Signal is launching usernames, the company announced today. Previously, you had to provide your phone number to chat on Signal. Here you can create a unique username that you can use instead. Username is currently in beta and will be rolled out to all users in the coming weeks. Sign still requires a phone number when registering the app.
As end-to-end encrypted messaging apps go, Signal stands out as one with the strongest security and privacy features. By allowing users to keep their phone numbers private, Signal closes one of the few loopholes that allows access to victims' messages. This is when a hacker hijacks the phone number at the phone company level that was used to register with Signal.
Signal usernames do not function like social media platform usernames, the company said. For example, your Signal username is not a login name or handle that is recognized within the app. Instead, it's just an easy way to connect with someone on the app without sharing your phone number.
If you create a username, the profile name will display the settings you have set, and the username will not be displayed. No one you send a message to on the app can see or find your username unless you share it with them. Signal doesn't offer a searchable directory of usernames like X or Instagram, so if someone wants to talk to you on the app, they'll need to know your exact username. Alternatively, you have the option to generate a QR code or link that directs users to your username.
Once you create a username, your phone number will no longer be visible in Signal to people running the latest version of the app if you don't have a phone number saved in your contacts. When you message someone directly or in a group chat, users only see your profile name and image, not your phone number. However, if you want people to see your phone number when you send messages, you can change the default settings in your Phone Number settings.
Image credits: signal
To create a username, you need to go into your “Profile” settings. From there, you will need to choose a unique username with two or more numbers at the end. You can change your username as many times as you like. You can also delete your username completely if you no longer need it. The company says it has made it easy to change usernames so users can choose a specific username for purposes such as meetings or group trips, and then change it once they're done.
To start chatting with someone using their username, you must open the “New Chat” screen in the app and enter your username.
Signal is also introducing new privacy settings that let you control who can use your phone number to find you on the app. In the past, anyone who had your phone number, whether it was on social media or a business card, could find you on Signal. You can now restrict this by going to Settings, going to the “Who can find me by my number” setting, and selecting “Nobody”.
Selecting the “Everyone” option means anyone who knows your phone number can enter it into Signal to send you a message request. Of course, you can also decline or block them.