Signal won't install on my Mac

Signal Desktop needs macOS 12 Monterey or later. On 2012 to 2014 Macs it no longer installs or updates.

What it means

Signal's desktop app requires macOS 12 or later, and Signal has no web version: on a Mac that can't get there, there's no way to use it on the computer.

Mac (newest macOS it takes)Does it install?
2012 (10.15 Catalina)No
2013–2014 (11 Big Sur)No
Mac mini 2014, 2015 (12 Monterey)Yes
2017 MacBook Pro (13 Ventura)Yes

What you can do

  • Use Signal only on your phone, which is the main app: the desktop one is a companion.
  • Install Linux: Signal publishes its desktop app for Linux (64-bit Ubuntu and Debian), the same as on Mac and Windows. It links to your phone by scanning a QR code.

If you want to keep using this Mac with everything up to date

Linux is a free system that still gets updates on these Macs. With it you get up-to-date apps like Chrome, Steam, Signal or VS Code again, and security patches for the whole system. The ResucitaTuMac Kit installs it for you with a wizard, in English or Spanish, without sending the Mac anywhere: you can keep macOS alongside and choose at power-on.

It's for Intel Macs from 2012 to 2015 and the 2017 MacBook Pro without Touch Bar. One-off payment of €24.99.

Check for free whether your Mac worksSee how it's done

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