Popular End-to-end encrypted messaging app Signal has now introduced usernames. So, users can now avoid sharing their phone numbers for talking to someone on Signal. The app now uses create a username and share it with others to add them to Signal. It is worth noting that Signal still requires a phone number for signup.
The company has made it clear that username won’t be displayed in chats or profiles and is also not a permanent handle. It is only a way to initiate a chat with someone on Signal without sharing the phone number. There’s also a way to generate a QR code or link that directs others to your username to connect you on Signal quickly.
Users can change their usernames whenever they want. The app will also not notify your contacts about the username change.
With the new update, your phone number will no longer be visible to others by default. Only people who have saved your phone number in their phones can see your phone number on Signal.
The company has also added a privacy option that prevents other people from finding you by searching for your phone number on Signal. Without knowing your exact username, no one will be able to start a conversation with you on Signal.
Signal users are not required to create a username. They can keep using Signal without a unique username. It depends on their need if they want to share their username or phone number with others.
The username feature is still in beta and will be rolled out to all Signal users in the coming weeks.
