What is TextNow?

TextNow is a communication solution that offers phone numbers to text or calls within the US and Canada. It is a self-proclaimed free phone service provider with limitless texting and calling.


TextNow provides a virtual phone number that doesn’t need a SIM card and can be accessed through multiple devices. It works using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology, where voices are converted into data packets and then transferred via the Internet.

From its inception, TextNow has come a long way. Formerly, it was available only in the US and Canada. And now, it has expanded its services to two dozen countries. Further, to broaden more, it opened its first satellite office in 2016. Significantly, TextNow started Free Nationwide Talk & Text, launching its SIM cards in 2020.

People mainly use TextNow because it is free. Moreover, it provides cost-efficient plans to call overseas from the US and Canada, and a dedicated line whether for personal or professional use.
 

• It is free: At a time when everything has a price, TextNow handouts virtual phone numbers free of cost, that too with the area code of your desire.
• A dedicated line, whether primary or secondary: Let’s say you are a business owner and want to have a number solely dedicated to your firm. For that, you can sign up with TextNow and get one without much hassle. It keeps your existing number on the side, protecting your identity and providing privacy.
• Cost-efficient calling overseas: As stated earlier, TextNow has stretched its services to many nations. Since then, it has offered affordable international calling at pocket-friendly rates or even free. For instance, a call to Mexico, Brazil, and the UK starts from $0 per minute, whereas a call to UAE, India, and China starts from $0.26, $0.01, and $2 per minute, respectively.
• Free data for essential things: Everything is connected to Wi-Fi these days, and individuals can surf without worrying about spending. But what about when you are not? A TextNow SIM card costs just $4.99 and, once activated, offers free 5G phone service with data for maps, rideshare like Uber, and email.

Besides the usual messaging and calling, TextNow has many other handy features.
 

• Messaging: Besides the usual plain texts, you can spice up chats with emojis, GIFs, drawings, animated stickers, and videos/pictures.
• Group chats: Create multiple groups, whether with your colleagues, friends, or family, and have discussions, chats, plan meetings, trips, and whatnot simultaneously.
• Customization: Bored with TextNow’s purple theme? Change it with a few clicks. Explore Settings and pick a color of your choice. Furthermore, add a wallpaper from your phone gallery, making the app your own.
• Redeem deals: Navigate to TextNow Perks from the applications menu and redeem offers from Hulu, PayPal, Walmart, Disney, and others. Unfortunately, this feature is only available for TextNow’s US customers.
• Free calling and texting even without Wi-Fi: Purchase a TextNow SIM card, activate it through the app, and enjoy unlimited calls and texts without Wi-Fi and with zero expenses.
• Accessed from any device: TextNow has applications for mobile (Android and iOS) and desktop, so users can access it from multiple devices.
• Voicemail: Receive audio messages instead when unable to pick up a call.
• Call forwarding: Receive a call to an alternate phone number when unreachable. (Only for paid users.)
   

Creating an account for TextNow is as easy as it can get.
 

• Step 1: Download the TextNow app on Android or iOS.
• Step 2: Register after entering your Username, Password, and Email.
• Step 3: Allow access to Notifications, Microphone, and Location.
• Step 4: Enter the Area Code to get a number of your desired location.
• Step 5: You will automatically be assigned a number.
• Step 6: Start unlimited texting and calling.
   

Note: If TextNow doesn’t have a number of your desired location, it will assign a number of a nearby region.
 

Additionally, you can also port your existing phone number to TextNow by providing the number you want to shift, the name it is under, the account number, the number transfer PIN, and fill out a form. The number porting can take up to three business days.

Many people find it hard to believe, but yes, TextNow is actually free. However, there is a catch. Well, TextNow collaborates with multiple brands, and advertises them in its app, and pays for your phone service.

Though TextNow states its advertisements don't hinder any experience, it has an Ad-Free+ plan costing $6.99 per week. Here is a table representing TextNow’s other paid services with their features and prices.
 

All in all, TextNow is a communication solution offering free calls and messages within the US and Canada. It suits budget-conscious users who want seamless communication with local phone numbers. Nonetheless, it also has paid add-on services, such as international calls and messages, voicemails, group chat, and call forward.

Although TextNow’s expense-free plan is noteworthy, it doesn’t offer many facilities. While Calilio, a reliable and affordable cloud-based communication solution, offers various virtual phone services. It includes call recording, call transcription, and AI sentiment analysis.

With Calilio, users can access VoIP services to make and receive calls across 100+ countries. Its unified callbox helps you manage all your calls in one window. Choose Calilio to meet your diverse telephony needs.

Yes, you can text someone from a TextNow number if they have blocked your primary number.

Yes, you can call with TextNow using any device as long as you are logged in to their app or website.

TextNow is indeed a legitimate business and has been offering services since 2009.

Some sources state you can trace a TextNow number using a reverse phone lookup service.

First, go to “Create a new request,” drop down the menu under it, choose “Request Account and Data Deletion,” and then select “Delete My Account.”