Signal Privacy Settings: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)
Maximize your Signal privacy with this complete settings guide. Learn how to enable screen lock, disable read receipts, and protect your messages.
Summary
Signal’s default settings are privacy-friendly, but you can enhance security by enabling screen lock, disabling read receipts, using disappearing messages, and verifying contact identities. This guide covers all essential privacy settings.
Essential Privacy Settings
1. Screen Lock
Why it matters: Prevents unauthorized access if someone gets your phone.
How to enable: 1. Open Signal Settings 2. Go to Privacy 3. Enable “Screen Lock” 4. Set timeout (recommended: Immediately or 1 minute)
2. Disappearing Messages
Why it matters: Messages automatically delete after a set time, reducing data retention.
How to enable: 1. Open a conversation 2. Tap the contact’s name 3. Tap “Disappearing Messages” 4. Set timer (recommended: 1 day to 1 week)
3. Read Receipts
Why it matters: Prevents others from knowing when you’ve read their messages.
How to disable: 1. Settings → Privacy 2. Toggle off “Read Receipts” 3. Note: You also won’t see when others read your messages
4. Typing Indicators
Why it matters: Prevents others from seeing when you’re typing.
How to disable: 1. Settings → Privacy 2. Toggle off “Typing Indicators”
5. Link Previews
Why it matters: Link previews can reveal your IP address to link providers.
How to disable: 1. Settings → Privacy 2. Toggle off “Generate Link Previews”
Advanced Privacy Settings
Contact Verification
Why it matters: Ensures you’re talking to the right person, not an imposter.
How to verify: 1. Open a conversation 2. Tap contact name 3. Tap “View Safety Number” 4. Compare numbers in person or via secure channel 5. Tap “Mark as Verified” if they match
Registration Lock
Why it matters: Prevents others from registering your phone number on Signal.
How to enable: 1. Settings → Account 2. Enable “Registration Lock” 3. Set a PIN (use a strong, memorable PIN)
Incognito Keyboard
Why it matters: Prevents your keyboard from learning what you type.
How to enable: 1. Settings → Privacy 2. Enable “Incognito Keyboard” 3. Note: May reduce keyboard suggestions
Screen Security
Why it matters: Prevents screenshots and screen recording in Signal.
How to enable: 1. Settings → Privacy 2. Enable “Screen Security” 3. Note: Android only, iOS handles this automatically
Notification Privacy
Hide Notification Content
Why it matters: Prevents others from seeing message content in notifications.
How to enable: 1. Settings → Notifications 2. Enable “Hide Notification Content” 3. Notifications will show “New message” instead of content
Notification Privacy on Lock Screen
Why it matters: Keeps message content off your lock screen.
How to configure: 1. Settings → Notifications 2. Set “Show” to “Name Only” or “No Name or Message”
Data and Storage
Media Auto-Download
Why it matters: Auto-downloading media can expose you to malicious files.
How to configure: 1. Settings → Data and Storage 2. Set auto-download to “Never” or “Wi-Fi Only” 3. Manually download media when needed
Clear Media
Why it matters: Frees storage and removes old media files.
How to use: 1. Settings → Data and Storage 2. Tap “Clear Media” 3. Choose what to clear (images, videos, documents)
Backup and Transfer
Disable Backups
Why it matters: Backups may not be encrypted and can expose your messages.
How to disable: 1. Settings → Chats and Media 2. Disable “Chat Backups” 3. Note: You’ll lose messages if you lose your device
Best Practices
- Enable all privacy settings mentioned above
- Verify contacts before sharing sensitive information
- Use disappearing messages for sensitive conversations
- Keep Signal updated for security patches
- Use a strong device password to protect Signal access
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Leaving read receipts on when you want privacy
- Not verifying contacts before sensitive conversations
- Auto-downloading media from unknown senders
- Using weak device passwords that compromise Signal security
- Not enabling screen lock on your device
Troubleshooting
Q: Can I use Signal without a phone number? A: No, Signal currently requires a phone number for registration.
Q: Will disabling read receipts affect group chats? A: Yes, you won’t see read receipts in group chats either.
Q: Can I backup my Signal messages securely? A: Signal doesn’t provide encrypted cloud backups. Local backups may not be encrypted.
Q: Does Signal work on desktop? A: Yes, Signal has desktop apps that sync with your phone.
Conclusion
By configuring these privacy settings, you can maximize Signal’s already excellent privacy protection. Start with the essential settings (screen lock, disappearing messages, read receipts) and then explore the advanced options based on your needs.
Remember: Signal is only as secure as your device. Always use a strong device password and keep your phone’s operating system updated.