Signal It has established itself as one of the most secure and private messaging apps, and in recent months its growth has been exponential, driven by the discontent of many users with the privacy policies of other platforms such as WhatsApp. One of its great attractions is that it offers a very similar experience to WhatsApp and Telegram, but with an added benefit. Privacy & Security which is key for those concerned about protecting their data and conversations.
Currently, Signal has accumulated more than 100 million downloads on Google Play, and also has a solid user base on iOS. This app stands out for its open source, its transparency, and constantly updated features designed to ensure that users have complete control over their information, both on mobile devices and on the desktop.
One of the topics that generates the most interest among users is how Change your phone number in Signal without losing your chats, groups, files, or history.Thanks to its latest updates, Signal makes this change easy and secure, putting it on par with the most powerful options offered by its competitors and positioning itself as a truly comprehensive option for all types of users.
What is Signal and why choose it for your conversations?
Signal initially emerged under the name of Textsecure It later took on its current identity, and has since become a benchmark for private messaging. It's widely recommended by cybersecurity experts, activists, journalists, and users looking to keep their communications secure.
The application stands out, mainly, for incorporating end-to-end encryption in all communications (messages, calls and groups), which means that Nobody, not even Signal's servers, you can access messages or files sent. In addition, Signal allows the self-deleting messages after a configured time, thus sharing privacy control between the user and the application itself.
Available for both Android as for iOS, as well as the desktop version (Windows, Mac, Linux), Signal always requires prior installation on the smartphone, as this is the primary device for linking the account.
Signal's growth has been steady, supported by recommendations from institutions like the European Commission and adoption by professionals who demand maximum security. The app continues to add features and improve its interface to facilitate the transition from other platforms, with a intuitive and simple user experience.
How the change number feature works in Signal
Signal allows you to change the phone number associated with your account. without losing your chats or groups. This change is essential for those who need to update their number for personal, professional, or security reasons, thus avoiding the loss of their chat history, media files, settings, and contacts within the app.
This feature is available in recent versions of the app, both for Android (from version 5.30.6) as if to iOS (since version 5.27.1)Once updated, you'll be able to access the option from the app's settings, making the process a simple matter of just a few steps.
It is worth mentioning that, when changing the number, Signal will show a notification within chats and groups Notifying your contacts that you've made the change. This ensures that your friends, family, or colleagues are aware and can associate your profile with the new number.
If you lose access to the old number or device, for security reasons, all history will be deleted and you will have to start Signal from scratch on the new number, since It is not possible to recover conversations without the original device activeThis measure protects against potential identity theft and account theft.
Why is Signal different from other messaging apps when changing numbers?
The number change in Signal is done without losing any of the fundamental account data: All chats, files, settings, groups, and even the user profile remain intact after the transfer process. This represents a clear advantage over other platforms, where the transfer can result in the loss of messages or files in some scenarios.
Compared to WhatsApp, where migrating to a new number often involves creating a new account, Signal the user's identity is maintained and all previous activity is associated with the new number. Plus, 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 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 be demanding, reinforces the privacy and security against attacks, ensuring that only the true owner can migrate the account without the 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 the structure and history. However, all the people with whom you have active conversations They 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 allows you to continue managing your conversations exactly as before, including pin important chats at the top of the list so you always have them handy. 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 possibility of Change your number on Signal without losing your chats, groups, and all your history. This makes it one of the most recommended alternatives 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.