Launched as one of the secure messaging apps, Signal offers end-to-end encryption. However, that’s not what makes it unique. It also has other privacy features that make it special. What are these privacy settings and how are they used? We will assist you with this. Here you will find 9 privacy settings and features for Signal Messenger that you will definitely like.
This post covers privacy settings and tips for both Android and iOS. Most screenshots are taken on an Android phone. But the steps are the same on Android and iPhone unless stated otherwise.
Lets start.
1. Lock Signal App
To prevent others from accessing the Signal app on your phone, you can use the built-in feature instead of downloading a third-party app. Signal Messenger lets you lock the app for added security. Depending on its availability and support on your device, PIN, fingerprint lock, Touch ID etc. you can use.
To lock the Signal app, open the app. Tap the top profile picture and go to Privacy.
Enable the toggle next to screen lock. Then set the period of inactivity to automatically lock it.
2. Stop Signal Appearing in App Switcher and Block Screenshots
Signal Messenger comes with an interesting feature that prevents the app from showing the chat list on the app switcher screen. It goes by the name Screen Security. Once enabled, you will see a blue screen if you preview the app in your recent apps list. On Android, the same feature prevents you or any user accessing your phone from taking screenshots of the Signal app.
Note: The screen security feature does not prevent people you chat with from taking screenshots.
Fly: Learn how to turn off screenshot sound on Android.
3. Enable Disappearing Messages
If you don’t want to keep a history of your conversation, you can enable Disappearing messages. When enabled, messages sent or received will disappear after the other party sees them within the specified time. You can set the time interval from 5 seconds to 1 week.
Note: You will need to enable/disable disappearing messages for each chat individually. Also, the other person will see Disappear messages enabled in the conversation.
To do this on Android, open the chat for which you want to enable Disappearing messages. Tap the three-dot icon in the upper right corner. Select Disappearing messages.
Select the time range from the drop-down menu and tap OK. To disable it, repeat the steps and select Off from the drop-down menu.
On iPhone (and Android too), tap the person’s name at the top of the chat.
Then tap on Disappearing messages and select the time.
Fly: WhatsApp also supports Disappearing messages. Learn how to use Disappearing messages on WhatsApp.
4. Relay Calls
If you want to be more careful, Signal also offers a privacy feature for calls. When call relay is enabled, your calls will be routed through Signal servers first, so the other person will see the Signal server’s IP address instead of yours. This helps you hide your IP address from other person. However, call quality may be affected.
Go to Signal app Privacy Settings to enable on Android and iPhone. Activate the toggle next to Always divert calls.
5. Use Hidden Keyboard (Android Only)
On Android phones, users can enable the Incognito keyboard feature. When enabled, Signal prompts your phone’s default keyboard to stop learning words when using the Signal app.
To enable this feature, go to the Privacy settings in the Signal app. Enable the toggle next to the hidden keyboard.
6. Stop Signal Calls Appearing in Call Log (iPhone Only)
Typically, your Signal app’s call history appears under the Phone app’s Recent tab. However, you can disable it. To do this, go to the Privacy Settings in the Signal app. Turn off the Show searches in Recents toggle.
7. Hide Notification Content
Usually, when you receive a notification, the app will show you the contact’s name and the message. But you can customize it and show only the name without the message or not even show the name or message.
To do this, tap the profile picture icon on the app’s home screen. Then tap Notifications. Tap Show. Choose your preferred setting.
Fly: Learn how to hide sensitive notification content on Android and iPhone.
8. Add Signal PIN
Signal PIN is useful if you want to recover your profile, contacts, block list and settings if you change or lose your device. It adds an extra layer of security by asking you to enter your PIN if you re-register the Signal app with the same phone number. This can be extremely useful if someone gets hold of your SIM card and tries to register the Signal app.
To enable it, go to Privacy Settings in the Signal app. Tap on Create PIN and set a PIN. Also, enable the Registry lock toggle.
9. Disable Indicators
Similar to WhatsApp, you can disable read receipts and write indicators in the Signal app. When disabled, even you lose the ability to see the same for others.
To disable them, go to the Privacy settings. Turn off the Read receipts and Write indicators toggle.
Improve Signal
Signal Messenger is packed with privacy features. You can also unsend messages within 3 hours of sending them using the delete for all feature. Check out these 17 tips and tricks for Signal to use it to the fullest.
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