Messaging app Signal is known for its privacy-related settings, and while phone numbers have been at the heart of the platform since its inception, there’s been no way to completely hide your own number until now. Earlier today, Signal announced that you will soon be able to create a unique username (not to be confused with your profile name) that you can share with others via a link or QR code instead of sharing your number. You can change your unique username at any time if you wish, but it will need to include two or more numbers at the end as part of Signal’s anti-spoofing efforts. You can even remove your username entirely as it’s an optional feature.
Of course, you’ll still need a phone number to sign up for Signal, but be aware that in the new default settings, your number will no longer be visible to everyone (you can change this manually if needed). There’s also a new option to prevent people from finding you by your number; they’ll need to have your exact unique username to do so. In other words, people who already know your number don’t necessarily know that you’re on Signal as well, which is a good thing if you want to remain anonymous in the platform’s public groups.
As with any new feature, spammers and scammers will eventually find ways to abuse usernames because you won’t be able to verify their number right away. Pro tip: When you see a new contact who appears to be an acquaintance of yours, be sure to double-check with them through another means – preferably in person, or at least over the phone. You’ll likely be looking out for these new Signal features in a few weeks, or you can get early access to beta versions.
