Signal is a popular encrypted messaging app that allows you to make secure calls and send encrypted messages and files. While it has great privacy protections, you may sometimes want to block or restrict someone from contacting you on Signal. Here are the steps to block and restrict a phone number in the Signal app:
Table of Contents
Block a Number in Signal
- Open the Signal app and go to your message inbox
- Tap on the conversation with the contact you want to block
- Tap on the contact name at the top of the chat screen
- Tap on “Block User” at the bottom of the profile screen
- Confirm by tapping “Block” on the pop-up prompt
Once blocked, the contact will no longer be able to call or message you on Signal.
Unblock a Number in Signal
- Open the Signal app and go to your message inbox
- Tap on the blocked user’s name at the top of the chat. It will show “You blocked this user”.
- Tap “Unblock User” and confirm to unblock the number
The contact will now be able to message and call you again.
Restrict Calls in Signal
You can restrict calls from certain contacts while still allowing them to message you.
- Open the contact’s chat screen
- Tap on the contact name > Tap “Conversation settings”
- Toggle off “Allow calls”
This will disable calls from this contact while still allowing messaging.
Make Your Number Private in Signal
To prevent your phone number from being visible to your Signal contacts:
- Go to Signal Settings
- Tap on “Privacy”
- Enable “Hide my phone number”
Your contacts will now only see your Signal profile name rather than your phone number.
Use a Different Phone Number for Signal
You can sign up for Signal using a secondary phone number or app like Google Voice rather than your primary phone number. This keeps your real number more private.
Some ways to get a secondary number:
- Google Voice – Free app that provides a virtual phone number
- Burner apps – Temporary secondary numbers
- VOIP services – Get a phone number to use over data/WiFi
Set Up Signal PIN Lock
Enable a PIN code in Signal to add an extra layer of security:
- Go to Signal Settings
- Tap on “Privacy”
- Enable “Screen lock”
- Set up a PIN or passphrase
You will now need to enter your PIN/passphrase to open Signal.
Use Screen Security on Your Phone
Set up screen lock security on your phone using fingerprint, face ID, PIN or password. This prevents others from accessing Signal if they gain physical access to your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does blocking delete Signal messages?
No, blocking a user does not delete your existing Signal messages or call history with that contact. To delete the messages:
- Open the chat
- Tap and hold a message
- Tap “Delete messages” and confirm
Can a blocked person see my Signal profile?
No, blocked contacts cannot see any changes to your Signal profile name or photo.
Can I get notified if a blocked person tries to contact me?
No, you will not get any notification if a blocked contact tries to call you or send a message. All communication from blocked numbers is disabled.
What happens when I block someone on Signal?
Blocking prevents the user from being able to call or message you. Any incoming calls or messages will not go through.
You can still see their profile name in your chat history but cannot open the chat. The blocked user will not know they have been blocked.
Can I get blocked on Signal without notifications?
Yes, if another user blocks you on Signal, you will not get any notification. Your messages will go through but the person will not receive them. Calls will fail to connect.
Can I undo a block?
Yes, you can easily unblock a number if you change your mind. Just open the chat and tap “Unblock user”. This will allow them to message and call you again.
Will my number change if I reinstall Signal?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling the Signal app will not change your number. When you reinstall and register, it will detect your existing number.
However, make sure you have enabled registration lock and backed up your profile to restore your settings when you reinstall Signal.
Conclusion
Blocking and restricting someone on Signal is easy – just open the chat, tap their name, and select “Block user”. Additional privacy settings allow you to disable calls, hide your number, set up PIN security, use secondary numbers, and more.
With its enhanced encryption and options to block contacts, Signal provides secure and private messaging. Learning how to properly restrict and block numbers is important to gain full control over your Signal experience.
