[mfwoods]

You still need a phone with a registered Signal on iOS or Android initially to activate the desktop version (sorry if that wasn't clear), but you can turn your phone off after.

Edit: It actually has the option to register without smartphone, but it's only enabled in the debug versions.

[kome]

About your edit: precious information, thanks!

[pvg]

Speaking of edits, you should probably edit the misinformation out of your original post, while you have time. It's ranked pretty high up the thread and it's completely inaccurate.

[mfwoods]

You're right, I clarified it a little.

[pvg]

Oh I meant the original poster, who claims you need a turned-on and present phone for Signal desktop to work. The person you originally corrected.

[superkuh]

The original poster was correct though. Just because you only need to do it once doesn't mean it isn't required. As a person without a smart phone I can't use it.

Nor would I since it still requires a phone number to use.

[Vinnl]

They could correct this line: " keeping your phone open"

[ofek]

Where can you get the debug version? I can't find it.

[mfwoods]

You can build it yourself from source. While it's true that the debug version uses different servers, the functionality is there and can probably be enabled in a production build with little modifications.

This might get you started: https://github.com/WhisperSystems/Signal-Desktop/blob/d1f7f5...

[fiatjaf]

The debug version uses a different server. Will not work.