You cannot register Signal without a phone number: Signal sends a six-digit code by SMS or call to the number you enter. But you never have to share it. By default Signal hides your number from anyone who has not saved it, and with a username and two privacy settings nobody can find you by number at all.
Signal still needs a number to register
- Why
- Signal says numbers let people see which friends they can reach, while limiting spam.
- Default
- Your number is not shown to people who do not already have it saved.
- Usernames
- Optional, and a way to connect without sharing your number.
- Later
- A new device means registering the number again.
Signal at a glance
- Virtual numbers
- Often refused: try another country
- Code sent by
- SMS · phone call
- Code length
- 6 digits
- Asks for the number again later
- Yes
- One number per account
- Yes
Hiding your number with a username
- Create a username Tap your profile icon and open your profile. It needs 3 to 32 characters, only a to z, digits and underscores, and at least two digits at the end.
- Who can see my number: Nobody Settings → Privacy → Phone Number. People who already saved your number still see it; nobody else does.
- Who can find me by my number: Nobody Same screen. Now even people with your number in their contacts cannot see that you use Signal.
- Share the username, QR code or link People must type your exact username, including the digits; there is no searchable directory to stumble on you.
Registering on a number you do not hand out
| Good for | Risk | |
|---|---|---|
| Your main number, hidden | Most people | None beyond the number existing at Signal |
| A second SIM or eSIM you keep | A separate identity you keep for years | Paying for a second line |
| A one-time number | Registering without any number of yours | Gone after one code: a new phone needs a fresh code to that number, so the account ends with your current phone |
Signal is strict with number ranges, so with a one-time number check the success rate per country first and request the code by SMS. Set a PIN and turn on registration lock right after the code arrives.
Registration lock and PIN
- The PIN is not the SMS code. It restores your profile, settings, contacts and block list when you switch devices.
- Registration lock means a new registration of your number also needs your PIN.
- Seven days: if someone registers your number on another device, a seven-day inactivity timer starts. The lock expires after seven days without you using Signal.
- Forgotten PIN with the lock on: you wait for that timer. Signal cannot reset it for you.
Common questions
Can I create a Signal account without a phone number?
No. Signal needs a number to send the registration code. After that you can hide it completely and use a username.
Can people see my number on Signal?
Not by default, unless they already have it saved. Set Who can see my number to Nobody to keep it that way.
What is the Signal registration lock?
An option that makes your PIN necessary to register your number again. It expires after seven days of inactivity.
Does Signal send the code by call?
Yes, Signal offers SMS and a phone call. Numbers that receive SMS only should choose the text.