WhatsApp competitor Signal introduced the “Username” feature at the beginning of February this year. The instant messaging service has started beta testing the feature. In a recent post on microblogging site X (formerly Twitter), the company announced that the Username feature is now available to beta testers on Android and desktop. Signal also confirmed that iPhone beta testers will soon have access to the feature.
What is the Signal username feature and how can it help you?
The Signal Username feature changes the way users share and access their phone numbers in the app. By default, the platform doesn’t show your Phone Number to everyone you interact with on Signal. Instead, anyone who has your phone number saved in their device’s contacts can access it in your Signal conversations.
Now in beta on Android & Desktop, coming soon to iOS:
Save custom nicknames & notes for anyone you’re chatting with on Signal, even if they aren’t in your phone’s contacts. Useful for adding missing letters in a lazy friend’s profile name or a reminder about where you met. pic.twitter.com/RwILtX3Y2a
— Signal (@signalapp) April 9, 2024
To initiate conversations with other users, users can also create a unique username that is different from their phone number. This username serves as an alternative contact method for users to better manage the personal information shared on the Platform.
Also note that the username feature does not replace your chat display name and is not visible to other users. The app allows users to create a QR code or link that directs them to their username. The company says this allows you to quickly connect with other Signal users. However, users must provide Signal with their phone number in order to register on the platform.
Signal confirmed that this is an optional feature that allows users to limit who can find them using their phone number. Enabling this feature allows users to prevent others from discovering their Signal account through a phone number search (unless the searcher already has the user’s unique username).
