Hide your number on Signal: complete privacy step by step

If you use Signal to chat safely but are uncomfortable sharing your personal number, you're in luck: the platform has introduced specific controls and Usernames to connect without revealing your phone numberThis guide compiles all the available options for hiding your number on Signal, both on Android and iPhone.

The goal is to allow you to communicate with anyone you want without giving away more information than necessary. With recent developments, this is now possible. prevent your number from appearing on your profile, prevent people from searching for you by it, and use an easy-to-share alternative identifier.

Number Privacy: What's Changed in Signal

One of the main criticisms of Signal has always been that the phone number acted as the default identifier. Now, the app has activated a key setting by default: Your number is no longer visible on your profile unless the other user has it in their address book.This reduces the exposure of your personal line when you start chats with new contacts or those with whom you only share a username.

In addition, independent options have been incorporated to decide two things: who can see your number y who can find you by searching for itBy default, the first setting is set to "Nobody," while the second is usually set to "Everyone" to make it easier for contacts who already know you to locate you on Signal. If you prefer maximum discretion, you can change both.

Another important new feature is usernames. This feature, initially launched in beta, allows connect using a unique alias with a numeric suffix and share it with a link or QR code, so you don't have to give out your number. In risky environments or if you just don't want to give out your phone number, it's a substantial improvement, and you can learn to create a secure anonymous profile.

Keep in mind that even if you use a username, You will still need a working number to register the account. (An SMS arrives to verify.) However, with the right settings, that number doesn't necessarily have to be visible to your callers or serve as a means of discovery.

Signal Usernames: How They Work and Why They Matter

Signal usernames act as a "discovery handle": an alternative identifier for others to find and contact you without having your personal line. unique and must include two digits at the end to avoid duplicates and reduce spam (example: "Andres.01"). You can use letters, numbers, and the characters "-", "_", or "."

Unlike a phone number, your username can be changed as many times as you like. If you do, Anyone who only keeps your old alias will not be able to locate you. and you'll need to use the new one. The good thing is that you won't lose your existing chats or contacts; the change only affects future discovery.

For now, Signal does not offer a global user search. This means that They will only be able to open a chat with you if they know your exact alias. Or if you share the direct link or a QR code. In fact, the app makes it easy to share both, making it easier for you to share your username without exposing your number.

An important detail: the username does not replace your profile name. In the conversation, others will see the profile name you have set. (which doesn't have to be unique), and each person can also rename you locally in their app without affecting you.

Hide your phone number: essential settings

To prevent your number from being seen or used to locate you, you must review two sections within Privacy; for more details on how hide your number.

On Android: Go to your profile picture > Privacy > TelephoneFrom there, you can choose who sees your number and who can find you by it. Select "Nobody" for both if you want maximum protection.

On iPhone: Tap your profile picture > Settings > Privacy > Telephone. Set "Who can see my number" and "Who can find me by number" to "Nobody" so that it's not public or discoverable.

 

Remember that even with "Nobody" visible, Whoever already had your number in their address book can still see it in their address book.Signal doesn't control this. What you do control is that your phone number isn't displayed or used to locate you within the app.

Create, change, and share your username

Setting up a nickname allows you to share a manageable contact without giving away your line. On Android: profile picture > tap your name at the top > @Username. On iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > tap your name at the top > @Username.

Choose an available alias that meets the rules: unique, with two digits at the end and you can add "-", "_", or ".". If the name is already in use, try variations. You can update it whenever you want without losing your conversations or groups.

To share it easily, go to your profile picture > your name card > QR Code or LinkThis way, anyone can start a chat with you without knowing your number. If you change your nickname, share the new link so you don't lose potential contacts.

If you blocked someone, You will remain blocked even if you change your username.That is, the block is maintained at the account level, not the specific alias.

Installation, registration, and PIN: the foundation for a secure boot

Download Signal from Google Play or the App Store. Once installed, the app will ask for contact permissions. You can grant them so that Automatically detect who uses Signal in your address book, or deny them and add numbers manually. This comparison data is deleted after matching, based on the platform's private discovery system.

To register your account, enter your phone number and confirm the 6-digit SMS. Then, create your profile with a first name (required), last name, and picture (optional) and define a Signal PINThis PIN protects your information on Signal's servers and allows you to restore your settings, profile, and contacts if you change devices.

Activate Record lock To prevent someone from registering your number on another device without your PIN. On Android: Profile picture > Account > Registration Lock. On iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Account > Registration Lock. The app will remind you of your PIN from time to time so you don't forget it.

During setup you can decide who can find you by your numberIf you choose "Nobody" and haven't created a username yet, no one will be able to chat with you until you share your username or change that setting.

Start chatting and calling privately

To start a chat, tap the pencil icon (Android: bottom right; iPhone: top right). You'll see your contacts who use Signal if you've given permission. From there, you can send messages, voice notes, photos, files, and GIFs, all with end-to-end encryption, and remember how remove metadata before sharing.

Voice and video calls offer the same protection and you can even create a Call link for others to join in. If you're concerned about your IP address, below you'll see how to relay calls to hide it.

Group conversations work in a similar way. Create a group from the Pencil > New Group, add members, and set the name and disappearing messages by default if you wish. You can enable invitation links, approve members, and limit permissions (for example, who can change the name or add people).

To verify that you are talking to the correct person and there is no key manipulation, open the chat > ​​contact name > See security numberA QR code and a string of 60 numbers appear. Check that they match (in person or via a secure channel) and mark it as verified.

Disappearing messages and single-view content

The disappearing feature deletes messages from both devices after a time limit of your choosing. You can set a default value for new chats On Android: Profile picture > Privacy > Disappear Messages; on iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Privacy > Disappear Messages.

You can also set the timer for each chat: open the conversation > tap the name > Disappearing messages and choose the duration (from seconds to weeks or custom). This applies to text, photos, location, files, and more.

When sending photos or videos, you can activate the mode see onceSelect the image/video, tap the infinity icon until you see "1," and send it. The recipient can only open it once, although nothing prevents screenshots or other recordings of the content.

Notifications and screen: protect what you see

Customize what's displayed in notifications so no one can read your chats from the lock screen. On Android: Profile picture > Notifications > Show. On iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Notifications > Show. You can hide name and content, show only sender or show all, and if you need to reduce noise learn to disable duplicate notifications.

Prevent leaks in the app switcher. On Android: Profile picture > Privacy > screen security to make the recents view appear blank and block screenshots on your own device. On iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Privacy > Hide screen on the switch.

If you share a mobile phone or are concerned about physical access, activate the Screen lock from the app. On Android: Profile picture > Privacy > Lock screen. On iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Privacy > Lock screen. This way, even after unlocking your phone, Signal will ask for additional authentication.

Link and keyboard previews: less traces

Signal may generate previews when sharing URLs. They're disabled by default; if you've previously enabled them and want to enhance privacy, turn them off again: Android: Profile picture > Chats > Generate link previews (unchecked). iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Chats > Generate link previews (off).

Third-party keyboards may collect data. On Android, turn on the Incognito keyboard To minimize leaks: Profile picture > Privacy > Incognito keyboard. Also, if you use Gboard you can adjust the font size in Gboard; Review which keyboards you have active in Device Settings > System > Languages ​​& input > On-screen keyboard, and remove any you don't use or don't trust.

On iPhone, check Device Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards to remove keyboards you don't need. The fewer intermediaries in your typing, the better for your privacy.

Calls: Hide your IP and avoid unwanted recordings

By default, Signal uses peer-to-peer connections on calls, which can expose your IP to the other party. You can force the Call routing through Signal servers To hide it: Android: Profile picture > Privacy > Advanced > Always forward calls. iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Privacy > Advanced > Always forward calls.

If you use an iPhone and don't want your Signal calls to appear in iCloud via the Phone app, turn off Signal calls. Calls in Recent from Signal Settings > Privacy > Calls under Recent.

Linked devices and number change

You can use Signal on desktop or tablet by linking your device. It's a good idea to periodically check that everything there is familiar. On Android: Profile picture > Linked devicesOn iPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Linked Devices. If you see anything suspicious, tap the three dots and choose Unlink.

If you change lines, the process is simple: Android: Profile picture > Account > Change phone numberiPhone: Profile picture > Settings > Account > Change phone number. Enter your old and new numbers, confirm, and complete registration. Make sure your new number is active to receive the code.

Signal has evolved from a secure messenger to a tremendously flexible tool for everyday privacy. Set your username, adjust who can see and find your number, activate blocking and disappearing messages, and take advantage of extras like the incognito keyboard, call forwarding, and notification control; with A few minutes of adjustments, your fingerprint is much more protected without losing comfort when communicating.