Ask HN: Is there any way to avoid setting a Signal pin?

[hedora]

Signal has stopped letting iOS or Android users into the app unless they set up a pin and turn on the new backup / account recovery features.

Is there any way to opt-out? I don’t see an option in the app. At the very least, I’d like to access my old messages.

[throwaway12375]

Yes...basically, switch on aeroplane mode, then enter the app. You’ll bypass the PIN screen. Enter a conversation, then switch off aeroplane mode. Entering and exiting the app will no longer force you to set a PIN...unless you leave the app while on the conversation list screen.

While you can just repeat the steps above if that happens, to avoid the annoyance, always leave the app in a conversation.

Note: I’ve only tested this on iOS. Hopefully it also works on Android...

[ficklepickle → throwaway12375]

Can confirm this works on android. Thanks!

On a side note, this "feature" really annoys me. If I want to lose my contacts etc when I switch devices, I should be allowed to. I don't want to store anything on their servers, encrypted or otherwise.

[Legogris → throwaway12375]

Maybe they pushed another update; does not work for me on iOS.

[hanche → Legogris]

After turning on airplane mode, quit Signal by swiping it up in the app chooser (that you get by swiping up from the bottom of the screen), then launch Signal again. Now turn airplane mode off.

[djeiasbsbo]

Yes... just don't set it. I do have the annoying reminder but the app works anyway. I have restored from a previous Signal backup, maybe that matters.

[hedora → djeiasbsbo]

It seems like I can only open the app if I get a message and tap the notification.