\n<\/p>\n
After making it available as a beta feature for a few weeks, Signal has rolled out<\/a> support for usernames on its encrypted messaging service so anyone can add an optional username that will connect them to others without sharing their phone number.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n You can create a username by heading to your settings and selecting \u201cProfile.\u201d After you create a unique username, you can generate a QR code or link that points people to your username in the app. Other users can also connect with you by typing your username into the new chat bar and sending a message. As noted in Signal\u2019s FAQ page for usernames<\/a>, you can change your username whenever you want, but other users will be able to claim your previous name. Signal first started testing usernames last fall<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Signal\u2019s usernames aren\u2019t like account names on other social platforms, as they don\u2019t function as logins or handles that people can identify you with on Signal. Instead, they offer a way for people to quickly connect with you without your phone number. You\u2019ll still need a phone number to sign up for the encrypted messaging app, though \u2014 it\u2019s just up to you whether you want to reveal it to other people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n If you do decide to create a username, it won\u2019t appear on your profile details page or in your chats. Other users won\u2019t be able to see it unless you share it. \u201cPut another way, someone will need to know your exact unique username in order to start a chat with you on Signal,\u201d Randall Sarafa, the chief product officer at Signal, writes in a post announcing the feature\u2019s rollout. \u201cAnd Signal does not provide a searchable directory of usernames.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Aside from usernames, Signal is rolling out a couple of other handy security features, including a way to let you restrict who can find you using your phone number in the app. Instead of allowing anyone with your number to start a new chat with you, you can prevent anyone from messaging or calling you in the app even if they have your phone number and know you\u2019re on Signal. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n The app will also start hiding your phone number by default if users don\u2019t already have it saved in their phone. You can always change this by heading to your settings and selecting Privacy > Phone Number > Who can see my number<\/strong>. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Although sharing your username instead of your phone number could make messaging people through the app more private, it\u2019s possible some people could abuse this feature to impersonate others on the app<\/a>. To mitigate this risk, Signal suggests that users should compare safety numbers<\/a> \u2014 the unique code meant to help you verify the person you\u2019re messaging. The app also displays a banner if you\u2019re in a group chat with multiple people who have the same name and will show whether you have any group chats in common with another user. You can find out more about the new features coming to Signal on the app\u2019s support page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n