How do I hide my last seen, online status, and profile picture on Signal?

Applies to: Signal Messenger (Android, iOS)
Last updated: September 2025

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Problem

You may want to increase your privacy on Signal by limiting who can see your last seen, online status, or profile photo.

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Solution

Signal allows fine-grained control over your visibility settings, letting you decide whether everyone, only contacts, or no one can see certain details.

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Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Hide last seen & online status

1. Open Signal.
2. Go to Settings > Privacy > Last Seen & Online.
3. Under Who can see my last seen, select:
   • Everyone
   • My contacts
   • Nobody
4. For Who can see when I’m online, choose:
   • Everyone
   • Same as last seen

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Step 2: Hide profile photo

1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Profile photo.
2. Choose visibility:
   • Everyone
   • My contacts
   • Nobody

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Step 3: Hide other information (optional)

• Phone number visibility:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Phone Number → Control who can see your number.
• Read receipts / typing indicators:
  • Disable in Settings > Privacy if you want more anonymity.

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Optional Methods or Tools

• Use a generic profile picture if you want to appear anonymous.
• Enable disappearing messages in private chats for added privacy.

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Best Practices / Tips

• If you hide your last seen, you also won’t see others’ last seen timestamps.
• Even with “Nobody” set, people may guess your activity if you reply in group chats.
• Review privacy settings regularly — Signal may add new options in updates.
• Avoid sharing sensitive details in your profile name or photo.