Need something achievable for an extremely tech illiterate person on iOS. I got told about this after they are already gone and have no access to the device, but am asked to solve the problem.
EDIT: (SOLVED) Signal was super easy, works awesome, and was easy even for my mom to figure out on her own. Thanks
Signal works wonders without google play
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.
Simplex chat
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.
Putting in my recommendation for Signal, use it to message, call and video call between android and iOS.
Element works without play services and has iOS & Android apps (plus web) and has a pretty friendly UI.
As others have pointed out here, Signal is a very good choice.
