Signal usernames: chat without sharing your phone number
In short
- Set “Who can see my number” to Nobody, then “Who can find me by my number” to Nobody, in Settings, Privacy, Phone Number.
- Share a username instead: 3 to 32 characters, ending in at least two digits, by link, QR code or typing it.
- You still need a phone number to sign up, and contacts who saved your number still see it.
Signal registers with a phone number, but you can chat without giving it to anyone.
The two settings
- Who can see my number: whether it shows on your profile to people you chat with.
- Who can find me by my number: whether someone who has it can find and message you on Signal.
To make yourself unfindable by number, set “Who can see my number” to Nobody first, then “Who can find me by my number” to Nobody.
Usernames
A username lets people start a chat without your number. It has 3 to 32 characters and ends in at least two digits; you can change or delete it any time. Share it exactly, or as a link or QR code. There’s no directory to search, so only people with your username can reach you that way.
What it can’t hide
You still need a number to sign up, and people who saved your number in their contacts still see it.
Using a one-time number
Signal needs the number again to register on a new phone, and a number from ReserveSMS receives codes for 20 minutes only. See Signal codes. Get a number for Signal.
Common questions
Can I use Signal without sharing my number?
Yes: set both phone number settings to Nobody and share a username. You still need a number to sign up.
What are the rules for a Signal username?
Between 3 and 32 characters, ending in at least two digits. You can change or delete it any time.
Can people who have my number still see it on Signal?
Yes, if they’ve saved it in their contacts, whatever your settings.