Note: For frequently asked questions about our TextNow Data Add-On options, please click here. Note that our Data Add-Ons include all the Ad Free+ features, plus more, as part of the plan.
What is TextNow?
TextNow is a free calling and messaging service, available on a variety of platforms including Android and iOS, and available through your browser right here on www.textnow.com.
How does TextNow work?
TextNow uses your device's existing internet connection to text and call numbers in the US and Canada. The person you're contacting doesn't need to be a TextNow customer in order to receive your texts and calls or send you a text or call.
How do I get a number?
When you first sign up for TextNow, we'll ask you to enter an area code from the US or Canada, and assign you a number from an available pool of numbers in that area code. Please note that TextNow only has numbers within the US and Canada.
If we don't have any numbers available in your area code at the time you sign up, we'll assign a number in the area code closest to you.
I don't like my number - can I get another one?
You can! See our article here for how to release your number and get another number.
Can I sign up for TextNow outside the US or Canada?
TextNow is available in a handful of countries outside the US and Canada. Check your Play Store (on Android) or App Store (on iOS) for availability in your country.
Is texting and calling free?
Texting and calling is free to numbers in the US and Canada.* To call outside the US and Canada, you can purchase international long distance credits to place calls to other countries and territories. And for messaging outside the US or Canada, you can refer to this article for the countries you can text (for free!) through TextNow.
* Please see our Terms of Use for further information.
Do texts or calls show up on my device's regular phone bill?
Absolutely not! TextNow is a VoIP service (voice over IP), and routes the calls through your device's data connection, not through your existing plan's cellular connection.
Does TextNow have any calling restrictions?
TextNow is proud to offer our free calling service, however TextNow reserves the right to restrict call length for high-volume users.
Can I message more than one person at a time?
You can! TextNow supports group messaging - you can add more than one person to a text message from the TextNow app, and your contacts can add you to a group message from their carrier as well.
Does TextNow support emojis?
Absolutely! We have built-in emojis to our TextNow application - tap on the face icon on the messaging page to add an emoji to your text.
Does TextNow have voicemail? How do I access my voicemails?
TextNow does include voicemail. Unlike other carriers, we don't require you to call a special number to access your voicemails - rather, your voicemail will show up like any other text in your Conversations page. Click play on the voicemail to play it back. Click here for more information on the voicemail feature!
What's the difference between the WiFi Talk & Text app and Ad Free+?
Ad Free+ bundles our most popular calling features together in one place, for a low monthly cost: call forwarding, phone number locking, voicemail transcriptions and ad removal. Textnow Ad Free+ does not allow you to use the phone without an existing internet connection - for that, take a look at our new Nationwide Talk & Text plan.
Do the TextNow Plans include the Ad Free+ features?
They sure do! Call forwarding, phone number locking, voicemail transcriptions are included, along with the no ads. Plus you'll be able to use TextNow without the need for wifi!
If you're currently an Ad Free+ user, and you end up getting a Data plan with us, remember to cancel your TextNow Ad Free+ subscription through the app, or through your Google Play Store or App Store on your device. You can manage your Ad Free+ subscription in the app by tapping on the Remove Ads icon in the TextNow main menu.
Are TextNow Data Plans available outside the US?
No, I'm afraid Data Plans are US only. Sorry, fellow Canadians!
What's call forwarding?
With call forwarding, you can use your TextNow number to route the call to another number in the US or Canada, so that when people call your TextNow number it diverts the call to ring on another phone. The other phone does not have to have the TextNow app installed.
What's phone number locking?
The free version of TextNow will recycle your number after a period of inactivity. If you purchase Ad Free+ (or a TextNow phone plan), your current TextNow number won't be recycled for inactivity for as long as you have your Ad Free+ features activated.
What's ad removal?
Ad removal will remove the ads that run on the WiFi Talk & Talk and Nationwide Talk & Text (with ads) versions of the app. Ad removal will last as long as you have you have your Ad Free+ subscription activated.
How do I unsubscribe from Ad Free+?
In your TextNow app, tap on the menu button and then tap on Ad Free+. (It should be at the top of your TextNow menu, with a check mark next to it.) From there, tap on Manage Subscription to cancel or modify your subscription to Ad Free+.
iOS users can click here to manage their App Store subscriptions.
Android users can click here to manage their Google Play Store subscriptions.
I turned on Ad Free+ by accident! How can I get a refund?
Ad Free+ features are all billed through either the App Store (for iOS) or the Play Store (for Android). For refund to in-app purchases, contact the App or Play Store (depending on your device).
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