Signal isrolling outusernames in beta for the time being, and once it’s out for everyone, your phone number will be incognito by default in the app, unless someone’s already got it saved in their contacts. If you set up a username, it won’t show up on your profile or in your chats.
To create a username, just head over to theSettingsmenu and tap “Profile.” Signal notes that usernames have to include two numbers at the end to keep them “egalitarian and to minimize spoofing.” Once you’ve got that unique username, you may share it via a QR code or link that leads people straight to your username in the app. And if someone wants to message you, they can simply type your username into the chat bar.
You still need to link your account to a regular phone number upon signing up. Even if you create a username, your profile name is still what people will see on your profile—no usernames are exposed. Unless you’ve shared your username, the people you message won’t have a clue about it. If someone’s looking to slide into your Signal DMs, they better come armed with your exact username because Signal keeps no searchable username directory.
Signal usernames aren’t your typical social media handles. According to the company, they’re not logins or handles that define you in the app. They’re just a handy way to connect with others while keeping your phone number private.
By the way, you’re not stuck with one username on Signal forever. You can switch it up whenever the mood strikes. But if you do, someone else could snatch up your old moniker. While usernames are still in beta mode, the feature is set to hit everyone’s Signal in the next few weeks.
With this username update, you get the option to make yourself untraceable by phone number—just hit upSettings>Privacy>Phone Number>Who can find me by my numberand set it toNobody. And if someone doesn’t have your number saved yet, it stays incognito. But if you’re feeling bold and want to change that, just go to your settings, tap onPrivacy>Phone Number>Who can see my number, and make your desired adjustments.
WhatsApp introduces usernames days after Signal
Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
Platforms likeTelegramhave been offering the username feature for ages. Even though Signal is like the gold standard for top-notch security, being one of thebest encrypted messaging appsout there, it’s fashionably late to the username party. Meanwhile, there are hints thatWhatsApp might be cooking up something similar. That said, Meta remains mum about future plans, so we’ll have to keep our eyes peeled.
