Signal, the encrypted messaging app known for prioritizing privacy, is adding the ability to link a second Android phone to a single account without needing a separate phone number. The feature appears first in the Android beta and expands Signal’s multi-device support beyond desktop and iPad clients.
Previously, Signal required a user’s account to be active on only one phone at a time, which meant signing in again whenever you switched devices. With the new “link device” option in the Android beta, users can register an additional phone as a secondary device. This mirrors chat history and account data across devices in a way similar to other messaging services that support multiple linked devices.
The linking process uses a QR code workflow: from the account setup or device management screen, select “Link device” to display a QR code on the primary phone. Scan that code with the secondary device to authorize it and add it to your Signal account. During the setup you can choose whether to transfer existing message history to the newly linked phone or to start fresh on the secondary device.
At the time of writing, the feature is available in Signal 8.20 on the Android beta channel. Beta availability means the option will likely roll out to the stable release once testing is complete, but timing can vary. Users who prefer to wait for a fully vetted release should watch Signal’s release notes or official support resources for confirmation of a public rollout.
Signal’s documentation has been updated to reflect the new linked-device process and to clarify limits and inactivity rules. According to the support information, an account can have up to five linked devices. Devices that remain inactive will be automatically unlinked after a set period; the new policy notes automatic unlinking after 45 days of inactivity for linked devices. Additionally, the primary phone that hosts the Signal account is expected to come online at least once every 30 days to keep the account active and maintain links to secondary devices.
This enhancement strengthens Signal’s usability for people who use multiple phones or who want a more flexible way to access messages on a spare device. Signal continues to emphasize end-to-end encryption and privacy controls while expanding convenience features that match user expectations for modern messaging platforms.
If you use Signal on Android and are interested in trying the new linking option, enroll in the beta program for the app version that includes the feature, then follow the in-app prompts to link an additional phone. When linking, decide whether to include message history on the secondary device or keep it separate; both options are supported to accommodate different privacy and storage preferences.
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