In November 2023, Signal started testing usernames for accounts on Signal in the pre-beta version of the instant messaging service’s Android, iOS, and PC applications. Now, the company has announced that it will make the feature available in the stable version of the Signal app for those platforms in the coming weeks.
At the moment, if someone wants to chat with you on Signal, they need to have your mobile number saved on their device, which means that you have to hand out your mobile number to them. With the new feature, you can share your Signal account’s username instead of your mobile number with them to let them connect with you on the platform, which keeps your mobile number private and enhances your privacy.
Signal allows you to create a desired username (unless someone else has already claimed it). You can also change the username whenever you want. However, on an FAQ page, Signal says “You cannot transfer your username to another person or hold it for someone else to claim. Once you change your username, anyone can claim it soon.” Recently, WhatsApp also started testing usernames for accounts on the platform.
