SignalFeb 20, 2024

Introducing usernames and phone number privacy on Signal!

We’re making it possible for people to connect with each other without having to share phone numbers. Now launching to beta users, available for everyone soon.

https://signal.org/blog/phone-number-privacy-usernames

Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames

Signal’s mission and sole focus is private communication. For years, Signal has kept your messages private, your profile information (like your name and profile photo) private, your contacts private, and your groups private – among much else. Now we’re taking that one step further, by making your...

Signal Messenger
Show threadSignalFeb 20, 2024
1. New default: Your phone number will no longer be visible in Signal
2. You can create an optional username to connect without sharing your phone number
3. You can enable a new, optional privacy setting to require people to connect with you via username instead of phone number
Show threadSignalFeb 20, 2024
A Signal username isn't the profile name that’s displayed in chats, and isn't visible to the people you chat with on Signal. A username is simply a way to initiate contact on Signal without having to share your phone number. (You still need a phone number to sign up for Signal.)
Show threadSignalFeb 20, 2024
Create a username by going to your Settings > Profile. Your username must be unique, and can be changed at any time.
Show threadSignalFeb 20, 2024
To connect with someone via username instead of phone number, type their exact, unique username.
Show threadSignalFeb 20, 2024
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.
Show threadSignalFeb 20, 2024
You can sign up for beta to test these features. Note that Apple caps the number of iOS beta testers, and we have reached that limit. If you use Signal on iOS, you can get around this by signing up for Desktop beta, linked to your iOS account. See more: https://support.signal.org/hc/en-us/articles/360007318471-Signal-Beta
Show threadDavid - Forking MadFeb 20, 2024
@signalapp Excellent. Thanks.

It's been the reason I have not used #Signal, as I don't always want to share my mobile number

I do not like the requirement for two digits at the end of a username. Messy 😕 It should be a choice.
Show threadDrewFeb 21, 2024
@daj @signalapp we'd run out of usernames eventually
Show threadDavid - Forking MadFeb 21, 2024
@Drew @signalapp
Like any service! Optional digits or be more creative with the username.

So many people will use their birth year, or date. Which I think is a step towards a security risk
Show threadDrewFeb 21, 2024
@daj @signalapp once a username is created it can never be used again but you can move on to another. Eventually putting digits at the end will be mandatory anyway as all usernames would be used up.
Show threadDavid - Forking MadFeb 21, 2024
@Drew @signalapp Yeah, like any service. 😉
Using your argument, in theory, two digits is not enough. There are more than 99 Davids I would bet. LOL We're very common
Show threadDrewFeb 21, 2024
@daj @signalapp you can have up to 4 digits and as they get used it'll expand
Show threadDavid - Forking MadFeb 21, 2024
@Drew @signalapp Only lets me type two.

Anyway, we are where we are with it. I'm not a fan but I am a nobody, just a user.

UPDATE: I mis-understood the error. I entered 001 and it rejected, however it's actually rejected a double zero (oddly), and I can use more digits.

Not that I know anyone on Signal to message! LOL
Show threadSkyper 💻🎧☕📖

@daj @signalapp @Drew "a choice intended to help keep usernames egalitarian and minimize spoofing. Usernames can be changed as often as you like, and you can delete your username entirely if you prefer to no longer have one."

"Usernames in Signal are designed to be easily changeable. For example, you can make a username to connect with people at a conference or to plan a group trip. Then, when it’s over, change it if you want to."

https://signal.org/blog/phone-number-privacy-usernames/

Keep your phone number private with Signal usernames

Signal’s mission and sole focus is private communication. For years, Signal has kept your messages private, your profile information (like your name and profile photo) private, your contacts private, and your groups private – among much else. Now we’re taking that one step further, by making your...

Signal Messenger
Feb 24, 2024 at 6:16pmWeb