Take that, WhatsApp! Signal allows the use of a username instead of a mobile phone number

Username usage has begun beta testing at Messenger Signal. In the future, contacts will be made using these names as an alternative to mobile phone numbers.

In addition, the visibility of the mobile phone number should be made invisible by default in the next app version – at least for contacts who are not in your own smartphone address book. You can view this at:

The signal update with the new features will be gradually rolled out to all users in the coming weeks.

Names can be chosen freely

It should be possible to share your freely chosen username with others via a link or a QR code. However, creating a username is generally not a must. If you want to use Signal as before, you can continue to do so.

Usernames can be changed as often as you like and can be deleted completely if you no longer want one. Examples of occasions when changing your name may be useful include making contact at a conference or planning a group trip. Once the event in question is over, change the username again or delete it.

Can be found by number or name

Also new is the ability to determine how you can search for contacts on Signal. If you do not want to be found by your mobile phone number, you can activate the setting so that new connections can only be made via the username.

Many wanted usernames for large groups

The innovations have met the wishes of many users. The Signal Foundation, which developed the messenger, explains that so far there has been no option not to share the telephone number, especially not in large groups. The mobile telephone number is and remains in principle a condition for registering with Signal.

Signal has already documented the new features on its help pages. For everything to work in the future, you will also need to have the latest version of the Signal app installed for the contact in question.

PS: The Swiss messaging service Threema is designed in such a way that no metadata is generated and anonymous use is possible: This means that you do not have to provide a mobile phone number or email address when registering.

(tonline)