a different setup path that uses a phone number and verification code; it does not add the iPad to the phone’s account.
Choose how you want to use Signal on iPad
Decide whether the iPad should join your existing Signal account or be set up as a separate device. Linking is the usual choice if you want to use the same account on your phone and iPad. Separate registration is for a distinct account setup and requires access to the number used for verification.
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| Setup | What it does | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Link the iPad | Adds the iPad to the existing Signal account on your primary phone. | The primary phone, with Signal registered and working, to scan the iPad’s QR code. |
| Register separately | Sets up the iPad as a separate Signal device rather than linking it to the phone account. | Ability to receive an SMS or phone call at the number used for registration. |
Signal’s installation guidance describes both setup routes. If you choose separate registration, follow the separate-device flow in the app; do not choose it when your goal is to add the iPad to your existing phone account. Signal’s installation instructions
Check iPad compatibility before installing
Signal’s installation guidance lists iPadOS 15 or later, and Apple’s App Store listing also gives iPadOS 15.0 or later as the requirement. Check the iPad’s installed version in Settings > General > About, and confirm the current App Store requirement for your region and device before installing. Signal Support: Installing Signal · Apple App Store: Signal – Private Messenger
#1 Best Overall
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Link the iPad to your existing phone account
- Install Signal from the App Store and open it on the iPad.
- Choose Continue, then Add as New Device. Signal displays a QR code on the iPad.
- On your primary phone, open Signal and go to Settings > Linked devices > Link a new device.
- Authorize the action using the phone’s device-unlock method, then scan the QR code displayed on the iPad.
- When prompted, choose whether to synchronize available chat history, then complete setup.
- Send a message from the iPad to check that the linked device is working.
These are Signal’s documented linking steps. Signal Support says, “All Signal communication on linked devices is private, just like your smartphone.” Signal Support: Linked Devices
What happens to chats and media when you link?
Do not assume that linking copies every old message and attachment. Signal’s linked-device instructions describe an optional synchronization of chats and the last 45 days of media. Its installation article also notes that chat history is not transferred in its description of iPad linking. Treat synchronization as limited availability, not a complete archive or a guarantee that every conversation will appear. Signal Support: Linked Devices · Signal Support: Installing Signal
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Keep the linked iPad connected
A linked iPad depends on the account’s primary phone for ongoing account maintenance. Signal says the primary phone must come online at least once every 30 days; otherwise linked devices become unlinked. It also says a linked device becomes unlinked after 45 days of inactivity. You can review linked devices in Signal’s Settings on the primary device, and remove a device there if you no longer use it. Signal allows up to five linked devices per account. Signal Support: Linked Devices
Troubleshoot an iPad that will not link
If Signal cannot complete linking
- Update Signal on the phone, then confirm that the phone account is registered and working.
- Check the primary phone’s Linked devices list to see whether the account has reached the limit of five linked devices.
- If a VPN or firewall is active, check its network rules. Signal’s troubleshooting guidance says to allow
*.signal.organd TCP port 443. Signal cautions that its underlying IP addresses change, so an IP-based allowlist may stop working.
If the iPad QR code will not scan
- Adjust the distance between the phone camera and the iPad’s display.
- Increase the iPad screen brightness and try scanning again.
These checks follow Signal’s multiple-device troubleshooting guidance; a separate QR accessory is not needed.
Rank #3
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Why Signal works on iPad
Signal announced iPad support in 2019 as a linked-device option and described a landscape inbox and conversation view. That announcement is historical context; use Signal’s current support pages and the App Store listing for present-day setup and compatibility details. Signal Blog: Signal for iPad, and other iOS improvements
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
- Smart Connector. 3.5 mm headphone jack. Stereo speakers. On/Off - Sleep/Wake. Home/Touch ID sensor. Dual microphones. Volume up/down. Nano-SIM tray (cellular models). Lightning connector
- A10 Fusion chip.
- Touch ID fingerprint sensor,
- 8MP back camera, 1. 2MP FaceTime HD front camera.
- Stereo speakers.
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