Signal works wonders without google play
this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2023
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Privacy
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Can even get the apk from their website that has a self updater so no aurora store/playstore needed also available on ios. Simplex is another option but not as user friendly for older folk
It's a pain that they are so secret about the webpage, but here it is, if you want to install the Signal apk for non-google-play devices:
https://signal.org/android/apk/
Note: this is a different version than the one on google play because it defaults to websocket. The one on Google play will not work without google play (what technically will not work is the notifications I believe, but I'm not sure anymore, it's been a while since I was in that situation). Besides that, I believe the versions are identical. Also, this version will send you a notification for updates which are done by the app itself.
It has worked flawlessly for years for me.
Same notifications arent an issue with the app running in the background.
Why not just use an F-Droid repo?
Probably slower than getting it directly from the source. And the app checks for updates itself, so that's not an issue.
There is a Foss version repository in f-Droid. Or you can download an apk from their website.
As others have pointed out here, Signal is a very good choice.
If they do not have cell service, they won't be able to set up Signal, or any other service that requires a phone number (they won't be able to receive the text message that verifies they own the number).
Element works without play services and has iOS & Android apps (plus web) and has a pretty friendly UI.
It's also available from F-Droid, so you wouldn't need a Google Play apk downloader.
I was introduced to it when I first installed Graphene. Unfortunately, I have no intentions of running Chrome for anything. The only time I have ever used it was for Graphene. I made the matrix account, and asked a question on the Graphene matrix server. As soon as the Graphene install was done I deleted everything involved. Even the base OS was on a spare machine solely for this purpose. Now I have a matrix account but it complains all the time about not being secured and wants me to link to the original Chrome install keys that don't exist. Matrix has no way for me to update or delete these either.
I think you might have misunderstood something along the way. You don't need to use Chrome to use Element. Element is a client for the Matrix federated chat protocol. It exists as a web app (that works just fine with Firefox), an iOS app, and an Android app (that's available in F-Droid). You can also use any other Matrix client you want.
And if you want to use the same account, the only thing you won't have access to is your past encrypted messages.
I only needed chrome for installing GrapheneOS. They integrate the install into the chrome browser. Sorry if the was not clear. This is how I first encountered Matix. Graphene embeds a matrix client in to installation web page, so if a new user needs help with installation, all they need to do is use matrix. This is how and why I created a matrix account.
What is GP? without phone access?
What is GP?
Probably 'Google Play [Services]'.
without phone access?
OP doesn't have access to the phone(s) to install & setup something for them.
I would say Signal, like others have pointed out.
Alternatively you could try Threema
Second for Threema.
Simplex chat
Putting in my recommendation for Signal, use it to message, call and video call between android and iOS.
These are probably less ideal for the tech illiterate, but they are available for iOS and haven't been mentioned yet:
Session
Element / Matrix (edit to note someone else did already mention element above in the thread)
This sounds tricky...
The only iOS message bridge i'm aware of is AirMessage, and that requires a Mac computer to act as the app's server
They asked for any cross platform messages app, not an iMessage bridge. I'd say Element
Oh oops, my bad - I misunderstood the question...
Don’t blame yourself, it was extremely poorly worded and unnecessarily confusing.