Sure but it allows VOIP numbers. I’m using a jmp.chat number with it just fine.
Comment on Time to get serious with E2E encrypted messaging
fangleone2526@lemmy.world 4 days agoSignal requires a phone number on setup.
Also, matrix has bridges, which alone make it worthwhile for me. They, of course, don’t help privacy, but they are so so nice for convenience.
Matrix is definitely slow though, and a grand majority of the clients are heavy terrible buggy electron apps. There are a few good ones ( nheko and the new beeper clients ), but even they have some rough edges.
I still use matrix all the time and love it.
If max privacy was the goal I think simplex looks wonderful. No required info for sign up, no way for them to possibly collect any metadata ( because there are no identifiers sent over internet for anyone at all ), E2EE, and decentralized.
mac@lemm.ee 4 days ago
fangleone2526@lemmy.world 4 days ago
Good to know!
Is the phone number required for 2fa codes or anything like that at any point ?
mac@lemm.ee 4 days ago
I got an initial verification code and haven’t heard from signal since. Signal doesn’t support totp or SMS 2fa. But has a pin code set along with your password. A new device that is added doesn’t have access to old messages unless you have the correct seed key iirc
Subdivide6857@midwest.social 4 days ago
I’ve been trying SimpleX a little this week. It hasn’t been great, unfortunately. It could be an iOS issue, but notifications aren’t coming through. Maybe Android will be better.
Petter1@lemm.ee 3 days ago
On iOS, I had best experience using element X, so far
Subdivide6857@midwest.social 3 days ago
I absolutely love Element X. Synapse has been low maintenance to self-host, as well. Win-win.
homesweethomeMrL@lemmy.world 4 days ago
Signal requires a phone number on setup.
Not anymore.
fangleone2526@lemmy.world 4 days ago
You can choose to share a username instead of a phone number, but they still require the phone number at setup iirc.
Ulrich@feddit.org 4 days ago
Yes it does
homesweethomeMrL@lemmy.world 4 days ago
You’re right. Only for setup though, which is something I guess.
How to Use Signal WhatsApp Without Phone Number?
As mentioned above, a valid phone number that can receive calls and text messages is required to create and verify your Signal Account.
Since, your mobile device does not have a phone number or you do not want to use your phone number, you can use a Landline Phone Number or a Virtual Phone Number as provided by TextNow, Google Voice and others to verify your Signal Account.
Once the account verification process is completed, you will be able to use Signal on your mobile device, regardless of whether or not it has a phone number or SIM card installed on it.
Ulrich@feddit.org 4 days ago
It is dumb and annoying and inconvenient but doesn’t affect its use or privacy.
fangleone2526@lemmy.world 4 days ago
It affects its use for me definitely. I don’t want to have a phone number. At all.
Ulrich@feddit.org 4 days ago
How do you even exist without a phone number. How do you get cellular data? Does the government not require you to have one? Your employer? What about all the services that require one?
fangleone2526@lemmy.world 4 days ago
To be clear, I have a phone number, but I do not WANT to have one. Most aspects of my life I have removed my phone number from. There are still a few services ( like signal! ) which requires one, and I cope. Cellular data is also something worth avoiding, from a privacy perspective. It is very possible to live a life where you’re never very far from wifi, especially in a city. I do not currently do this, but would love to one day.
Telorand@reddthat.com 4 days ago
I have to wonder if you could use a burner number and just disable it after setting up your username
mipadaitu@lemmy.world 4 days ago
I think you’d have a theoretical issue if the next person who got that number also tried to set up a signal account.
AnotherDirtyAnglo@lemmy.ca 4 days ago
It creates a cost for spammers. They have to have an account with a Telco, which isn’t free, which in a lot of countries comes with some sort of National ID to register. That’s the reason.
Ulrich@feddit.org 4 days ago
VoIP account costs virtually nothing.
Anivia@feddit.org 3 days ago
Lol, let me introduce you to smspva.com