Android tablet cannot be linked as a secondary device on Android 16 / One UI 8

[klzig]

Guidelines

• I have searched searched open and closed issues for duplicates
• I am submitting a bug report for existing functionality that does not work as intended
• This isn't a feature request or a discussion topic

Bug description

Steps to reproduce:

1. Install Signal on Galaxy Tab S8 (SM-X700)
2. Launch app (fresh install, no backup restore)
3. Observe initial screen and phone number entry screen

Expected:
Option to "Link to existing account" or QR code for linking

Actual:
Only phone number registration is available
Overflow menu only shows "Use proxy"
No QR code or linking option anywhere

Symptoms when trying to link the tablet

• No “Link device” or QR option anywhere
• Only phone registration path
• Linked Devices menu unavailable (when unregistered)

What I've tried

• Reinstall / clear data
• Airplane mode
• Deny all permissions
• No SIM
• Disabled backup
• Checked overflow menu (it only shows "use proxy"

Device + OS

• Galaxy Tab S8 (SM-X700)
• Android 16
• One UI 8
• Feb 2026 security patch
• Signal version 8.3.4

Screenshots

No response

Device

Galaxy Tab S8 (SM-X700)

Android version

16

Signal version

8.3.4

Link to debug log

No response

[noc-noc]

Strictly speaking probably not a bug, because afaik this never was a feature. Therefore this is a feature request. A request for a feature, though, that would be very useful and that many people including me miss a lot.

[Genis-Sage]

Signal Deva are working on it

you can follow the communuty forum for it
https://community.signalusers.org/t/problem-adding-tablet-android-as-second-device/74730