Signal now lets users connect more devices to a single phone number, expanding support to include an additional Android phone or iPhone. The encrypted messaging app previously allowed linked devices such as desktops and iPads, but secondary phones were not supported. Once a device is linked to Signal, users can read and reply to new messages from any connected device. They can also decide whether to transfer an end-to-end encrypted copy of their message history to a newly linked device, a safeguard designed to reduce risk if a device is shared, misplaced, or compromised.
The new multi-device feature is rolling out now through Signal version 8.20 on Android and version 8.22 on iPhone and iPad.
Alongside the phone-linking update, Signal says it has introduced “significant interface improvements to better support large devices.” Those changes include several upgrades for foldable phones and helped make Android tablet support possible. Still, the company notes that the large-screen Android experience remains “still a work in progress,” and it is also continuing to refine the interface for its Chromebook app.
