Signal Launches Usernames So You No Longer Need to Share Your Phone Number

Signal has launched support for usernames, a long-requested feature that allows users to share a username instead of their phone number when connecting with new contacts. Previously, Signal required a phone number for registration and sharing, which limited its appeal for users who wanted to keep their number private. With usernames, users can now set a unique handle and share it publicly without exposing their phone number. Phone numbers remain required for account registration but are no longer visible to other users by default. Users can also configure their account so that only people who already have their number can find them. The update also includes improvements to group call quality, better media compression for image sharing, and a redesigned privacy settings screen that makes it easier to control who can contact you. Signal is developed by the non-profit Signal Foundation and is funded entirely by donations, with no advertising or data monetization.