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.

About your edit: precious information, thanks!

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.

You're right, I clarified it a little.

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.

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.

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

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

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...

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

You can get a google voice number and just activate through that. On iOS you have to type a confirmation code in manually, so there is no need for a debug version there.

If only Google voice existed outside the US.

You could always use it without the phone.