# Can I use Signal without a phone number in 2026?

> Source: https://fuckyc.org/q/is-signal-private-without-phone-number/
> Last verified: 2026-05-12

**Short answer:** Signal still requires a phone number at registration. Usernames hide the number inside the app but signup binds to a SIM.

Signal added usernames in 2024, which means your contacts can find you without seeing your phone number. The number is still required at registration — Signal binds to a SIM at signup, and that has not changed. Workarounds: use a no-KYC eSIM (Silent.link) or a number-leasing service (JMP.chat, Crypton.sh) to receive the registration SMS, then never reveal that number to contacts. For threat models that exclude any phone-derived identifier even at registration, the alternatives are SimpleX (architecturally identifier-less — no phone, no email, no username globally visible) or Session (random Session ID, no phone). SimpleX is the cleanest design; Session has the more conventional UX.

## Related services

- https://fuckyc.org/services/signal/
- https://fuckyc.org/services/simplex-chat/
- https://fuckyc.org/services/session/
- https://fuckyc.org/services/silent-link/
- https://fuckyc.org/services/jmp-chat/

## Related guides

- https://fuckyc.org/guides/signal-vs-simplex-vs-session/