Signal multiple phones account support adds linked iPhone and Android devices
Signal users can link iPhones and Android phones to one account, with message-transfer choices and limits that keep one phone primary.
By Hana Yoshida · Markets Reporter
3 min read
Signal multiple phones account support now lets users connect additional iPhones and Android phones to an existing account instead of setting up a separate account for each handset. The change means messages can be read and answered across linked devices, while Signal still maintains one registered primary mobile device, according to Signal’s support documentation.
The Verge reported on August 4 that the rollout was under way in Signal 8.20 for Android and version 8.22 for iPhone and iPad. Signal had previously supported linked desktops and iPads; the newer support extends the option to additional phones.
How do I link a second phone to my Signal account?
Install Signal on the phone to be added, then choose “Link Device” during its registration flow to show a QR code. On the primary phone, go to Settings, then Linked devices, select the option to link a new device, authenticate with the phone’s biometrics or unlock code, and scan that QR code, Signal says.
The choice is available only when Signal is first installed or reinstalled on the phone being linked. At setup, users can choose to transfer message history or skip it. Signal says the initial synchronization can include chats and the last 45 days of media; someone who declines that option and later changes their mind must reinstall Signal on the linked device to select it.
What is the limit for linked Signal devices?
An account can have up to five linked secondary devices, according to Signal. The supported types include desktop computers, iPads, iPhones, Android phones and Android tablets. Signal says communications on linked devices remain private, as they are on the primary smartphone.
That is different from registering the same account on a second phone. Signal says registering or re-registering on another phone makes that handset the active registered device and takes the previously registered phone offline. An account transfer also moves data to the new phone and deletes it from the old one, rather than keeping both phones active.
What happens if the primary Signal phone is offline?
The primary phone must connect at least once every 30 days for linked devices to remain connected, Signal says. A linked device also becomes unlinked after 45 days without activity. Users can review the list of linked devices at any time from the primary phone’s Settings and Linked devices menu.
Signal’s unlinking instructions say Android and iPhone users can remove a linked client through the Linked devices controls on the primary phone. The company separately says deleting desktop data removes messages and other local information from that computer without deleting the Signal account, which remains active on the phone and other linked devices.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.