• Published Date: April 24 2025

Is Signal Truly End-to-End Encrypted — Even for Group Calls?

In today’s digital age, privacy isn't just a nice-to-have — it’s a necessity. With data breaches, surveillance concerns, and targeted advertising on the rise, many people are switching to private messaging apps. Signal , often hailed as the gold standard in secure communication, claims to provide true end-to-end encryption (E2EE). But while that might be easy to grasp for one-on-one messages, what about group calls? Are those truly encrypted too?

Let’s explore how Signal handles group call encryption — and whether your conversations are as private as promised.

What is End-to-End Encryption, Really?

End-to-end encryption means only you and the person you're communicating with can read or hear what’s being sent — no one else, not even the service provider. The data is encrypted on your device and only decrypted on the recipient's end.

This is different from server-based or “in-transit” encryption, which protects messages from hackers but still allows the company (like your email provider) to access the content.

Why does this matter? Because true E2EE means even if a company is served with a subpoena or suffers a data breach, your messages and calls remain private.

Signal’s Privacy-First Foundation

Signal isn’t just another app—it’s a nonprofit run by the Signal Foundation, built entirely around protecting user privacy. It’s open source, meaning anyone can inspect the code to verify how it works.

Signal doesn’t rely on ad revenue, data sales, or tracking to survive. That’s a huge difference compared to platforms like Facebook Messenger or Google Meet. The Signal Protocol (its encryption standard) is trusted so widely that even competitors like WhatsApp, Google, and Skype use variations of it.

One-on-One Calls: Fully Encrypted, Always

Let’s get this out of the way: one-on-one voice and video calls on Signal are completely end-to-end encrypted.

These calls typically go directly between devices. If that’s not possible, Signal uses relay servers to route the call — but the data stays encrypted the entire time. Not even Signal can access the content of your call. Even IP addresses can be masked if you enable that in settings.

✅ Verdict: Signal’s one-on-one calls are private and secure, without compromise.

What About Group Calls? Here’s How They Work

This is where things get more technical — but stick with us.

In 2020, Signal rolled out end-to-end encryption for group calls, using a system called an SFU (Selectively Forwarding Unit). Here’s the idea:

• When you’re in a group call, each participant encrypts their video and audio stream.
• The SFU server forwards these encrypted streams to others in the group.
• The server never decrypts anything — it just passes encrypted data along.

This setup allows Signal to scale group calling without compromising on privacy.

How Signal Does It:

• Uses the open-source WebRTC framework for video and audio transmission.
• Adds an extra layer of encryption on top of WebRTC.
• Relies on a unique encryption key for each call, shared securely among all participants using the Signal protocol.

📊 If you’re technical, Signal has a detailed whitepaper explaining the group call encryption process.

Unlike apps like Zoom or Microsoft Teams — where group calls may be encrypted in transit but not end-to-end encrypted by default — Signal ensures that even its servers can’t peek into your conversation.

Signal’s model is zero trust: even the infrastructure assumes no one should be trusted with your data.

Common Misconceptions: Let’s Clear Them Up

❓“If the group call goes through a server, isn’t that risky?”

Nope. Signal’s servers only act as couriers — they never see or access your data. It’s like mailing a locked box: the delivery truck carries it, but only you and the recipient have the key.

❓“Can Signal admins or moderators access group calls?”

Not at all. Signal doesn’t even know who’s in your group, what you said, or when you called.

Are There Any Risks?

As strong as Signal’s encryption is, no system is perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Device compromise: If your phone is infected with malware, encryption can’t help.
• Screenshots or recordings: Someone on the call could record your screen (though Signal can’t stop that).
• Backup risks: If you export or back up your data insecurely, privacy can be compromised.

Encryption is powerful — but endpoint security still matters.

🛡️ Related read: How to Secure Your Device for Private Communication

Final Verdict: Yes, Signal is Truly End-to-End Encrypted — Even for Group Calls

If you’re wondering whether you can trust Signal with your most private conversations — including group video calls — the answer is yes.

• Calls are encrypted from your device to your friend’s — or to the whole group.
• Servers never decrypt or store your audio or video.
• The entire system is transparent, open-source, and independently audited.

While many messaging apps make bold claims about security, Signal backs it up with real technology, real transparency, and a strong privacy mission.

FAQs

🔐 Can Signal group calls be intercepted?
Not under normal conditions. Since all calls are end-to-end encrypted, interception would require compromising a device — not the Signal app or servers.

👥 How many people can join a Signal group call?
As of now, Signal supports up to 40 participants in encrypted group calls.

🆚 Is Signal better than WhatsApp for private group calls?
Yes — although WhatsApp uses the Signal Protocol, Signal is fully independent, open-source, and doesn’t log metadata or rely on Meta (Facebook) infrastructure.

🎥 Can Signal’s group call quality compare to Zoom or Meet?
It’s getting better, especially for small to medium-sized groups. While it may not match enterprise-level tools, it’s more than good enough for most secure conversations.

Ready to Go Private?

If privacy matters to you — whether for personal conversations, activism, journalism, or just peace of mind — Signal is one of the most trustworthy tools you can use. And now you know: even your group calls are protected.