Signal: what it is and how to use it
Signal is an end-to-end encrypted messenger, widely adopted. It helps you talk about a P2P trade or ask for help without exposing the content, and since 2024 it lets you start chats with a username.
Overview
| Category | Messengers |
|---|---|
| KYC required | to verify |
| Open source | to verify |
| Price | — |
| Official site | signal.org |
How do you use Signal?
- Download Signal from the official site, signal.org, or the official phone store, checking the developer name.
- For your crypto identity, sign up with a separate number, such as an eSIM one (for example, from Silent.link), not the number tied to your public identity.
- Create a username so you can start chats without sharing your phone number.
- In the privacy settings, stop people from finding you by your number.
- Test with trusted contacts before using it in a trade with real value.
What are the limits and cautions?
- Sign-up still requires a phone number. A number used in two identities links them, so use a separate number for your crypto identity.
- No app removes metadata entirely, and the phone's operating system remains a relevant factor.
Other Messengers tools
How to Buy Bitcoin Anonymously — See the book on Amazon