How to lock Signal with a passcode

Complete guide with multiple methods and troubleshooting

7-10 min read
Expert Verified
Last Updated: August 2025

Quick Answer

To lock Signal with a passcode, open the Signal app, navigate to Settings, select Privacy, and enable the 'Screen Lock' option. You will then be prompted to set a passcode or use biometric authentication for added security.

Easy⏱ 7-10 min read

Prerequisites & Requirements

Before locking Signal with a passcode, ensure you have the following:
  • •Signal app installed on your device (version 5.0 or higher recommended)
  • •A compatible smartphone (iOS 11.0 or later for iPhone, Android 5.0 or later for Android devices)
  • •Access to the device's settings and permissions for Signal
  • •Backup your Signal data if necessary, especially if using a new device

Method 1: Locking Signal via App Settings

This method is the primary way to lock Signal with a passcode and is straightforward for most users.
  • •Step 1: Open the Signal app on your device.
  • •Step 2: Tap on your profile icon in the top left corner to access Settings.
  • •Step 3: Select 'Privacy' from the Settings menu.
  • •Step 4: Scroll down to find the 'Screen Lock' option and toggle it on.
  • •Step 5: Choose your preferred method of locking (Passcode or Biometric). If you select Passcode, enter a secure code and confirm it.
  • •Step 6: You will see a confirmation message indicating that Screen Lock is enabled.
  • •Step 7: To verify it worked, close the Signal app and reopen it; you should be prompted for your passcode.

For Windows 11

Locking Signal on Windows 11 follows similar steps as mobile but is performed through the desktop app.
  • •Open the Signal desktop app.
  • •Click on your profile icon in the top left corner.
  • •Select 'Preferences' from the dropdown.
  • •Go to the 'Privacy' tab and enable 'Lock Signal'.
  • •Set your passcode and confirm it.

For Windows 10

The steps for Windows 10 are nearly identical to Windows 11.
  • •Launch the Signal desktop app.
  • •Click on your profile icon in the upper left corner.
  • •Select 'Preferences'.
  • •Navigate to the 'Privacy' section and enable 'Lock Signal'.
  • •Set your passcode and confirm it.

Method 2: Locking Signal via Device Settings (Android)

On Android devices, you can also set a device-wide lock that will affect all apps, including Signal.
  • •Step 1: Open the 'Settings' app on your Android device.
  • •Step 2: Scroll down and select 'Security' or 'Security & Location'.
  • •Step 3: Tap on 'Screen lock' and choose your preferred lock method (Pattern, PIN, Password).
  • •Step 4: Once set, this will automatically lock Signal when the device is locked.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues while locking Signal, consider the following solutions:
  • •Error: 'Unable to set passcode' - Solution: Ensure that your device's operating system is updated and that Signal has the necessary permissions.
  • •Issue: 'Screen Lock not working' - Fix: Restart the Signal app and check if the 'Screen Lock' option is still enabled in Settings.
  • •Problem: 'Forgot passcode' - Workaround: Unfortunately, if you forget your passcode, you may need to uninstall and reinstall Signal, which will delete your message history.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

Enhance your experience with these advanced tips:
  • •Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl + Shift + L (Windows) - Locks the Signal app instantly.
  • •Command line: signal-desktop --lock - Launches Signal with the lock feature enabled.
  • •Hidden feature: Use biometric authentication (fingerprint/face recognition) for quicker access without compromising security.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls:

Expert Tips

For maximum security, always use a combination of a strong passcode and biometric authentication.