- You can change your number in Signal without losing chats, files, groups, or settings—you just need access to both the old and new numbers.
- The process is secure and notifies your contacts of the change, avoiding confusion and identity theft.
- The feature is only available in recent versions of the app and requires the device and numbers to be active during the process.
Signal has established itself as one of the most secure and private messaging apps, and its growth has been exponential in recent months, driven by user dissatisfaction with the privacy policies of other platforms like WhatsApp. One of its biggest draws is that it offers an experience very similar to WhatsApp and Telegram, but with added privacy and security that is key for those concerned about protecting their data and conversations.
Signal currently boasts over 100 million downloads on Google Play and also has a solid user base on iOS. This app stands out for its open-source code , transparency, and constant feature updates designed to ensure users have complete control over their data, both on mobile devices and the desktop version.
One of the most frequently asked questions among users is how to change their phone number on Signal without losing their chats, groups, files, or history . Thanks to its latest updates, Signal allows this change to be made easily and securely, putting it on par with the most powerful options offered by its competitors and positioning itself as a truly comprehensive solution for all types of users.
What is Signal and why choose it for your conversations?
Signal initially emerged as TextSecure before adopting its current name, and has since become a leading private messaging service. It is widely recommended by cybersecurity experts, activists, journalists, and users seeking to keep their communications secure.
The app stands out primarily for its end-to-end encryption across all communications (messages, calls, and groups), meaning that no one, not even Signal's servers , can access sent messages or files. Furthermore, Signal allows messages to automatically delete themselves after a configured period, thus sharing privacy control between the user and the app itself.
Available for both Android and iOS , as well as in a desktop version (Windows, Mac, Linux), Signal always requires prior installation on the smartphone, as this is the main device for linking the account.
Signal's growth has been continuous, supported by recommendations from institutions like the European Commission and by adoption from professionals who demand maximum security. The app continues to add features and improve its interface to facilitate the transition from other platforms, offering an intuitive and simple user experience.
How the change number feature works in Signal
Signal lets you change the phone number associated with your account without losing your chats or groups. This is essential for anyone who needs to update their number for personal, professional, or security reasons, preventing the loss of their chat history, media files, settings, and contacts within the app.
This feature is available in recent versions of the app, for both Android (version 5.30.6 and later) and iOS (version 5.27.1 and later) . Once updated, you can access the option from the app settings, simplifying the process to just a few steps.
It's worth noting that when you change your number, Signal will display a notification within chats and groups, letting your contacts know you've made the change. This ensures your friends, family, and colleagues are aware and can associate your profile with the new number.
If you lose access to your old number or device, for security reasons, all your chat history will be erased and you'll need to start Signal from scratch on your new number, as it's not possible to recover conversations without the original device active . This measure protects against potential identity theft and account takeovers.
Why is Signal different from other messaging apps when changing numbers?
Changing your number on Signal is done without losing any of your essential account data: all chats, files, settings, groups, and even your user profile remain intact after the process. This is a clear advantage over other platforms, where switching numbers can sometimes result in the loss of messages or files.
Unlike WhatsApp, where migrating to a new number often involves creating a new account, Signal maintains the user's identity and all previous activity is associated with the new number. Furthermore, the process is private, transparent, and secure thanks to Signal's proprietary end-to-end encryption, setting it apart from services that store data in the cloud or on external servers.
The only key requirement is having access to the old device and number while the switch is being made, as the process depends on verification via SMS or call. If you attempt to migrate without the old number active, the app will delete all history as a protective measure, preventing account takeover by third parties.
This measure, although it may seem demanding, strengthens privacy and security against attacks , ensuring that only the true owner can migrate the account without risk of impersonation.
Step by step: How to change your number on Signal and keep all your chats and groups
- Update Signal to the latest version available on your device from Google Play or the App Store. You need Signal 5.30.6 (Android) or 5.27.1 (iOS) or higher to see the number change feature.
- Open the app and tap on your profile picture (top left corner) to enter the Settings.
- Choose Account and look for the option Change phone numberOn iOS, it may first appear under “Settings.”
- The system will ask you to enter your old phone number (the one currently linked to the account) and the new number to which you wish to migrate.
- Enter both numbers, including the country and region codes, making sure both are active and you can receive SMS messages or calls on the new number.
- By continuing, a Verification code to the new number. Enter the code manually when the app asks for it.
- Confirm and complete the process. Signal will automatically notify your contacts and groups that your number has changed.
- In a matter of seconds, all your settings, chats, files, and groups will be available under the new number, without losing your history.
Signal will display a notification in individual and group conversations to inform you of this change, ensuring transparency across your network of contacts. If someone tries to sign up for Signal with your old number, they'll be redirected to an empty account, and your contacts will be notified for security reasons.
Key considerations before and after changing your number on Signal
- You must keep the same phone (physical device) for the transfer to work properly. Changing the SIM card is sufficient if you only want to change the number.
- If you buy a new phone, it is preferable to use the option of encrypted device-to-device transfer offered by Signal to migrate all your data. It's available on both Android and iOS.
- The function Phone Clone It can also help you clone all your data (photos, videos, settings), although it is always recommended to make a backup before any major changes.
- If you lose or lose access to your old phone/number, your history won't be preserved. Signal protects your privacy and prevents third parties from accessing your old information.
- If you have linked devices (computers, iPads), they must be synced with the account on your mobile device and updated to the latest version to maintain access after your number changes.
What happens in conversations and groups after changing your number?
After changing your number, all your individual and group chats will remain in place, maintaining their structure and history. However, everyone with whom you have active conversations will receive a notification in the chat indicating that you have changed your number.
This automatic notification provides transparency and helps avoid confusion, as your contacts will know that the identity associated with the old number now corresponds to the new one. Additionally, in the case of groups, other participants will be informed of the change, so the flow of messages and group participation are not disrupted.
Changing your Signal number doesn't affect your privacy settings, blocking, media, or starred messages. Everything remains exactly the same, with the only difference being that future communications will arrive on your new number.
Regarding security, if a third party attempts to register your old number on another device, they will see an empty message history and your contacts will receive an alert about a potential phishing attempt, blocking any unauthorized attempts.
Anchoring conversations and organizing after changing your number
Once you've changed your number, Signal lets you continue managing your conversations exactly as before, including pinning important chats to the top of the list for easy access. This is especially useful for those who manage a large number of groups or regularly exchange messages with multiple contacts.
To anchor an important conversation, simply:
- Open the Signal app on your phone.
- Press and hold the conversation or group you want to highlight.
- Click the pin icon to pin the conversation to the top of the list.
This system allows you to prioritize your chats and stay on top of relevant conversations, regardless of changes in number or device.
Frequently asked questions and common issues about changing your number on Signal
- Is profile information lost when changing numbers? No, your photo, status, and profile customization are fully preserved, as are your account settings.
- What happens if the new number is not active or cannot receive SMS? The change process cannot be completed, as verification is mandatory to ensure security.
- Can the exchange be made with the old phone broken, lost, or offline? No. The feature requires access from the same device as the previous account. If this isn't possible, you'll need to create a new account from scratch.
- Can the number change be reversed? No. Once the change is made, the account is exclusively associated with the new number, and there's no way to go back. If you need to recover your previous number, you'll have to repeat the process by associating that SIM as a new number.
- Are desktop linked devices retained after the switch? Yes, as long as these devices are logged in and up to date. It's recommended to test their functionality after the migration.
The ability to change your Signal number without losing chats, groups, or your entire history makes it one of the most recommended options for those seeking security, privacy, and flexibility. The process is intuitive, secure, and transparent for both individual users and those managing workgroups or communities.
Signal stands out as the ideal messaging app for users who demand privacy and digital security. With advanced number switching options, phishing protection, and a simple experience, the transition between numbers or devices never becomes a barrier to maintaining your information or your everyday secure communication.