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Can you use Signal without a phone number?
Learn how to make a Signal account without a phone number, the available alternatives to registering, and how to keep using the app abroad.
No, you need a phone number to create a Signal account, and there are no other registration options.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to use Signal without a phone number and how Holafly Plans can help you set up an account with an eSIM phone number.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
Does Signal require a phone number to register?
Yes, Signal requires a phone number to register. You also need to set up a 4-character PIN code and, optionally, add their name and a photo to complete their account setup.
Why does Signal require a phone number?
Signal requires adding a phone number, mostly for security reasons, as it prevents spam, helps verify real users, and helps reduce the number of bots in the app.
It also helps users find people they know in the app, but this option can be deactivated, meaning you can only be found with your in-app alias.
How to add someone on Signal without a phone number
After registering on Signal, you can create an alias so other people can find you in the app without sharing a phone number.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings menu.
- Tap on your profile picture.
- Go to Alias and choose a valid username.
- Tap on the pen icon at the bottom to send a new message.
- Enter the chosen alias to find the contact and start chatting.
Can people see your phone number on Signal?
Not necessarily. Signal allows users to hide their phone numbers, meaning the only way to find someone is by having their alias.
Here’s how you hide your phone number on Signal:
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap on Privacy.
- Tap on Phone number.
- Change who can see and find you using your phone number on Signal.
Using a second phone number to register for Signal
If you don’t want to use your personal phone number or you’re traveling and can’t access the SMS verification, you can use a secondary phone number to create an account.
The best way to do this is to have access to a phone number you can control, such as the one provided by Holafly Plans, so you can verify your account with a secondary number even when you’re traveling.
With this eSIM phone number, you can set up your account, add a PIN code, and keep using Signal at all times.
Getting a virtual phone number with Holafly Plans
If you need to use Signal abroad without linking your phone number to it, Holafly Plans is a great option.
With the Unlimited Plan, you get unlimited data, a virtual phone number in over 160 destinations, and support for creating a Signal account and other apps, such as creating a Yahoo account without a phone number.
Plus, you get the Always On perk, which gives you 1 GB of backup data at no extra cost, so you can keep texting when you need it most.
Peace of mind before you fly
Set up your eSIM before travel and get unlimited data on arrival.
FAQs about using Signal without a phone number
You can use Signal on a desktop without a phone; it is available for download via the Microsoft Store.
Signal helps you change your phone number in the Settings menu. Simply go to Account > Change phone number, then follow the on-screen instructions.
Yes. If someone has your phone number, Signal will notify them once you join the app.
Yes. These are two completely different apps, so it’s okay to use the same number on both.
Plans that may interest you
I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.
