Signal tests beta feature for linking Android devices as secondary accounts

Signal is currently testing a beta feature that permits Android phones and tablets to be linked as secondary devices to an existing account. This development marks a significant shift from the platform’s previous limitations, where users were required to register separate phone numbers to operate the app on multiple phones or were restricted to linking only iPads and computers to a primary device.

The update enables synchronized chat history across devices, allowing users to access a single account on an additional Android phone or tablet. The website AboutSignal first reported the testing of this capability, noting that the feature is available in Signal’s latest beta version. While the functionality remains in beta, Signal has already updated its support page to reflect the new linking process.

To link a new Android phone or tablet, users must download the application from Google Play. On a phone, users select "Link device" from the menu during the welcome process, while tablet users select "Link your account." The secondary device then displays a QR code, which the primary device scans via Settings > Linked devices > Link a new device to establish the connection.

Users can choose whether to synchronise chat history with the secondary device during setup. If synchronisation is not selected initially, Signal must be reinstalled on the secondary device to enable the feature later. The update also introduces a split-screen interface for tablets, optimised for landscape mode, which allows users to customise the view by removing the chat list panel if desired.

Signal has not announced a specific release date for when these features will be widely available to all users. It remains unclear if the capability will be rolled out to iOS devices or if the tablet-specific interface will be adapted for other platforms. The feature is currently subject to change as it undergoes testing.