Login & Authentication

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Overview

Signal offers two secure authentication methods to access your account:

• Passkeys - Fast, secure, passwordless authentication using biometrics or device PIN
• Email OTP Codes - One-time passcodes sent to your email address

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Logging In with Passkeys

Passkeys provide the most convenient and secure way to access Signal. They use your device’s built-in security features like fingerprint, face recognition, or device PIN.

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First-Time Passkey Setup

1. Navigate to the Signal login page
2. Enter your email address
3. Click “Set up passkey” when prompted
4. Follow your browser’s prompts to create a passkey using:
   • Fingerprint scanner (Touch ID, Windows Hello)
   • Face recognition (Face ID)
   • Device PIN or password
5. Your passkey is now saved to your device

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Logging In with an Existing Passkey

1. Navigate to the Signal login page
2. Click “Sign in with passkey”
3. Select your account when prompted
4. Authenticate using your device’s security method

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Logging In with Email OTP

If you prefer not to use passkeys or are accessing Signal from a new device, you can use email one-time passcodes.

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Using Email OTP

1. Navigate to the Signal login page
2. Enter your email address
3. Click “Send code to email”
4. Check your email for a 6-digit verification code
5. Enter the code in Signal within 10 minutes

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Browser Compatibility

Passkeys work with modern browsers that support WebAuthn:

• Chrome 109+
• Safari 16+
• Firefox 119+
• Edge 109+

For older browsers, use the email OTP method instead.

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Troubleshooting

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Can’t Set Up Passkey

If you’re unable to create a passkey, follow the detailed troubleshooting steps below for your operating system.

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Windows: Setting Up Windows Hello

Passkeys on Windows require Windows Hello to be configured. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options
2. Under “Ways to sign in”, set up one of the following:
   • Facial recognition (Windows Hello Face) - Requires a compatible camera
   • Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello Fingerprint) - Requires a fingerprint reader
   • PIN (Windows Hello PIN) - Available on all Windows devices

If Windows Hello options are greyed out or unavailable: This is often caused by organisational Group Policy settings. If your device is managed by your organisation:

1. Contact your IT administrator to enable Windows Hello
2. They may need to modify the following Group Policy settings:
   • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Hello for Business
   • Ensure “Use Windows Hello for Business” is set to Enabled or Not Configured

For more information on Windows Hello Group Policy, see: Windows Hello for Business Policy Settings

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macOS: Setting Up Touch ID or Face ID

Passkeys on macOS use Touch ID, Face ID (on supported devices), or your system password. Setting up Touch ID:

1. Open System Settings (or System Preferences on older macOS)
2. Click Touch ID & Password
3. Click Add Fingerprint and follow the on-screen instructions
4. Ensure “Use Touch ID for autofilling passwords” is enabled

Setting up Face ID (iPhone/iPad with external display or Sidecar): If you’re using an iPhone or iPad with Face ID as a companion device, passkeys can use Face ID for authentication when prompted. If Touch ID or Face ID is not available:

• Your Mac may not have a Touch ID sensor (older models, external keyboards without Touch ID)
• You can still use passkeys with your system password
• Alternatively, use the Mobile Passkey Workaround below

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Mobile Passkey Workaround

If biometric authentication is not supported or disabled on your computer, you can set up a passkey on your mobile device first, then use it to log in on your desktop:

1. On your mobile device (iPhone or Android):
   • Navigate to the Signal login page in your mobile browser
   • Enter your email address and set up a passkey
   • Complete the biometric authentication (Face ID, Touch ID, or fingerprint)
2. On your computer:
   • Navigate to the Signal login page
   • Click “Sign in with passkey”
   • When prompted, select “Use a phone or tablet” or “Use a different device”
   • A QR code will appear on your screen
3. Scan the QR code:
   • Open your phone’s camera and scan the QR code
   • Authenticate using your mobile device’s biometrics
   • You’ll be logged in on your computer

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General Troubleshooting Steps

If you’re still having issues:

• Ensure your browser is up to date (see Browser Compatibility)
• Clear your browser cache and cookies
• Try a different browser
• Disable browser extensions temporarily
• Use the email OTP method as a fallback

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Didn’t Receive OTP Code

If you don’t receive your OTP code:

• Check your spam/junk folder
• Ensure you entered the correct email address
• Wait a few moments - emails can take up to 2 minutes to arrive
• Request a new code if needed

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Lost Access to Passkey

If you no longer have access to your passkey device:

• Use the email OTP method to log in
• Set up a new passkey on your current device
• Contact support if you’re unable to access your account

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Security Best Practices

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Next Steps