Signal is working on a paid option to create an account without a phone number

Signal has long been requested to allow account registration without a phone number. While Signal already hides phone numbers by default and gives users control over discoverability, some users still want the option to sign up without providing one. The main challenge has been preventing spam and abuse, and Signal CTO Ehren Kret recently stated that the service needed to induce a cost for signing up without a phone number.

New references in Signal's source code reveal that this feature will be called "Signal Login" and will be offered as a paid option. It requires a one-time payment rather than a subscription, serving as an additional barrier against spam. Since Signal is a non-profit, the fees are expected to be reasonable and will support the organization's mission. The code currently contains only example amounts; the exact price is not yet known.

Registration without a phone number will be optional and will not replace the current signup process. The release date is not yet confirmed, but based on source code hints, Signal Login is expected to become available in the near future.