If you use Signal for sensitive conversations, you know its end-to-end encryption is top-notch. Even so, for years there was a point of contention: sharing your phone number to chat . This has now been resolved with the introduction of usernames, a feature that allows you to connect without exposing your mobile number.
Signal has rolled out this new feature after a beta period and is now enabling it for everyone. The goal is clear: to let you hide your number by default and use a less sensitive identifier to initiate contact. This doesn't replace phone registration (which will still be required), but it does change how others find you and what they see about you.
Signal usernames: what's really changing
With this update, the discovery system takes a significant turn: your number no longer appears on your profile by default for those who haven't saved you. This means you can chat with someone without them seeing your phone number, reducing the exposure of personal data in risky situations.
The new identifiers act as a "handle" to help you be found : you choose a unique name and share it with whomever you want. Important: your username is not the same as the profile name you see in chats; your profile is what's displayed during the conversation and doesn't have to be unique, while your username must be.
To prevent duplicates and improve abuse prevention, Signal usernames require at least two digits at the end (for example, "pepe.07"). You can also change them at any time: if you change yours, anyone trying to contact you using your old username will be unable to reach you.
Another security measure is that there is no global user search engine . Only someone who knows your exact username (or has your link/QR code) can start a chat with you. This, combined with the requirement for digits, reduces spam and prevents mass enumeration.
The feature is optional and flexible. You can keep your number visible if you prefer, or limit who can find you through your phone in the settings. However, for everything to work, both you and the other person must have the app updated to the latest version . During the initial beta, it was available on Android through the Google Play testing program, and it's now being rolled out more widely.
Create your username and share it
Setup is done in a few steps through your account settings, and once activated, you can connect via link or QR code without revealing your phone number. Remember: the contact will see your profile name in the chat, not the identifier with @.
How to create or change your username on Signal: Android : Tap your profile picture, tap your name at the top, and select @username . iPhone : Go to your profile picture, Settings, tap your name at the top, and choose @username . If the username is available, it's yours; otherwise, try variations until you find a unique option with two digits at the end.
To quickly share your username, Signal lets you generate a direct link or QR code that opens a chat with you. Access it from: profile picture > your name > QR code or link. This method is ideal for groups or for avoiding typos.
There are some nuances to consider: if someone only has your old username, they won't be able to find you after a change. If you blocked someone and they then change their username, they'll remain blocked . And since there's no general search function, only people with your exact username or your link will be able to contact you.
Finally, if at any point you don't want to rely on your username, you can always allow people to find you by your phone number or make it visible. You control this switch in the app's privacy settings.
Control who sees and who can find you by your number
In addition to usernames, Signal includes fine-tuning controls for your mobile device: "Who can see my number" and "Who can find me by my number ." These are two separate things, and it's important to configure them correctly.
Go to Privacy > Phone number. Under "Who can see my number," you decide whether the other person can see your phone number while you're in a chat. This setting is set to "Nobody" by default to enhance discretion, even when you start a conversation using a username.
In "Who can find me by my number," you control whether anyone who has your phone number in their contacts can find you on Signal. By default, the option is "Everyone ," but you can change it to "Nobody" so that even those who have your number can't automatically find you on the app.
Keep in mind this operational detail: if you select "Nobody" and don't configure a username , no one will be able to initiate a chat with you. The most private combination is usually: an active username, a phone number not visible in chats, and limited or disabled phone discovery.
Registration, verification and safe first steps
To use Signal, you need a working phone number to create an account. Although conversations don't use SMS/MMS (they use mobile data), the number serves to verify your identity and limit you to a single account.
When you install the app, Signal may request access to your contacts to privately check who is using it. You can deny this permission and add numbers manually if you prefer; the app will still work. After entering your mobile number, you will receive a 6-digit code via SMS to complete the verification.
Next, you'll create your profile and a PIN . Your name (real or alias) is required; your photo and surname are optional. The PIN protects data like your profile and helps you recover your settings on a new phone. On Android, you first complete the profile and then the PIN; on iPhone, you first set the PIN and then fill out the profile.
Activate Registration Lock to prevent someone from registering your number on another device without your PIN. You'll find it in Account (Android) or Settings > Account (iPhone). Señal will ask for your PIN from time to time to help you remember it.
If you're worried about exposing your primary mobile phone, press freedom organizations recommend considering a secondary number just for Signal. This allows you to separate identities and minimize risks without sacrificing usability.
Privacy and security: essential settings
Beyond usernames, the app offers a good number of controls designed to protect your metadata and traceability . Below is an overview of key features and how to use them effectively.
Verify security numbers
When you start a chat, you can verify the contact's cryptographic identity to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. Open the chat, tap the contact's name, and select "View security number" : you'll see a 60-digit string and a QR code. You can compare the numbers via a secondary channel or scan the QR code if you're together. Then mark it as verified.
Disappearing messages and viewing once
Disappearing messages delete content after a certain time has passed since the recipient viewed them. You can set a default value for all chats or configure each conversation separately from its info screen.
For particularly sensitive content, photos and videos can be sent in "view once" mode by tapping the corresponding icon (a 1 will appear). The recipient will only be able to open them once, although nothing prevents them from taking a screenshot on their device.
More discreet notifications
Notifications can reveal information on the lock screen. In Notifications > Show, choose whether to hide content and sender , show only the sender, or show everything. This setting gives you fine-grained control without relying on the system's global settings.
Screen lock and visual privacy
Enable screen lock to require biometric authentication or a PIN when opening Signal, even after unlocking your phone. And if you want to hide content in the app switcher, use the Screen Security option (Android) or "Hide Screen in Switcher" (iPhone). On Android, this mode also blocks screenshots.
Link Previews
Signal can generate link previews when you share URLs. This is disabled by default; if you've enabled it, consider disabling it again because it can filter the website you're sharing the link to, especially if it includes unique tracking tokens.
Incognito keyboard and keyboard auditing
On Android, you can enable Incognito Keyboard to reduce the risk of third-party keyboards collecting data. Even so, it's best to review your installed keyboards and uninstall any you don't use or don't trust. See Review installed keyboards and related settings.
- Android: Settings > System > Keyboard > On-screen Keyboard. Disable or remove keyboards you don't use.
- iPhone: Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards. Remove any you don't need.
Use a proxy if Signal is blocked
If your Signal connection is restricted in your region, you can connect through a volunteer-run proxy server . Messages will still be end-to-end encrypted, although the proxy provider will see your IP address.
- Android: Profile picture > Data and storage > Use proxy and activate. Enter the address and save. You will see a green check at the top if it works.
- iPhone: Profile picture > Privacy > Advanced > Proxy. Activate, enter the address and save. A green indicator if the connection is correct.
Hide your IP on calls
By default, calls can be P2P and reveal your IP address to the other person . Enable " Always relay calls " to route them through Signal's servers, hiding your IP address at the cost of a slight loss of quality . For more options for private calls, see how to make private calls and hide your number.
Review paired devices
You can use Signal on your computer or tablet using paired devices . Check this list periodically (in Settings > Paired devices) and unpair anything you don't recognize using the three-dot menu next to each device.
Stories: Visibility Control
Stories work similarly to other platforms: you can limit who sees them (all contacts, custom lists, or specific groups). If you turn off view receipts , you also won't see who has viewed yours. And if you're not interested, you can disable the feature entirely.
Change your phone number
If you get a new number or want to switch to a secondary one, Signal lets you migrate your account to another mobile. Go to Account > Change phone number, confirm your old and new numbers, and follow the verification steps.
Initiate conversations and calls
To open a chat, tap the pencil icon (bottom right on Android, top right on iPhone). If you've granted permission to Contacts, you'll see who's using Signal; otherwise, enter the number manually or use your username link/QR code to connect without exposing your phone.
Voice and video calls use the same end-to-end encryption . You can also generate a Call Link for others to easily join.
Groups: links, permissions, and security
Creating a group is as simple as choosing contacts and giving it a name. You can manually approve new members and enable an invitation link (with the option to reset or delete it if it gets leaked). In Permissions, you can restrict who can change the group name or add new people.
In large groups, it's a good idea to occasionally check the member list for unfamiliar profiles . Tap the group name and scroll through the members to confirm that everyone who should be there is.
Trustmarks and minimal metadata
Signal is free and open-source software with end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, and files. In response to legal requirements, it has certified that it only retains two pieces of data: the timestamp of account creation and the date of the last access to the service.
Availability and requirements
The launch of new usernames began in beta and is now officially announced , with a phased rollout over the coming weeks. To take advantage of it, make sure your app is up to date, and remember that both parties in the chat must be using the latest version for everything to work.
The Signal community is very active, with unofficial spaces for discussion and support. Beyond forums and headlines, the key is combining usernames, number visibility controls, and fine-tuning features like disappearing messages, security verification, and screen lock to maximize your privacy without complicating your daily life.
