Signal rolls out PINs for data transfer to new devices

Signal PINs can now be used to migrate data from an existing device to a new one.

Signal PINs cannot be recovered if the user forgets it. (Pexels)

Signal, which is touted to be one of the safest messaging apps, has a new feature that lets users add PINs for data migration. Signal PINs will also replace phone numbers in the future for registering on the messaging app.

Signal PINs will be used to encrypt data like the user's profile information, account settings and accounts. A copy of this data will be uploaded on Signal's servers, ZDNet reported. When users move to a different device then the PIN will be required as it will help users migrate their old and existing data.

Signal users can set a PIN to their account by going to the settings menu and selecting the ‘Signal PIN' option under privacy. There's an option for registration lock as well which adds extra security in addition to the PIN. Users who select this option will have to register with their phone number again on Signal when switching devices. Signal PINs are available on the app for all users globally.

Signal PINs will be 4 digits by default but they can be made longer as well. Users can also make the PINs alphanumeric. These PINs will however not be recoverable if the user forgets it since Signal doesn't have access to user data, the company said in a blog post. The app will also alert users to remember their PIN periodically. The frequency will be reduced over time from 12 hours to 1 day then 3 days and so on.