Signal Introduces Usernames for Phone Number Privacy

The long-awaited request for usernames to maintain phone number privacy is finally supported with Signal. On February 20, Signal chief executive Meredith Whittaker announced that the feature is now generally available. Signal is an end-to-end encrypted chat app that is the de facto standard for encrypted messaging globally, championed by privacy and security-conscious advocates.

Signal’s support for usernames is not to be confused with profiles, however. The primary function of the username is to obscure a Signal user’s phone number from those they choose to message and join private Signal message groups.

By default, Signal will not publicly display your phone number; instead, it will display the chosen username. Only people with your number saved as a contact can see your phone number since they already know it.

When connecting with new Signal users, you can optionally only provide them with your chosen username unless you include your phone number. You can also control who can find you on Signal by phone number. The app also supports generating QR codes to securely share Signal contact information without exposing a user’s phone number.

However, a phone number is still required to register a Signal account.

All of the changes are optional. Notably, Signal states that you and the other Signal users must use the most up-to-date version of the Signal app to utilize the additional features.

The company states the added capabilities will be rolled out “within the next few weeks.”

How to keep your phone number private on Signal

The announcement states that if you’d like to keep your number private on Signal — or keep it visible to everyone — you can change the default by going to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number > Who can see my number.

The full announcement is available on Signal’s website. Additional documentation is available on Signal’s support portal.