Signal is a popular encrypted messaging app that allows users to communicate securely. One of its key security features is the Signal PIN code. This PIN helps protect your account information and messages if you lose access to your device.
It’s important to know how to change or reset your Signal PIN in case you forget it or want to update it periodically for better security. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Table of Contents
What is the Signal PIN?
The Signal PIN is a 4-digit code or longer alphanumeric code you set up in the Signal app. It allows Signal to securely store encrypted backups of certain account information, including:
- Your profile
- Settings
- Contacts
- Groups
- Blocked users
This information can only be accessed and restored using your Signal PIN. The PIN also acts as an optional registration lock, preventing others from registering your number without the code.
Why Change Your Signal PIN?
Here are some reasons you may want to change your Signal PIN:
- You forgot your current PIN: Resetting lets you access Signal again.
- Enhanced security: Changing it periodically makes it harder to guess.
- Suspicious activity: Resetting can lock out anyone else accessing your account.
Instructions to Change or Reset Signal PIN
Follow these simple steps to update your Signal PIN.
On Android
- Open the Signal app
- Tap your profile picture > Settings (gear icon)
- Tap Account > Change your PIN
- Enter your current PIN > Next
- Enter your new 4-digit or alphanumeric PIN > Next
- Confirm the new PIN > Next
You will see a confirmation that your Signal PIN has been changed.
On iPhone
- Open the Signal app
- Tap your profile picture
- Scroll down and tap Account
- Tap Change Your PIN
- Enter your current PIN
- Enter and confirm your new PIN
You will see a confirmation when the PIN update is complete.
That’s it! Your Signal PIN has now been changed or reset.
Tips for Your Signal PIN
Keep these tips in mind for your Signal PIN:
- Signal does not store your PIN on its servers – make sure you remember it!
- You can enable PIN reminders in Signal to help remember it
- For better security, use a longer alphanumeric PIN
- Change your PIN every few months as a best practice
- Write it down and store it somewhere secure in case you forget
Enabling Registration Lock
Along with your Signal PIN, you can enable an optional Registration Lock for extra security:
- Registration Lock requires your Signal PIN to register your number to a new device
- This prevents others from registering your number without the PIN
- On Android, enable it in Settings > Account > Registration Lock
- On iPhone, enable it in Account > Registration Lock
Just be sure not to lose your PIN if Registration Lock is enabled, or you could lose access to your Signal account for up to 7 days!
What If You Lose Your Signal PIN?
If you forget or lose your Signal PIN:
- You’ll need to wait 7 days after your last Signal usage to reset it
- After 7 days, you can re-register Signal and create a new PIN
- All previous Signal data will be lost, as it can’t be decrypted without your old PIN
To avoid this, make sure you store your PIN somewhere secure in case you need to reference it later.
Other Signal Security Features
Along with your Signal PIN, other useful Signal security features include:
- Disappearing messages: Set messages to delete automatically after seen
- Screen lock: Hide Signal behind device authentication like fingerprint
- Safety numbers: Verify you’re messaging the right contact
- Sealed sender: Hide your identity in group messages
Take advantage of these to keep your Signal messages truly private!
Key Takeaways
To recap, here are some key points about managing your Signal PIN:
- Your Signal PIN helps secure account data and messages
- Change it periodically for better security
- Enable Registration Lock for extra protection
- Store your PIN somewhere safe in case you forget it
- If lost, you’ll need to wait 7 days before resetting your Signal account
Following this Signal PIN guide will help you keep your encrypted Signal messages and account safe and secure.
