Discover how to use Signal without sharing your phone number by setting up a username. Learn the step-by-step process for creating your username and finding others on the platform. Explore the privacy benefits of this feature, alongside its pros and cons. Understand why controlling your shared information is crucial in today’s digital age. Plus, find out how to keep your contact list secure and change your username whenever you wish!
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Signal Usernames Enhance Privacy
Signal usernames allow users to connect without sharing phone numbers, enhancing privacy.
Many users confuse usernames with profile names, leading to underutilization of this feature.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Set Up Your Signal Username
Set your Signal username via your profile settings to avoid sharing your phone number.
You can customize the username's numeric suffix to one not already taken by others.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
How to Search Signal Usernames
To find someone by username, tap the new message icon then select "find by username" instead of using the main search bar.
The main search only finds contacts and message history, not new usernames.
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Did you know you can use Signal without sharing your phone number with other users? Signal introduced usernames last year, but many people still don’t realize how they work—some mistake them for their profile name, and figuring out how to share or search for usernames can be confusing. Here’s what you need to know: how usernames work, how to set yours up, how to find others, and the privacy benefits (and limitations) of this new feature.
00:00 Signal’s Game-Changing Privacy Upgrade 00:51 What Are Signal Usernames? (and Why You Should Use One) 01:34 Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Signal Username 02:14 How to Find People on Signal Without a Phone Number 03:13 The Pros & Cons of Signal’s Username System 05:14 Should You Let Signal Access Your Contacts? 05:44 How Signal Protects Your Contact List (Explained) 06:35 How to Change Your Signal Username Anytime 07:42 Hide Your Phone Number on Signal – Here’s How 08:27 Final Thoughts – Why This Feature Matters
Signal’s username feature is a big step forward for privacy, helping us move away from phone numbers and take control over the information we share. If you haven’t set up your username yet, now’s the perfect time. And the best part? You can change it anytime, as often as you like.
Brought to you by NBTV team members: Reuben Yap, Lee Rennie, Cube Boy, Sam Ettaro, Will Sandoval, and Naomi Brockwell
NBTV is a project of the Ludlow Institute, a 501c3 non profit whose mission is to advance freedom through technology.
To support NBTV, visit: https://LudlowInstitute.org/donate (As a 501(c)(3) non profit, all donations are tax-deductible in the USA as permitted by law.)