Signal is testing a phone-number-free registration option for its messaging app. The feature is included in the Android 8.28 beta and currently carries a one-time $3 fee, according to the in-app explanation. Instead of using a phone number to log in, users receive an Account ID and Account Key.
Greyson Parrelli, Signal’s lead Android developer, described the feature in the company’s beta feedback forum. During sign-up, users can select the new registration method, complete an in-app purchase, and receive their Account ID and Account Key. Signal says the payment is processed using the same zero-knowledge proof system used for donations, meaning it is not directly connected to the user’s account.
The official explanation lists the fee as $3, but notes that pricing may vary by country. As a result, the figure should not be considered a confirmed price for users. The charge is designed to discourage spammers from creating accounts in bulk, not to introduce a subscription model.
The new credentials also replace the account-recovery process normally tied to a phone number. Signal recommends storing the Account ID and Account Key in a password manager, as losing either one will permanently prevent access to the account. No alternative recovery method is available.
Signal’s current username settings, like WhatsApp, already allow users to communicate without revealing their phone number.
There is no information specifying which payment methods are accepted for this option. Ideally, cryptocurrency—particularly a privacy-focused coin such as Monero—would be used.