Signal tests registration without phone numbers

Signal is testing a new registration feature called ‘Signal Login’ that allows users to create accounts without a phone number. This optional path is designed to reduce spam by requiring a one-time fee, which is approximately $2.99 or €3.49 depending on the region.

Instead of a mobile number, the system uses a pair of cryptographic keys: a 32-character Account ID and a 64-character Recovery Key. Users are advised to store these securely, such as in a password manager, as Signal cannot recover accounts if these keys are lost.

The feature is currently in beta for Android and requires Google Play Services for payments. An iOS version is expected to follow at a later date. To maintain privacy, Signal utilizes a zero-knowledge proof setup for payments to ensure the purchase cannot be linked to a specific account.