TextNow is a calling and texting app that gives the user a US phone number and lets them call and message through the app. It runs on Android, iPhone and iPad, Windows and macOS, and in a web browser. In-app advertising funds the free basic service. Subscriptions remove the ads. An optional TextNow SIM or eSIM turns the app into a mobile phone service on a nationwide 5G network.
Choosing a number
When signing up, the user picks a phone number with a local area code. Once a TextNow SIM is active, the user can port an existing number from another carrier instead.
The user must use a free number to keep it assigned. A new number expires if it is not used for a call or text within the first day. After that, TextNow warns before reclaiming an inactive number. A daily call or text keeps it active. The Lock In Number add-on, also part of Ad-Free+, ties the number to the account for as long as the subscription runs. It also allows the number to receive verification codes from other services.
Calls and international rates
TextNow places calls from a built-in dialer, where the user types digits or picks someone from the phone’s contacts. During a call there are mute, speaker and hold controls. The user can add a third person for a three-way call. Calls to US and Canadian numbers are free.
For other countries, TextNow uses a pay-as-you-go balance. The user adds funds in the app and searches for a destination to see its per-minute rate before dialing. TextNow deducts minutes from the balance during the call. Credits do not expire. Some destinations are free and a few cannot be called at all.
Text and group messaging
Texts can go to any US or Canadian number, and the recipient does not need the TextNow app. Entering several recipients in the To field creates a group conversation. The user can name it after the first message. The user can block unwanted numbers from inside the chat.
Conversations sync between the mobile app and TextNow’s web messaging in a browser.
Wi-Fi, SIM and data plans
Without a SIM, TextNow works over Wi-Fi or the phone’s existing mobile data. Adding a TextNow eSIM or physical SIM lets the phone call and text on the cellular network when no Wi-Fi is available. Activation happens inside the app, and most unlocked phones are compatible.
On the free plan, the SIM carries calls and texts, plus data for a small set of selected apps such as iHeartRadio, email and maps. General mobile data comes from a day pass or from a weekly or monthly Plus or Unlimited plan. Paid plans also remove ads and add support for verification codes.
Ads, Ad-Free+ and rewards
The free TextNow app shows banner and in-line ads. Ad-Free+ is an in-app subscription that users buy through Google Play or the App Store. It removes the ads and adds a locked number, verification codes, caller information when it is available, and unlimited access to photo and video history. It also adds voicemail transcription and forwarding of calls to another US or Canadian number.
Users can collect rewards points through everyday calls and texts, quests and streaks, and by watching ads, without needing a subscription. Users can redeem points for extras such as a free SIM card, a locked-in number, Ad-Free+, caller identification, voicemail transcription or exclusive app icons.
