Signal Tests Usernames Unlinked from Phone Numbers

Signal developers are currently testing public usernames in a staging environment, allowing users to hide the phone numbers linked to their accounts. This new feature aims to enhance privacy when communicating through the messenger.

Jim O’Leary, one of Signal’s development leads, shared that the update is undergoing internal testing in a separate branch from the stable release: “The testing program can be compared to a parallel universe of Signal: you’ll need to install and run a new build of the messenger and register a new account to try out upcoming features.”

After downloading the test update, you must register a new account with a phone number. You can use the same number as your main account. Your conversation partner will also need to register in the Staging environment to chat with you.

Once you’ve registered your staging account and launched the app, you’ll gain access to the new features by navigating to Settings > Profile & Settings > Privacy > Phone Number.

Signal does not guarantee uninterrupted service in the Staging environment. Push notifications may not work at all or may be delayed.

Nevertheless, Signal encourages users to test the new features, including creating usernames, sharing username links, configuring phone number sharing settings, and inviting others to start a chat.

“Usernames are linked to a set of digits and do not appear in your profile. Each username has a unique QR code and link that you can share with friends to start a chat,” Signal notes in its official blog.

Developers encourage users to try not only creating public usernames but also sharing them via links. Each username comes with a unique QR code and URL that you can share with contacts.

Full implementation of this new functionality in the stable version will take some time and require thorough refinement. Signal developers have not yet announced a specific release date.