Lock Your Signal Registration

Someone who gets your SMS code could register your number on their phone. Registration Lock adds your Signal PIN to that step, so a code alone is no longer enough to take your account.

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Protect Your Number: Turn On Registration Lock With Your Signal PIN

US +1 213 555 9876
Location
Sent only when you choose
Time
November 09, 2026, 15:23
Visible to
Only me
Backup size
Example: 701 MB backup
folder
Not shared
Lock Your Signal Registration | AppMsr

How the PIN and Lock Work

Your Signal PIN helps restore your profile, settings, contacts and block list when you set up Signal on a new device. Registration Lock uses the same PIN as a second check: with it on, registering your number on any phone needs the PIN as well as the SMS or voice code. Signal does not know your PIN and cannot reset it, so it only protects you if you remember it.

Code Requests

Why your code and PIN stay yours

Signal registers your number on a phone only after the code sent to that number is entered, and with Registration Lock on, after your PIN too. Scammers pose as support or friends to ask for both. Signal will not message you to request them, so treat any such request as an attack.

Set Up the PIN

Switch on Registration Lock today

Go to Settings > Account, create or confirm your Signal PIN, then turn on Registration Lock. From then on, registering your number on a new phone needs the PIN as well as the code. Keep the PIN somewhere safe. Menu names may vary by app version.

Watch the Signs

Notice unexpected codes

An unexpected Signal verification code by SMS or call means someone tried to register your number. Do not share it. With Registration Lock on, the attempt still needs your PIN. If Signal suddenly says your number was registered on another device, re-register right away and check linked devices.

See PIN Settings
Turning It On
Open Signal Settings > Account > Registration Lock and switch it on. If you have not created a PIN yet, Signal asks you to set one first; a longer PIN or one with letters is harder to guess. Signal shows occasional PIN reminders in the app to help you remember it. Menu names may vary by app version.
Forgotten PIN
If Registration Lock is on and you forget the PIN, you may be unable to register again for up to 7 days of inactivity. After the lock expires you can register and create a new PIN, but data tied to the old PIN, such as your profile and settings, may not come back.

Read Signal's Help

1

Code Phish

A message asking you to 'confirm' a Signal code is an attempt to register your number. With Registration Lock on, the attacker also needs your PIN, so the attempt fails.
2

New Phone

When you move to a new phone, register your number and enter your PIN when asked. Your profile, settings, contacts and block list come back with it.
3

SIM Swap

If someone moves your number to their SIM, they still need your PIN to register Signal while Registration Lock is on. Contact your carrier at once.
4

Change PIN

You can change your PIN in Signal's account settings while you are logged in. Store the new one safely, since Signal cannot recover it. Menu names may vary.

PIN Tips From Signal's Guidance

  • Write It Down

    Store your PIN like an important password

    Signal cannot reset a forgotten PIN. Keep it in a password manager or written down somewhere safe, and do not reuse the PIN you use for your phone or bank card.

  • Leave It On

    Registration Lock guards against takeovers

    Signal recommends Registration Lock for anyone worried about phishing or account takeovers. Once it is on, leave it on so a stolen code is never enough by itself.

  • Never Share

    No one needs your PIN or code to help you

    Signal says it will never contact you by message, email, call or through another person to ask for your PIN or verification code. Treat anyone who asks, even a 'Signal Support' profile, as an attacker.

  • Check Devices

    Registration Lock does not cover linked devices

    Linked devices such as Signal Desktop are added by scanning a code with your phone. Open Settings > Linked devices from time to time and remove any computer or tablet you don't use. Menu names may vary.

SEE SAFETY TIPS
PIN Questions Answered

Straight Answers About Signal PINs and Locks

Next Step

Once Registration Lock is on, check your linked devices and learn how to recover your account if you ever lose your phone.

Related security guides

Overview Signal Security Guide Who Reads My Signal Chats? Guide Signal Location Privacy Guide Signal Call Privacy Guide Recover Signal Account Guide Signal Hack Scams

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