Signal: How to Hide Your Number in Username

To hide your phone number in Signal, you must create a username, which replaces your number as the identifier others use to find and message you. You can set this up in Signal’s privacy settings, and once created, you can choose to hide your phone number from everyone, including people you chat with. This article explains how to create a username, how to control number visibility, and what limitations remain.

Why Use a Username Instead of a Phone Number?

Signal has always required a phone number to create an account, and for years that number was the only way others could find you. That changed with the introduction of usernames. A username is an optional, unique identifier that lets people start a conversation with you without needing your phone number. It adds a layer of privacy because you can share a simple handle instead of a personal number. The key point is that usernames are not the same as display names—they are handles used for contact discovery, and they are not shown in your profile by default.

How Signal Usernames Work

When you create a username, Signal assigns you a unique identifier that looks like @example.42. The part before the dot is your chosen name, and the part after is a random two-digit number that ensures uniqueness. This means even if someone else wants the same name, they cannot have it because the suffix differs. Your username is not tied to your phone number in any visible way, and other users can search for you using only that handle. You can also set a QR code or a link (like signal.me/#p/<phone-number>) to share your contact details, but the username itself is the privacy-focused alternative.

Step-by-Step: Create a Username and Hide Your Number

Here is how to set up a username and then hide your phone number from others. The steps are the same on Android and iOS, with minor wording differences.

1. Open Signal and tap your profile picture or the menu icon (three dots) in the top corner.
2. Go to Settings (gear icon).
3. Tap on your profile name or the Profile section.
4. Look for Username and tap Set username (or Create username).
5. Enter a name you like. Signal will automatically show you available suffixes. Tap Continue or Save.
6. Once your username is set, go back to Settings and tap Privacy.
7. Find Phone number and tap it.
8. Choose Nobody to hide your number from everyone. You can also pick Everyone (default) or Some contacts if you want to limit visibility.

After this, your phone number will not be visible to anyone, even in your profile. People who have your username can message you without ever seeing your number.

What “Nobody” Actually Does

When you select Nobody for phone number visibility, Signal hides your number from all other users. This includes people you are actively chatting with. They will see your username and display name, but not the number. However, note that if someone already had your number saved in their contacts and you are in a chat, they might still see it in the chat details if they had it before the change. Signal does not retroactively remove the number from existing chat threads; it only prevents new views. Also, your number is still used for account recovery and for receiving SMS verification codes, but that is only visible to Signal’s servers, not to other users.

How to Share Your Username

Once your username is active, you can share it in several ways:

• Copy the username text and send it via any messaging app.
• Generate a QR code from your profile page that others can scan with Signal.
• Share a link that opens Signal and starts a chat with you (this link still contains your number, so use it carefully).

To share your username, go to your profile, tap the username, and choose Share or Copy link. The QR code is handy for in-person meetings. Remember that sharing your username is safe—it does not reveal your number.

Common Problems and Fixes

You might run into a few issues when setting up a username:

• Username already taken: Signal appends a two-digit number automatically, so you will rarely see a “taken” error. If the name is too common, you may need to try a different spelling.
• Can’t find the username option: Make sure your Signal app is updated to the latest version. Usernames were rolled out gradually, so older versions may not have the feature.
• People still see your number: Check that you have selected Nobody under Privacy > Phone number. Also, ask the other person to refresh the chat—sometimes the app needs to sync.
• You want to change your username: Go to your profile, tap the username, and select Change username. You can do this at any time, but you cannot reuse an old username immediately.

Limitations and What Usernames Don’t Do

Usernames are a big step for privacy, but they are not a complete shield. Here are the main limitations:

• Your phone number is still required to create an account. You cannot use Signal without one.
• If you share a signal.me link, it contains your phone number in the URL. Only share that link with people you trust.
• Usernames do not hide your number from Signal’s servers. The company still knows your number, but they do not sell it or use it for ads.
• If you have ever been in a group with someone, they might have seen your number before you changed the setting. The privacy option only affects future visibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hide my number from a specific person?
Yes. Under Privacy > Phone number, choose Some contacts and then select the people you want to hide your number from. Everyone else will still see it.

Will my username appear in my profile automatically?
No. Your username is only visible if you share it. It does not show up in your profile unless you choose to display it, and by default it is hidden.

Can I use my username to log in or recover my account?
No. Your username is only for contact discovery. You still need your phone number to log in and recover your account.

What happens if I delete my username?
You can delete your username at any time. After deletion, your phone number becomes the only way for others to find you, and the username becomes available for someone else to use.

Does hiding my number affect my existing chats?
No. Your chats remain intact. The only change is that other users will no longer see your number in your profile or chat details.

Is a username the same as a display name?
No. A display name is what appears in chats (like “John”). A username is a unique handle for finding you (like “@john.42”). You can change your display name anytime, but your username must be unique and can only be changed with a cooldown period.

Related

• SQLite3 Command Line: Usage & Examples
• Crash-Proof Optical Disk Backups: A Practical Guide
• System Settings Exe Crashing? Fixes That Work