The relationship between private messaging and phone numbers has always been complicated. Signal was born as the reference option for end-to-end encrypted conversations, but it asked for a sensitive piece of information: your mobile line. That has changed with the arrival of user names and new settings that let you hide who you are at the number level and precisely control how people find you.
If you're concerned about privacy or work in high-risk environments, these updates are a perfect fit. Now you can chat without exposing your number to strangers, limit discovery by phone, and share a link or QR code so only those who really need it reach you. Here's a complete guide, with key tricks and tweaks, to keep your Signal account as smooth as a clock.
What's changing in Signal: hiding your number and using usernames
For years, your number was the handy identifier in Signal and that generated friction. The platform introduces three pillars: by default, your number is no longer displayed on your profile to those who don't have it in their agenda; you can create a unique username to connect without revealing the line; and the possibility of share that user via direct link or QR code to start a chat without exposing personal data.
It is important to understand both names of your account. The Username is your unique identifier so they can find you; however, what your contacts will see in the conversation is your name of profile, which isn't unique and can even be renamed locally in your app. This avoids confusion and allows you to separate contact and public presentation.
How usernames work to protect your privacy
Signal has designed the system to reduce spam and impersonation. Each username is only and must end with two mandatory digits (e.g. Ana.07 or SSD.01). This suffix makes it easier to unique and you can change your username whenever you want if you want to renew your contact handle without losing your chats.
By design, there is no global user search within the app. This means that no one can start talking to you If you do not know your exact username or if you do not access through your link or QR codeThe decision is aimed at protecting your privacy: if you don't share your username, it's as if you don't exist to anyone who doesn't know you, even if that person has your number saved.
It is worth remembering that even if you use usernames to connect, Account verification is still being done with your number. That information is used to register the line and maintain account limits per phone, but now you can hide it and prevent it from appearing on your profile or in new chats unless you expressly permit it.
Availability: from beta feature to general deployment
The news started in Beta, initially available on Android through Google Play for those who signed up to try it out. After a few weeks of testing, the general deployment, with default visibility settings that already limit the number's exposure, and with usernames ready to use.
To make sure everything runs smoothly, it's ideal for you and your interlocutor to be using the latest version available. Updating the app avoids incompatibilities when sharing a user, generating a QR code or tapping the number visibility, and reduces possible strange behavior in old clients.
Hide your number: The two key controls you should look at
Visit Settings > Privacy > Phone Number. You'll see two key toggles. On the one hand, "who can see my number»: By default, it remains at «Nobody», which implies that your number will not be shown in chats unless the other person has saved it or you change the setting.
On the other hand, "Who can find me by number?", which is usually set to "Everyone" by default. If you change it to "Nobody", Even someone who has your phone number in their address book won't be able to locate you automatically. on Signal. In that scenario, they'll need your username, a shared link, or your QR code to start a conversation. It's the best way to close the door to unwanted contacts and Prevent tracking with People Nearby.
Practical note: if you set "Who can find me by number" to "Nobody" and do not define a user, No one new will be able to start a chat with youIn practice, your username becomes a controlled gateway for people to write to you, and you'll only share it with those you're interested in.
Create and share your unique username
To set up your username: Go to Settings (profile icon at the top left), tap your account card, and look for "Username." Choose an identifier with which you'll be able to use your username. two-digit suffixIf it's already taken, try different options until you find a free one; remember that You can change it later without losing conversations.
To share it, Signal makes it easy: generate a direct link or a QR code from your profile and send it through your preferred channel. Whoever opens it will land in your conversation and can write to you. without seeing your number and without relying on internal searches.
If you block someone and that person changes their username, will remain blockedBlocking works at the account level; there's no shortcut to overriding your decision simply by changing the identifier.
Security Check: Check who you're talking to
Signal allows you to verify that the session is encrypted with the correct person. Open the chat, tap the contact's name, and go to "View security numbers." You'll see a 60-digit string and a QR code; you can compare numbers or scan the code if you're together.
- Android: Menu (three dots) > Chat settings > View safety numbers.
- iOS: Enter a chat > tap the contact name > View safety numbers.
If the numbers match, mark the person as verified. You won't have to repeat it Unless someone changes devices or reinstalls their account, Signal will notify you to reverify via an alternative channel before sharing sensitive information.
Don't let the keyboard spy on you
Third-party keyboards may send data to external services. On Android, you can enable the keyboard incognito mode in Signal to minimize what is recorded beyond the app.
- Android: Settings > Privacy > Incognito Keyboard > On.
Check which keyboards you have installed and active on your system. The fewer, the better; uninstall the ones you don't use to reduce your display area.
- Android (may vary): Device settings > System > Languages & input > On-screen keyboard.
- iOS: Device Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
Disappearing messages and "view once"
In addition to being able to delete messages manually, you can activate the automatic disappearanceChoose a time (from 30 seconds to weeks or custom) and the message will be deleted after that period on both devices.
- Android: Enter a chat > tap the contact name > Disappearing messages.
- iOS: Enter a chat > tap the contact name > Disappearing messages.
You can also set a default time for all new conversations: Settings > Privacy > Default message disappearance time. For more sensitive content, use the "see once» in photos and videos; remember that screenshots are still possible.
Device security: the link that matters most
Encryption protects transit, but the weak link is often the device itself. Set up a robust screen lock on your mobile phone: if someone takes it unlocked, encryption can do little.
- Android (varies): Device settings > Security > Screen lock.
- iOS: Settings > Face/Touch ID & Passcode.
If you want to add another layer, activate the Screen lock within SignalThis way, even with your phone unlocked, you'll still need to authenticate to access the app.
- Android: Settings > Privacy > Screen lock > On.
- iOS: Settings > Privacy > Screen lock > On.
Also make sure your phone is device-level encryptionModern iPhones come with the lock enabled by default; on Android, most current models also have it enabled by default, but it's a good idea to check it in system settings.
Hide content in the app switcher and take care of notifications
The app switcher may show the last screen of Signal. Toggle on the screen security to hide that preview and, on Android, prevent screenshots within the app.
- Android: Settings > Privacy > Screen Security > On.
- iOS: Settings > Privacy > Hide Signal in app switcher > Turn On.
From Settings > Notifications > Display, choose what is shown when a notification arrives. On Android, you can choose "No name or message»; on iOS, «Neither sender nor content". It is the way to prevent lock screen leaks.
Linked devices and number change
Check yours from time to time paired devices and delete any you don't recognize. It's common to forget an old laptop or shared tablet and leave a session open without realizing it.
If you change lines, use the Settings > Account > option. Change phone numberYou enter the old and new ones, verify, and the app migrates your context to avoid confusion with your contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Number and Username
- Do chats show your username? No: Your profile name will appear in the conversation. The key is to set "Who can see my number" to "No one" and decide who can find you by number (ideally "No one" if you're using a username, link, or QR code).
- Is there a global user search engine? No. This is a deliberate decision to reduce spam and indiscriminate searches. To talk to you, they need to know your exact username or receive your link/QR.
- Is a phone number still required for registration? Yes, it's used for account verification and limits, but it no longer needs to be displayed or used as an entry point if you set your username and privacy settings as you prefer.
- Do I need to update? Yes, keep Signal and your system up to date. You'll avoid incompatibilities with new features, from user links to number visibility controls.
With unique usernames, controls for hide the number and limit discovery, security check, ephemeral messages and tweaks like log lock, incognito keyboard, discreet notifications or call relay, Signal finally comes full circle: communicate with whoever you want without giving away your phone number, with a level of control that allows you to adjust privacy to the millimeter.
