Signal accounts are primarily tied to your phone number and use end-to-end encryption for secure communication. Here's a breakdown of how they function:
Basics of a Signal Account
- Phone Number Based: Signal accounts are linked to your phone number. This number serves as your identifier on the platform.
- End-to-End Encryption: All communication (messages, calls, file transfers) within Signal is end-to-end encrypted, ensuring only you and the recipient can read/hear the content. Signal uses a protocol called Signal Protocol which is widely respected.
- Privacy-Focused: Signal is designed with privacy in mind. It collects minimal user data.
Setting Up Your Signal Account
- Install the App: Download and install the Signal app on your iOS or Android device.
- Phone Number Verification: You'll be prompted to enter your phone number for verification. Signal will send you an SMS with a verification code.
- Enter Verification Code: Input the code to activate your account.
- Optional Profile Setup: You can set a name and profile picture. According to Signal, your encrypted Signal Profile is a name and picture that you set up within the app. It is shown alongside your phone number.
Account Management and Security Features
- PIN Protection: You can create a PIN. If you lose or switch devices, your existing profile can be recovered using your PIN.
- Disappearing Messages: Set messages to disappear after a specified time.
- Screen Security: Prevent screenshots within the app.
- Registration Lock: Adds an extra layer of security by requiring your PIN to re-register your number with Signal.
How Your Profile Works
- Encrypted Profile: Your profile information (name and picture) is encrypted.
- Profile Sharing: Your profile is shared with contacts when you initiate a conversation or when they start a new conversation with you.
- Profile Recovery: As mentioned, you can use your PIN to recover your profile if you switch devices.
Key Takeaways
- Signal accounts revolve around secure communication linked to your phone number.
- Encryption and privacy features are core to the functionality of a Signal account.
- Account management is focused on maintaining security and user control.
