Signal Unveils Username Feature That Hides Your Phone Number

In a significant update aimed at bolstering user privacy, Signal, the encrypted messaging app renowned for its security, has introduced the option to use custom usernames. This feature is designed to facilitate user interaction while ensuring the confidentiality of phone numbers. Learn more about it below!

Beta Phase and User Feedback

Initially presented in a controlled staging environment for public testing, this feature is now available to beta users, with plans to extend it to all users shortly. 

Signal’s statement emphasized their commitment to user privacy and the importance of community feedback: 

“We’re launching these updates to our beta users now, and will be turning them on for everyone running the latest version of the Signal app soon. Our goal is to listen to your feedback, make adjustments, and ensure phone number privacy on Signal is easy and useful for everyone.”

Setting Up a Username

Users interested in this new feature can set up their unique username by downloading the beta version of Signal and navigating to Settings > Profile. While users have the freedom to choose their usernames, Signal ensures uniqueness by adding two digits to each username.

Due to restrictions on the number of beta testers on iOS, Signal has reached its capacity. However, iOS users have the alternative to participate in the macOS Desktop beta, which is linked to their iOS account, circumventing this limitation.

Privacy and User Control

With the introduction of usernames, Signal users gain more control over their privacy. The new setup eliminates the need to share phone numbers, offering the option to use a unique link or QR code for initiating conversations. Although usernames are not visible on Signal profiles and can be frequently changed or removed, users’ phone numbers will remain visible to contacts who have already saved them.

Signal also introduces an optional privacy setting that allows users to require their username for contact on the platform, further enhancing privacy: 

“Your phone number will no longer be visible to anyone on the latest version of Signal unless they have it saved in their phone’s contacts. You can change this in Settings. You can now set and share an optional username to let people chat with you without giving them your phone number. A new privacy setting lets you control who can find you by your phone number on Signal.”

Signal’s Commitment to Privacy

Signal President Meredith Whittaker previously highlighted the importance of this feature in November 2022, stating the company’s dedication to user privacy and the ability to use Signal without sharing phone numbers. 

“We are working on usernames, which will allow people to communicate with each other without ever sharing their phone number. You will still need a phone number for registration, but you can choose to share it with no one,” she added in August 2023.

Final Word

This update marks a significant step in Signal’s ongoing efforts to enhance user privacy and security, providing users with more ways to control their personal information while maintaining the app’s high standard of encrypted communication.