so i convinced my friend to get signal for a secure conversation. we both got it installed, and started talking. but it still said "unsecure sms" in faint grey

so i convinced my friend to get signal for a secure conversation. we both got it installed, and started talking. but it still said "unsecure sms" in faint grey letters in the input box. i almost didn't notice. she sent me screenshots she was messaging me from signal. we both verified our numbers. what was going on? after "refreshing" the contact list the unsecure message went away. were those initial message sent securely? i have no idea. that is the kind of poor ux that mars the experience -- without trust there is no point using it