To alleviate these issues, you'll need to set a timeout interval, so head back to the 'Privacy' settings in Signal, then toggle on 'Inactivity timeout passphrase.' Next, tap on the 'Inactivity timeout interval' - this is where you'll choose the amount of time you'd like Signal to auto-lock after no activity. Signal has to actually be locked for notifications to also show up as locked. As long as it's still running, the messages in notifications will still be seen when they pop up. Of course, this may not be such a great idea for those of you looking for extra security - especially if you haven't disabled notifications for Signal. Just clearing Signal from your Recents view list is not enough to force the login screen. This means that as long as Signal is running in the background, that you'll be able to open the app back up without having to input your passphrase at all. Step 2: Set a Timeout for Better Securityīy default, your passphrase is cached in memory for as long as Signal is running. On the Signal homepage, tap on the ellipsis (three dots) in the top right, then choose 'Settings.' Next, open up 'Privacy' and toggle on 'Enable passphrase.' This will not only lock Signal messages but notification previews as well.

Step 1: Create Your Password or Passphrase Just make sure that your original SMS application is deactivated or those messages may be stored there as well. Destination information will not be encrypted, of course, but the bodies in the texts themselves will be encrypted. Not only will a password or passphrase keep prying eyes out of the app but, if you have Signal set up as your primary SMS messenger, it will ensure that any SMS or MMS text you receive will also be encrypted upon receipt. That's why it's good to create a password or passphrase for Signal itself, in addition to any lock screen security you have.ĭon't Miss: How to Block Contacts in Signal from Calling or Messaging You

Your messages always remain encrypted when it's from Signal-to-Signal, since that's what Signal is designed for, but that doesn't stop someone with access to your smartphone from just opening up the app and checking out your conversations.

Best of all, you don't need to install an app locker to get this working - you can do it right from inside Signal. One thing that makes Signal Private Messenger better on Android over iOS is that you can better secure the app with a password or passphrase.

Signal messenger app lock