Fork from a private messenger for Android with extra options added: full backup and (partial, ony text) xml backup of messages. Restore can happen at any time, not only after a fresh install. Import SMS database. Import of (unencrypted) WhatsApp databases. Removed apk expire. Choose between passphrase protection and the Android screenlock. Choice for the backup location (internal or removable storage on Android < 11 (on 11 and higher this is already possible)). Set the maptype in the place picker. Option to treat view-once media as normal media. Option to ignore remote deletion. Choose between FCM or websocket notification delivery.
Just recently found out about this build and some of the feature is interesting. Would like to install it but I can't install it due to already having a Signal installation (Google Play Store version).
What is the best approach to install this build?
Some of the way I can think of is as follow but I'm not sure which is the best way to do this.
Uninstall the current app and install johanw666 version, would this delete existing data (conversation, group, contact, media, etc)?
If you uninstall your current version you lose all conversations so making a backup first is advisable. Then you can uninstall, inslall my fork and restore your backup.
If you have a rooted device there are other options though with xposed modules or Lucky Patcher to disable apk signature checking.
johanw666
commented
3 years ago 
o-data
Just recently found out about this build and some of the feature is interesting. Would like to install it but I can't install it due to already having a Signal installation (Google Play Store version).
What is the best approach to install this build?
Some of the way I can think of is as follow but I'm not sure which is the best way to do this. Uninstall the current app and install johanw666 version, would this delete existing data (conversation, group, contact, media, etc)?
Do a backup, uninstall and install?
Create a PIN, uninstall and install?