Signal v8.20 Lets Users Run One Account Across Several Phones Simultaneously

Signal has rolled out a notable update that lets users connect multiple smartphones — not just PCs or iPads — to a single Signal account. Previously, the privacy-focused messaging app limited phone linking to tablets and desktop computers, leaving users who carry more than one handset without a clean solution for keeping messages in sync. That gap is now closed with Signal version 8.20 on Android and version 8.22 on iPhone and iPad.

The core feature works by letting users link additional devices under one phone number. Once linked, messages can be read and replied to from any of those devices in real time. This mirrors the kind of cross-device continuity that iMessage and WhatsApp have offered for some time, but Signal's implementation leans heavily into its privacy-first approach rather than convenience alone.

A key part of the update is user control over message history. When adding a new device, Signal lets you decide whether to transfer an end-to-end encrypted copy of your prior conversations to that device. The option is designed to address scenarios where a secondary device might be shared with someone else, left unattended, lost, or potentially stolen — giving users a meaningful layer of protection rather than an all-or-nothing sync.

The rollout is happening now and should reach users through standard app store updates. Signal also noted that the update includes significant interface improvements, though the company did not elaborate publicly on the full scope of those visual or UX changes at launch time.

Signal has steadily built out its multi-device capabilities over the past couple of years, responding to user demand for flexibility without compromising the end-to-end encryption that defines its reputation. Adding phone-to-phone linking is one of the more practical expansions yet, particularly for users who maintain separate personal and work devices.