TextNow FAQs

On our website, sign into your account, click on My Account and then click on My Account.

You'll see your order along with the current status:

Processing: We received your order and are getting it ready.

Shipped: Your order has been picked up by UPS and is heading your way.

Delivered: Your order has been delivered to the address you provided.

When we have a delivery estimate from UPS, you'll see it on your Account page.

If you receive message that your order is currently under review, check your email for a message from the TextNow team for further information.

Note: Tracking is only available for PHONE orders, not SIM cards.

Please note: These following steps are for TextNow CDMA devices only. For GSM devices, see our Support article here.

If your data connection is intermittent, or your device is having a hard time connecting to 3G/4G, please follow the steps below to resolve this. Also, please ensureyou have wifi available before performing these steps:

For most Android phones:

Go to Settings > WiFiand slide Wifi on if it is not already enabled.

Connect to a Wi-Fi networkif you're not already connected. You might need to know the password for the wifi network in order to connect.

Turn Airplane Mode off if it's on. You can usually find Airplane Mode underSettings > More... or Settings > More Settings.

Go to Settings > More... (or More Settings) > Mobile Networks > Mobile Data> Toggle it OFF and back ON

Go to Settings > More... (or More Settings) > Roaming > Roaming Network > Change this to Sprint Only.

Go to Settings > System Update> Update PRL

Go to Settings > System Update> Update Profile (device may reboot)

Test by launching Chrome oranother browser.

For Samsung Galaxy devices running AndroidKit-Kat or Lollipop:

Go to Settings > Connections tab > slideWiFi on (if it is not already enabled)

Connect to a Wi-Fi network if you are not already connected to one

Go to Settings > Connections tab > More Networks > and make sure Airplane mode is off

Go to Settings > Connections tab > More Networks > Mobile Networks > Mobile Data > Toggle it OFF and back ON

Go to Settings > Connections tab> More Networks > Roaming > Roaming Network > Change this to Home Only.

Go to Settings > More tab > System Updates > Update PRL

Go to Settings > More Tab > System Updates > Update Profile (device may reboot)

Test by launching the Chrome or another browser.

For Motorola Devices:

Go to Settings > slideWiFi onif it is not already enabled.

Connect to a Wi-Fi network if you are not already connected to one

Go to Settings > More > make sure Airplane mode is off

Go to Settings > Data usage > Mobile Data > Toggle it OFF and back ON

Go to Settings > System Updates > Update PRL

Go to Settings > System Updates > Update Profile (your device may reboot)

Test by launchingChrome or another browser.

Thank you for your interest in TextNow!

TextNow offers high-speed Data Add-Ons, as well as unlimited 2G data, so you can use your device even off of WiFi. We offer a range of devices with a variety of prices to fit your budget, and our new and refurbished phones comewith a one-year warranty! (Gently-used devices come with a 60-day warranty.) And we also offer Activation Kits, so you can use TextNow on an existing CDMA device.

Purchasing ADevice

To purchase a device, just go to our Shop page and click on your favourite device. You can also choose upgrade and device-replacement options if you have previously purchased a phone from us.

To purchase a SIM card, you'll need to buy an Activation Kit. Simply click Buy Now on our SIM card product page and enter your device information and we'll find the right card for your device! You can also do this within the TextNow app but clicking on the 3 little lines in top left corner and clicking Free Coverage.

Payment Method

We currently only accept credit, debit, pre-paid debit cards and PayPal.

All phone purchases come with Nationwide Talk & Text (with ads) as a base option, and are not available for purchase without a plan.

How to change account info (name, email, number, etc.)

With TextNow, you can change your card on your account at any time, and make other adjustments to your payments and account balance, from the app or from your Account page on TextNow.com.

On mobile:

Open the TextNow main menu and tap on Account Balance, which will bring you to the Account Balance page:

My Account

To add a credit card, tap on Add Credit Card at the top of the screen, and then enter the new credit card information.

Online:

Head to your My Account page on TextNow.com, click on Manage Billing and Payments to get to this page:

From this page you'll be able to edit or remove a card already associated with your account, add a new card to use as the default payment option, and add money to your account balance for use in future payments or for international long distance calling.

Edit or Remove a Credit/Debit Card:

1. Go to the My Account page and click on Manage Billing and Payments.

2. On the card listed as Primary, click on Edit to edit the card information (cardholder name, expiry date, and billing address for the card).

3. To delete the card, click Remove. Note that you cannot remove your Primary card, and we need to have at least one credit or debit card to use with your TextNow account.

Add a New Card:

1. Go to the My Account page and click onManage Billing and Payments.

2. Click on Add a New Credit Card.

3. Enter your card information.

4. If you would like that card to be your Primary, check the box for Make This My Primary Card

Add Money To Your Account Balance:

1. Go to thepage and click onManage Billing and Payments.

2. Click on Add Money in the top right-hand corner.

3. Click on the amount you'd like to add to your account balance ($5, $10 or $20).

4. Click Continue to charge the Primary card you have on file with us for the amount chosen.

5. Your account balance will show the updated amount.

One of our most requested features, Caller ID is now built-in to the TextNow app for all of our Ad Free+ subscribers!

The first time you call a contact from your TextNow phone, the call will show the names you've entered on your TextNow profile for your first and last name. (They'll appear reversed to your caller, like in the example above.)

Note that if your contact already has your name and TextNow number saved in the contacts app on their phone, that local contact information will supersede the caller ID name. So, for example, if you already have your fatherin your phone contact as "Dad", with his TextNow number, his name will show up as "Dad" on caller ID.

WiFi Talk & Text and Ad Free+ users won't have their name sent out - instead, TextNow will try to display the city location (based on their phone number)to the person you're calling from TextNow.

For all users, the number you're calling from will now appear through caller ID as well - that's for WiFi Talk & Text and Nationwide Talk & Text Ad Free+ subscribers!

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+ featuresactivated.

What's ad removal?

Ad removal will remove the ads that run on theWiFi 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).

At the beginning of your month of service, we charge the default card we have on file for you, if the payment is not successful we will attempt to charge the backup cards on your account to avoid service interruption. If you have upgraded your plan before your payment date, your next month would start on the upgraded level. For example, if you upgraded from a 2GB Data Add-On to an Unlimited Data Add-On before your payment is due, your next month will start with Unlimited Data. Youcan upgrade and downgrade your plan at any time!

Do I need to keep track of paying my subscription?

No - we do that work for you. We use automatic billing for Ad Free+ and Data Add-Ons.

Can I remove the card information from my account?

Every TextNow account has to have at least one card associated with it.

You can, however, change the card you have on file at any time! You can change your card information through the app (under the main menu > Account Balance), or online here at your My Account page.

When is my payment due?

Like most apps it is every month from the day that you purchased your phone. The exception is your first month of service when purchasing a TextNow device, which is 35 days from when you order the phone and plan. We tack on the extra days in order to give us time to ship the phone to you.

So, for example, if you ordered your phone and plan on June 1st, your next bill would be due on July 5th, and then the 5th of every month thereafter.

Can I change my payment date?

Absolutely! We can adjust your payment date towithin five calendar daysof the original date, and you would be charged on that new date. We can only change the date once every 12 monthsper customer.

What method of payment do you accept?

We accept debit cards, credit cards, and prepaid debit/credit cards. You can manage your payment options online on your My Account page.

Can I see my payment history?

You can! On your My Account page, click on Billing & Payments and then click on View Payment History.

About TextNow

TextNow's technology makes phone service ultra-affordable! No matter what your budget is, we've got the perfect phone for you. We offer a wide range of phones from certified refurbished to brand-new devices in a variety of prices. If you have a compatible phone you can use with TextNow, you can activate it with our Nationwide Talk & Text plan plus add on any extra features like no ads or data! We'll check to make sure your phone is compatible and free for use before we charge you, so if you're unsure if your phone can be used, it's safe to enter your phone's information. All of our add-ons include Unlimited texting and calling to the USA & Canada.

Our Phones

No matter what your budget is, we've got the perfect phone for you. We offer a wide range of phones from certified refurbished to brand-new devices in a variety of prices.And all our new and refurbished models come with a 1-year warranty!

To see more about our phones, head on over toShop page!

Using Your Own Device

If you have a compatible phone we can use with TextNow, you canactivate it in-app with any of our plans! We'll check to make sure your phone is compatible and free for use before we charge you, so if you're unsure if your phone can be used, it's safe to enter your phone's information.

If you need a SIM card for your existing CDMA device we have Activation Kits available for you! Download the app and click Free Coverage from the main menu.

Our Plans

All of our Nationwide Talk & Text services include:

Unlimited texting to the USA & Canada

Unlimited calling to the USA & Canada

Ability to use your phone # on any computer & tablet

Purchase Ad Free+ and get:

Visual voicemail

Call forwarding

Keep your number

No ads!

Ad Free+ with Data includes all of the above plus:

Unlimited data at 2G speed

3G/4G data (limit varies depending on plan)

The only difference between Data add-ons is the amount of data available at 3G/4G speed. After the data limit is exceeded for the billing cycle, data access is still available at 2G speed, which is fast enough for apps and services likeemail and Facebook messaging.

Coverage

In addition to getting full coverage when on WiFi, TextNow offers nationwide data coverage when WiFi is not available. Our CDMA coverage is provided by Sprint.

To check the coverage map for your area head over to ourSIM card pageand click on View coverage map under Nationwide Coverage.

Phone Number

With TextNow, you have the option to:

Use your existing TextNow number

Get a new phone # from any area code

Port in a phone number from another phone company

To use your existing TextNow phone number,login with your existing TextNow accountto purchase a device and a plan from us.

To get a new phone #, simply sign up for a new TextNow account whenpurchasing a device and a plan from us.

To port-in an existing phone number, select the optionI would like to transfer an existing phone number from another carrierduring the checkout process.

Welcome toTextNow!

TextNow Phones & Service

How does your service work?

Will my TextNow phone work like any other phone?

Does your service work without WiFi?

What do I need to do to get started once I get the phone?

Can I buy more than one phone for my account?

What exactly do you mean by "refurbished": will my phone look used?

Can I take my TextNow phone to a different carrier, if I decide to?

How do I upgrade my phone with you?

Is there warranty and insurance coverage for your phones?

How does the warranty work?

What is your return policy

What is your refund policy?

How do I pay my monthly bill?

What are the acceptable monthly payment options?

My credit score is not the greatest - can you work with me?

Can TextNow receive collect calls?

Bringing My Own Sprint Device

Can I bring my phone to you?

Do you have SIM cards?

Are there differences between using my phone and one of yours?

How does your service work?

At first glance TextNow might look like any other wireless service. But what sets us apart is our technology makes our phone service extremelyaffordableand able to do more than othertraditional phone services!

We are the FIRST to offer FREE Nationwide Talk & Text for FREE in the U.S.

All of our Data Add-On options include the following:

Unlimited texting, calling, and data*

No contracts, credit checks, or hidden fees

Visual voicemail and call forwarding

Call waiting

Ability to use your TextNow phone numberon devices other than your phone such as your computer, iPod Touch, and tablet

*each plan includes a different amount of data at 4G/3G (faster) speed. Data at 2G (slower) speed is unlimited.

Will my TextNow phone work like any other phone?

Absolutely! TextNow phones are full-featured smartphones, and are able to run any app in the Google Play Store that is compatible with the version of Android installed on your phone. All factory-standard apps integrate seamlessly with TextNow's service, and all phones come working out of the box - no additional software installation is necessary to get the phone working!

Does your service work without WiFi?

Yes! If you have Ad Free+ or a Data Add-On your phone will work without WiFi. When there is no WiFi available, our phones will use Sprint's nationwide data and voice network. Use this map to confirm there is 3G/4G/LTE/Voice coverage in your area.

Our SIM Cards utilize nation-wide CDMA data and voice networks while off wifi.

What do I need to do to get started once I receive my phone?

All phones arrive activated. Once you receive the phone, simply put the battery in (unless battery is built in) and turn it on. Afterwards, justsign into your TextNow account using the same username and password you used to purchase the phone.

Can I buy more than onephone for my account?

Each account is meant to have oneTextNow device. If you would like to purchase more phones for family/household members or your business, please use an unique TextNow username & account for each line/device. You are welcome to use the same payment card on all of your accounts with us.

What exactly do you mean by "refurbished"? Will my phone look used?

Your phone will arrive looking shiny and new! We invest a lot of time not only into the quality checks (hence our ability to offer 12 month warranties), but also into the phone'sappearances. You can expect for your phone to look the same as if you had purchased it brand new directly from the manufacturer.

Can I take my TextNow phone to a different carrier, if I decide to?

TextNow devices cannot be used with another carrier. The software on the devices are made specifically for TextNow Wireless service.

Also please note: If the device's firmware has been modified ortampered with, it will void the 1-year warranty on the device.

How do I upgrade my phone with you?

To upgrade your device, please go to textnow.com/wireless and select the phone of your choice while signed in with your existing TextNow account. All of your account information, including phone number, will stay the same. Once you receive the new phone, remember to sign in with the same username. Doing so will automatically switch the subscription from the original phone to the new one.

Your old phone can still serve a purpose! Giveit (or sell it)to someoneelse.It can be activated with a new subscription.

Is there warranty and insurance coverage for your phones?

New and refurbished devices come with a 1-year warranty and used devices come with a 60-day warranty on software and hardware. Physical abuse, cracked screen, water damage, custom software modification (i.e. flashing or rooting), and lost or stolen devices are not covered under warranty. In addition, your warranty is voided if your subscription with us become inactive at any time within the one year.

We do not offer insurance or extended warranties on TextNow phones at this time.

How does the warranty work?

Once our Support department has determined the problem with your phone cannot be solved by troubleshooting, we will email you a printable, pre-paid mailing label to use with UPS to send back your device.The email will also contain instructions for packaging your device. After packaging your device, take your packaged phone to a UPS store to have them scan the label; once our system knows the label is scanned, your replacement device will be shipped out.

You can also choose to put a refundable deposit down on a replacement phone first, which we would then ship out to you along with a prepaid label to use to send your old device back.

The label we send will be good for forty-five (45) days after issuance.

What is your return policy?

All devices qualify for a return for refund within the first 30 days of purchase. Please note: Devices with any physical or water damage will not be accepted.

What is your refund policy?

Should you choose to return your device to us within the first 30 days, we will refund the cost of the phone to you (free return shipping). If the device is in it's original perfect condition,and you have the original packaging and accessories, the cost of the device, including shipping and service fees, will be refunded to you upon successful return.

Outside of the initial 30 days, if you cancel your subscription, refunds will only be eligible with 0MB of data usage during a billing cycle. Refunds are a one-time exception, and will not be applied toward multiple billing cycles.

Upon cancelling, a refund will be processed automatically if it meets the above criteria.

How do I pay for my subscription?

Once you subscribe to a monthly plan with us, we will use the same payment card to automatically renew your service on a monthly basis. If you'd like to update the payment card used on your account, please go to your TextNow app, tap the main menu button (3 horizontal linesin the top left corner) and select My Account. Alternatively, you can sign intotextnow.com and clicktheMy Account tab tomodify payment/billing information.

What are the acceptable monthly payment options?

We accept all major debit, credit, and prepaid cards:

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

JCB

Discover

Diners Club

For those who prefer to use cash, you can purchase a prepaid cardor giftcard with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express logo (from a local grocery store/gas station/big box store) and use it to pay for your initial purchase as well as the monthly subscription.

My credit score is not the greatest - can you work with me?

Absolutely! If you do not have access to a credit card (bad credit or under 18),you can sign up using a prepaid cardor debit card as long as it has oneof the following logos on it.

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

JCB

Discover

Diners Club

Can TextNow receive collect calls, or calls from a correctional facility?

No, I'm afraid the TextNow system cannot accept collect calls, as we have no way to bill you for individual calls. All calls to and from your TextNow phone from the US and Canada are free.

Correctional facilities will often have a list of phone carriers and services that will work with their phone systems. TextNow is generally not compatible with these; contact the correctional facility's head office for more information.

Can I bring my own phone to you?

You can! We can activate some Sprint, Boost and Virgin Mobile devices directly, and we also sell Activation Kits to use with your compatible CDMA phone! Click here to get started activating your devices.

Do you have SIM cards?

We do! If you have a CDMA device that we can't activate directly with TextNow, you can purchase an Activation Kit from us to use with your device. To find the card compatible with your device, click Buy Now on our SIM card page.

Are there differences between using my own Sprint phone and one of yours?

The main difference is the audio quality. A TextNow phone is programmed to utilize both the data network and the cellular voicenetwork for calling. The Sprint phone will not haveaccess to the cellular voice network, but only the data network. As a result, the call quality outside of WiFi will be impacted. If call quality is important to you, we strongly recommend purchasing an affordably priceddevice from us.

How does upgrading or downgrading work?

On TextNow, you can upgrade or downgrade to another plan anytime you like! For example if you're on our Nationwide Talk and Text plan you can upgrade with a Data Add-On. Or, if you'd like to jump down from our Unlimited Data Add-On to the Nationwide Talk and Text with ads you can do so too - and all in the same place! Simply go to your My Account page is the place and you'll see the option to Mange Your Plan. You can also choose to change your plan or Add-On options during your current plan or set it to change for your next month.

To upgrade or downgrade your plan on the TextNow app:

1. Make sure your devicehasaccess to internet (WiFi or mobile data)

2. Launch the TextNow app

3. Tap the Menubutton in the top-left corner My Account

4. TapMy Account

5. TapChange Plan

6. Select the desiredplan and tap Continue

7. Choose whether you'd like to upgrade immediately or on your next bill date.

8. Tap Confirm Changes

To upgrade or downgrade your plan online:

1. Go to your Account page here at TextNow.com

2. Click on Manage Plan on your Account page, and then tap on

3. Select the plan you'd like to be on, effective on your following bill cycle.

What happens after you upgrade:

If you choose to upgrade during your month, we raise your data cap immediately. Your debit/credit card will immediately becharged the difference between your current monthly plan and the new plan.

If you choose to upgrade for your next month, that will take effect on your next billing cycle.Your debit/credit card will becharged the downgraded plan when your next billing cycle starts.

What happens after youdowngrade:

Downgrading a plan only takes effect on your next month of service. The plan change will take effect the next billing cycle. Your debit/credit card will becharged the downgraded plan when your next billing cycle starts.

Can I view my payment history?

You can! On your page, click on Billing & Payments, and then click on View Payment History.

Our TextNow phonesarepowered by nationwide 3G/4G networks, so you can use your device even off of WiFi.

If you live in an area that does not have coverage, it is strongly recommended to stick with the WiFi Talk & Text instead of adding a Data Add-On option since the WiFi Talk & Text plan will work over an existing wifi connection.

To check the coverage map in your area, head to our Sim Card page and click on View Coverage Map. That'll bring you to our coverage map where you can see your coverage based on your address.

Try our NEW Nationwide Talk and Text Plan!

We are excited to announce that we are the FIRST to offer the only ad supported FREE cellular service in the US. Now you can enjoy talking and texting family and friends for free - forever! It’s real phone service without the pesky phone bill.

How does it work?

All you need to do is check that your current device (could be a hand-me-down or a newer model) is compatible with our service. Check out our compatibility tool here ! Note: This service is currently only available in the U.S. Sorry, Canadians!

My device is compatible, now what?

Congratulations! You can either use your own SIM card if it’s compatible or you can buy one of our Activation Kits for $9.99. This is a ONE time fee only and includes a SIM card that you’ll need to connect to our network. To buy one visit our website.

Once you have your Activation Kit you can insert your SIM card and open TextNow and follow the instructions on the Activation Kit. If you have any hiccups you can visit any one of our Help! articles. Often times things as simple as making sure your Mobile Data is on can be the cause and it’s easy to fix!

How do I remove the ads?

Great question! You can remove ads and unlock awesome features like Caller ID and locking in your number by clicked Remove Ads in the app menu. This option is available for $9.99 a month.

Ok, great, but what if I want data?

We get you! You want to be able to go on Facebook and check your local weather app. Well to do that you can open the app menu and click Add Data. You can choose from our 2GB or Unlimited Data Add-Ons.

If you're looking to activate an iOSdevice with your new Activation Kit, here's a handy guide to helpyou through the process.

1.Make sure the SIM card has been inserted and you have a wifi network active and available to use.

2. Next, open TextNow, log into your account.

3.Open the app menu drawer by clicking the 3 little lines in the top left.

4. Click Free Coverage.

5.If you'd like to find out more about the service click How does it work? If you're all set to activate click Get Started.

6.You'll need your MEID/IMEI and your ICCID in order to check it's compatibility.

7. After you've completed the steps and the device has done a network reset you should be activated.

8. If you decide later that you'd like to remove the ads or add data you can do so by opening the app menu again and pressing Remove Ads or Add Data. In our example we pressed Add Data.

.

You're all set! Time to start using your TextNow phone!

Looking to port your number into TextNow? We've now made it even easier to get your port started!

We'll need to know the account number and PIN (if you have one) from your previous carrier, along with the correct billing address for the number. Every carrier will have a unique account number associated with the phone number. Your previous carrier will have the account number information for the number you're looking to port.

Once you have that information you can port in via our website or in the app:

Via our Website:

1. Go to your My Account page on TextNow.com.

2. From your My Account page, click on Number Porting.

3. To port in your number to TextNow, click Port in your number.

You'll also have the option to port in a number to TextNow when you purchase a plan, phone, or SIM card from us at the time of purchase.

Via the app:

1. Click the 3 little lines in the top left corner

2. Click on My Account

3. Scroll down to Number Porting

4. Click on Port-in my number

What is porting?

Porting a number means taking an existing phone number from one provider and transferring it to another provider.

What info do I need to port my number?

We'll need to know the account number and PIN (if you have one) from your previous carrier, along with the correct billing address for the number. Every carrier will have a unique account number associated with the phone number. Your previous carrier will have the account number information for the number you're looking to port.

The number you're trying to port must be tied to an account that is active and in good standing with your previous carrier. Phone numbers that are no longer active are unable to be ported, unfortunately.

What happens after I submit a port?

The porting process can take on average 2-3 business days to complete from the time you complete the form. Submitting the incorrect information greatly increases the time it takes to port in your number.

You can still use TextNow during that time with the temporary TextNow phone number already associated with your account. Once it completes, that temporary number will be replaced with the number being ported.

There may be a small window of time (not more than 24 hours) where you'll be unable to receive text messages while your phone number is changing hands between your previous carrier and TextNow.

Whoops, I entered the wrong information! Can I fix it?

Not to worry, you can re-enter and edit your porting information by clicking on Port-in my number, as shown in in step 3 above.

What do “GSM” and “CDMA" mean?

What devices can I use with an Activation Kit?

Can I use a tablet with TextNow?

Howdo I unlock my device?

Do I need WiFi to use my Activation Kit?

Do I need to buy an Activation Kit in order to use my own device?

Can I pull my TextNow SIM card and use it with another device?

Will I be able to use my TextNow SIM internationally off wifi?

The website is asking me for my MEID number. Where can I find it?

Help! My phone is telling me the SIM card is invalid!

Help! The SIM card in my Activation Kit is incorrect!

Help! The SIM card in my Activation Kit is broken or lost!

Help! I locked my SIM card and I need a PUK code!

Help! My SIM card isn't being recognized by my phone!

Help! My phone reads the SIM card, but I can't connect!

What does "GSM” and “CDMA” mean?

GSM and CDMA are types of wireless networks. (GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications, while CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access). GSM is used worldwide, while CDMA is used primarily within the US. T-Mobile and AT&T run GSM networks, with Sprint and Verizon using CDMA networks.

What devices can I use with an Activation Kit?

TextNow can use unlocked CDMA Android and iOS smartphones and tablets. For Android devices, we support devices on Lollipop 5.0 or above, and for iOS we support iOS 10 and above. To find out if your particular device is compatible, head on over to our Get Started page!

Can I use a tablet?

If your tablet is CDMA capable, we should be able to use it with one of our SIM cards. For Android devices, the tablet should be Lollipop (5.0) or above, and for iOS it should be iOS 10 or above.

How do I unlock my device?

In order to use TextNow with your CDMA device, your device will need to be unlocked. Each carrier will have a slightly different method of unlocking your device if it is currently locked to that carrier; contact your carrier for more help on how to unlock your specific device.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) also has a helpful FAQ with regards to unlocking your device.

Do I need WiFi to use my Activation Kit?

You will need a stable wifi connection to activate the SIM card in the kit. Once it's activated, you won't need wifi to place calls or send texts as your phone will be able to access the data network, while still also being able to use wifi whenever wifi is available.

If you're activating your TextNow SIM card over a public wifi connection (i.e. at a cafe or library), often there will be an additional step after you connect in order to access the internet. If you're having difficulty activating while on a public wifi connection, try opening your browser on your device as you may have to complete an additional step through your browser before your device fully connects.

Do I need to buy an Activation Kit in order to use my own device?

That depends on your device. Certain specific CDMA phones from Sprint, Boost and Virgin Mobile we can activate directly onto TextNow without the need for another SIM card. For all other unlocked devices, we’ll ship you an Activation Kit with the right SIM card to use with TextNow.

Can I pull my TextNow SIM card and use it with another device?

If you have another device that is compatible with the type of SIM card you have from TextNow, and it's a phone we can activate on TextNow, we'll be able to swap the service to that new phone for you! Contact us at TextNow Support and we'll get it set up.

Will I be able to use my TextNow SIM internationally without wifi?

I'm afraid not. Our TextNow service runs off a national US CDMA network, which is unavailable outside the US. You can, however, use your TextNow activated device over wifi outside of the US to call and text numbers within the US and Canada, as well as use your international long distance credits to call numbers outside the US and Canada while on wifi.

The website is asking me for my MEID number. Where can I find it?

Depending on the device you're using, the MEID number might be listed as the ESN or the IMEI. Generally, the MEID number will be a 14-digit string, and may contain both letters and numbers.

On an Android device, you can find your MEID/IMEI number under your main Settings app > About Device > Status. On iOS, you can usually find it under the main Settings app > General > About.

If your phone has a removable back and battery, it will also often be on a sticker in the bay underneath where the battery sits. On that sticker, it will often be listed as the ESN number.

Help! My phone is telling me the SIM card is invalid!

If you're getting a "SIM card invalid" message after inserting your TextNow SIM, there's a good chance your phone is still locked to a carrier. Contact your carrier to ensure your phone is unlocked for use.

The Federal Communications Commission has an excellent help article that goes over unlocking regulations for US carriers, which has more information about unlocking mobile devices.

Help! The SIM card in my Activation Kit is incorrect!

No problem! Contact us at TextNow Support and we can send you a replacement.

Help! The SIM card in my Activation Kit is broken or lost!

We're sorry to hear that! Please contact us at TextNow Support and we can assist you with a replacement SIM card.

Help! I locked my SIM card and need a PUK code!

If you require the PUK (or Personal Unlocking Key) code, please contact one of our chat agents on any of our Support pages.

Please note that PUK codes are only available for SIM Cards purchased separately from TextNow, and not for SIM cards that come with our TextNow devices.

Help! My SIM card isn't being recognized by my phone!

Eject the SIM card from your phone and ensure it's seated properly in the SIM slot. You may have to refer to the manual for your device for more specific information about the location of your SIM card slot, and what size of card your phone accepts.

Note that on some older Android devices, you may need to restart your device after inserting your SIM card. If your card isn't being recognized, try holding down the power button to bring up your Power Off menu and tap Restart.

Help! My phone reads the SIM card, but I can't connect!

You may need to perform an SCRTN (aka a carrier reset) on your phone to reconnect back to our network. See our article on how to do an SCRTN here.

If you're looking to activate an Androiddevice with your new Activation Kit, here's a handy guide to helpyou through the process.

1. Make sure the SIM card has been inserted and you have a wifi network active and available to use.

2. Next, open TextNow, log into your account.

3.Open the Menu (3 lines) from the left hand side

4. Press Free Coverage

5. If you'd like to learn more about the service, click on How does it work? If you're good to continue press Enable Free Service.

6.You're almost there! If you're not familiar with this code you might want to write it down. Open the Phone App and enter the code for your device (in this example it's ##72786#).

7.Once the SCRTN completes it your service will be active! You'll notice that once you open the menu you'll have the option to Add Data or Remove Ads. Clicking either of those option will take you to your account to finish the payment process.

8. As well if you happened to skip the option of the doing the code you can always click Complete Activation in the menu to go back to the code.

You're all set! Time to start using your TextNow phone!

Certainly! If you want to use TextNow without the need for wifi, we offer a number of choices.

If you have your own compatible device from Sprint, Boost or Virgin Mobile, we can activate your current phone with TextNow. If you have a CDMA-enabled smartphone or tablet but need a SIM card, we now offer TextNow Activation Kits to use your device with our service. You can order one through the app by pressing Free Coverage in the menu (top left).

If you're looking for an affordable cell phone check out the latest on our Shoppage.

Arethere any differences between my own device and a TextNow device?

We always recommendpurchasing one of our affordably priced deviceson our Shop page.The devices you purchase from us will have superior call quality, no dropped calls moving in-and-out of WiFi, and will be able to utilize cellular 2G networks. There's no software installation necessary as our phones ship with the TextNow app pre-installed, and texting and calling is fully integrated with all factory-installed applications.And our new and refurbished models come with a one-year warranty!

If I purchase a phone from you can I use the SIM card that came with the phone in another device?

If your phone is a CDMA-enabled smartphone or tablet, and it's compatible with the SIM card type of your TextNow phone, there's a chance we can use your new device with your existing TextNow service. Please contact us at TextNow support for more help and information.

We're glad you've decided to take advantage of our Family Plans !

As the owner of a TextNow Family Plan, you'll be able to manage the devices and plans of all the devices in your Family Plan. If you're looking to add another line to your Family Plan follow the steps below:

1. First, head to your My Wireless Account page on your browser and click on Manage plans:

please contact us on chat

2.Click Add another wireless line and saveon the next page to add up to ten additional lines to your existing plan.

Depending on your particular needs, you can either activate an eligible device or SIM card from another carrier, or purchase one of our affordable devices or TextNow SIM cards. Clicking on Buy a phone or SIM will lead you through the buying process, and you can proceed with step 5. You can also click on Add A TextNow Wireless user to add an existing TextNow customer's account to your Family Plan.

3. If you already have a phone compatible with TextNow, click on Activate underActivate an eligible device or SIM and enter the user information for the person you'd like on the family plan: a valid email address, a password for the account, and the person's first and last name. (See below for an example.) Once that's done, click Continue.

4. Then, select your device type (Android or iOS) and enter the MEID number.

5. Choose a plan!

You can also check the coverage in your area for our networks on this page. Once you're ready, click Proceed to continue.

6. On the next page, you'll see the information already populated for the credit card on your main Family Plan account. If you would like to port in a number for this account to use, you can do it on this page as well; otherwise, click Submit Order.

That's it! If you would like to add more lines, click onAdd another wireless line & saveand repeat these steps.

Once you've got a line on your Family Plan you can read on for an overview of how to manage your Family Plan. Through our self-help portal, you can upgrade your plan, swap a device, start a number port into TextNow, and more!

Log into your account at TextNow.com, and head to your My Account page. From there, click on Add & Manage Plans under My Family Plan:

That will bring you to the page where you can manage each of the phones and plans under your Family Plan:

Clicking on Manage Plan on any of the phones on your account will bring you to a page where you can change the plan on that phone, swap devices, add a new device, port a number from another carrier, and cancel the plan altogether. Here's what you can do with each of these options:

Change Plan: Change the plan this member is on. If you choose a plan with more data, you'll have the choice of starting that new plan immediately (we'll charge you the difference between the two plans for the remainder of your month), or waiting until your current bill cycle is over before starting on the higher plan. (If you're downgrading, we always start it on your next billing cycle.)

Manage Device: From this page, you can purchase a new device for your plan member by clicking on View deals, or swap the device the account is currently using for another compatible device by clicking on Swap active device.

Number porting: Click on Number porting if you'd port a number from another carrier to this plan.

Cancel subscription: Click Cancel subscription to cancel the plan on this device and remove it from your Family Plan.

Some important info about cancelling Family Plans: You can cancel the child accounts of a family plan anytime directly through the web portal, as explained above. You can only cancel a parent account if all child accounts are cancelled first. If you would like to cancel the parent plan but want to still leave the child plans intact, :

Monday-Sunday, 10am-5:30pm, Eastern.

TextNow customers know that, along with our mobile apps for Android and iOS and our Windows and Mac desktop versions, you can also use TextNow through your browser for both calling and texting.

If you're having trouble with the calling feature on your browser, and you've let your browser have access to your microphone, then a good next step is to simply try a different browser. Below is a list of most popular browsers today along with links to grab the latest version:

Browser

OS

Supported by TextNow?

Download

Google Chrome

Linux, Win, Mac

Yes

Here

Mozilla Firefox

Linux, Win, Mac

Yes

Here

Safari

Mac

Yes

Here

Internet Explorer

Windows

No

Microsoft Edge

Windows

Yes

Here

Opera

Linux, Win, Mac

Yes

Here

Follow the steps below and start usingyour device in a matter of minutes:

After removing your phone from the box, insert the battery. (If your phone is a model with a built-in battery, you can skip to the next step.)

Power your device and wait for it to boot up.

Complete the hands-free activation by following the on-screen instructions.

Connect to Wi-Fi (if available)

Launch the TextNow app

Sign into TextNow with the username and password you used to create your TextNow account.

When the sign-in completes, you're ready to send and receive calls and texts!

Note:if yourphone isn't connecting to the cellularnetwork in absence ofWiFi, try dialing ##72786# (*#*#72786#*#* if you have a Nexus) in the phone's built-in callingapp (not TextNow) to force it to re-activate with the cellular network.

We're very excited to say that TextNow is available for download in many countries outside of the US and Canada. As long as you have a data connection (like WiFi) you can get a free number and call North American numbers for free. If you want to call a local number outside of the US/Canada you will need to buy International Long Distance credits.

Below is a list of countries where TextNow is available for download through the App Store or Google Play.

Antigua and Barbuda

Aruba

Australia

Bahamas

Brazil

Canada

Dominican Republic

Hong Kong SAR

India

Israel

Jamaica

Japan

Kuwait

Mexico

Netherlands

New Zealand

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Singapore

South Africa

South Korea

Switzerland

Taiwan

Trinidad and Tobago

United Arab Emirates

If you don't see your country on this list it means that TextNow is not available for download. Check back often as TextNow is always growing!

Please note: All prices and plans shown on this page are subject to change. For the latest in plans and phones, visit our main page.

If you're looking to activate an iOSdevice with your new TextNow SIM card, here's a handy guide to helpyou through the process. (You can also check our Video Tutorials page for more help with activation.)

1.Make sure the SIM card has been inserted and you have a wifi network active and available to use.

clicking here

2. Next, open TextNow, log into your account, and connect to your wifi network.

3. After connecting to wifi,tap on Activate Data Plan from the TextNow main menu...

4. ...and confirm the SIM card number, found under the bar code of the card itself.

5. After confirming the SIM, it's time tochoose from one of our affordable phone plans.

6. Use your current credit card on your account for future payments, or use a new credit card or gift card!

7. You're almost there!Last step is to tap on Install Network Profile - you can view the tutorial video from that page if you need extra help. You can also grab this link to the network profile by .

8. You're all set! Time to start using your TextNow phone!

Please note: All prices and plans shown on this page are subject to change. For the latest in plans and phones, visit our main page.

If you're looking to activate an Androiddevice with your new TextNow GSM SIM card, here's a handy guide to helpyou through the process.(You can also check our Video Tutorials page for more help with activation.)

1. Ensure the SIM card has been inserted and you have a wifi network active and available to use.

APN article here

2. Next, open TextNow, log into your account, and connect to your wifi network.

3. After connecting to wifi, it's time to pick a phone plan! Tap onChoose a Plan...

4. ...and choose from one of our affordable phone plans!

5. Use your current credit card on your account for future payments, or use a new credit card or gift card!

6. You're almost there! Tap on Connect To The Network...

7. ... and follow the instructions. You can also get the APN settings you'll need from our.

8. You're all set! Time to start using your TextNow phone!

For easy reference, here are the APN settings TextNow uses with our GSM SIM cards. If you're having trouble connecting to 3G/4G data, make sure these APN settings are correct under the main Settings menu on your device:

APN Settings

Name

Textnow

APN

c1.korem2m.com

MCC

310

MNC

260

Thanks for activating your GSM device with TextNow! If you're having trouble connecting to the TextNow service off wifi, here are some tips to help check your connection and settings:

Check for coverage

TextNow works through the data connection on your phone, either through wifi or through the GSM network. TextNow doesn't use roaming networks (which also means we never charge you for roaming!) - you'll need to be within GSM coverage to call and text off wifi. Click herefor our coverage maps for both GSM and CDMA networks !

Check to see if Mobile Data is turned on your phone

As our TextNow service works through the data connection of your phone, you'll need to have Mobile Data turned on your phone in order to access the GSM network off wifi. This setting will be in your main Settings app on your phone, although it will be in slightly different places depending on your device.

For Android (5.0 and later): Tap on your main Settings app, then tap on Data Usage. The Mobile Data setting should be switched ON.

For Android (earlier versions): Tap on your main Settings app, then go to More Networks > Mobile Networks. There should be a checkmark next to Mobile Data.

For iOS: You can find your Mobile Data settings under your main Settings app > Cellular > Mobile Data. The Mobile Data setting should be switched ON.

Check network settings.

On your phone, check your network mode. You can usually find it (on Android devices) under the main Settings app > Mobile Networks > Network Mode. If you have the choice for Automatic, set it to Automatic. Otherwise, make sure your phone is selected to a GSM network mode and not CDMA or LTE.

Check your Access Point Names (APN)settings

You may need to check your APN settings in your device's main settings app to ensure you're connected to our network.

On Android devices, you canfind it under your main Settings app > Mobile Networks > Access Point Names.

For iOS, you can find your APN settings under the mainSettings app > Cellular > Cellular Data Options > Cellular Network.

Delete any third-party apps that might beinterfering.

If you have any third-party messaging or calling apps, it might be interfering with your TextNow service. Try deleting those apps, or any recently installed apps, and try making a call again.

Reboot your device and/or reseat the SIM card.

Finally, if the above hasn't helped, power off your device and remove the SIM card. Then, reseat it so that it's sitting in the slot properly (you may have to refer to your device's manual for more specifics) and reboot your phone.

TextNow offers voicemail transcriptions - a written transcription of the voicemail your contact left for you. Here's how to enable and use the feature!

1. Tap onyour main menu in the TextNow app, and then tap on the Settings icon.

2. Tap on Calling, and then tap on Voicemail.

3. On the Voicemail page, slide Voicemail Transcription to On. You can turn it off or on anytime.

When you receive a voicemail on your Conversations page, tap on the message to read the transcription.If it's a longer one, tap on See More to see the full text of your contact's voicemail.

You can also tap on the Play button to play it back.

You canmake most account-relatedchanges on your own,right here on TextNow.com's Self-Help portal!

From your My Account page, you'll be able to:

Make changes to your plan

Manage your payments

Swap the active device on your account

Port your number into or out of TextNow

Change your personal information on your TextNow profile

Change the email address on your TextNow account

Change your password to your TextNow account

Add cash to your account balance from a credit/debit card or PIN code

Check on your order status

Set your online messaging and calling preferences

When you sign into your account here, it will bring you to your Conversations page. Click on My Account from the menu on the left of the Conversations page...

My Account

...which bringsyou to your Account page:

From here, you can manage your plan and payments, swap your service to another device, port your number into and out of TextNow, and access your account settings.

To get to your account settings from this page, tap on in the top right hand corner and choose "Settings":

You can also access your account settings from the messaging page by click on Settings.

In some extreme cases, an account that's on 2G after going through their high speed data can get suspended if they use an extreme amount data on 2G speeds. Such a user can affect other TextNow users in their area, degrading quality overall for the people on our network in the area.

What's a data suspension?

Once you go over your 3G/4G data on your plan, your phone switches to 2G data for the remainder of the month. 2G data usage falls under our Fair Use policy, which has been put in place to ensure we can always offer all of our customers unlimited 2G data at affordable prices.The Unlimited 2G Data Fair Use Policy is designed with normal usage in mind, and the vast majority of our customers use it without any concern.

That said, a small percentage of our customers will use an abnormally large amount of data while on 2G, which can impact our ability to offer 2G for other customers in their area. In these cases where a customer is using an extremely large amount of data on their TextNow plan, we reserve the right to suspend unlimited 2G data service.

How do I un-suspend my account?

First, head on over to your Account page on TextNow.com. If your data has been suspended, your Account page will look like this:

The red banner reads Unlimited 2G data temporarily suspended, and then a clickable link that says Learn More. Click on that Learn More link, and you'll see this page:

Click the Unlimited 2G Data Fair Use Policy link to look over our fair use policy. Once you've read it, check the box to say that you've read it, and then click Unsuspend. Or click Ignore to leave your phone on suspension. (Phones that are on suspension can't use mobile data, but will still work over wifi.)

Sending texts with TextNow is easy, and we've recently redesigned our TextNow app to make texting even easier. We've made some videos for each platform to walk you through it, or you can scroll down for some written help:

[Android] How To Send A Text

[iOS] How To Send A Text

[Web] How To Send A Text

1. Open your TextNow app.

2. You should be in your conversations inbox in TextNow. If not, tap on the menu button in the top left-hand corner and tap Conversations.

3. You should see a compose buttonwith a pencil icon in the bottom right of your screen (on Android) or the top right of your screen (on iOS):

Android New Message icon

iOS New Message icon

3. At the top of the page, enter your contact's text number or texting address. You can also tap on the icon to the immediate right of this field to select a contact from your device's Contacts app.

4. At the bottom of the screen, type your message in the field that says Type A Message.

TextNow has recently redesigned our downloadable desktop app, now available inApple's App Store, or from our Downloads page. Here's a quick guide to the app and how to use it:

If you've created a TextNow account, you can log into your account from the app directly. Otherwise, create a new account and the app will ask you for an area code and assign you a number in that area code. Once you're logged in, you'll see this:

2G Fair Use document

As the conveniently-placed arrow indicates, you can start messaging right away by clicking on the icon with the pencil, exactly where the arrow is pointing. What you may not know is you can also use the desktop app to place calls, directly from your desktop or laptop!

Click on the dial-pad icon, to the left of the new message icon, to bring up the dial pad:

If you're calling another TextNow user, you can type in their username instead of the number if you like. Otherwise, you can type in any US or Canadian number and call them, absolutely free!

You'll notice on the left-hand side there's a blue menu. Hover your mouse over that menu to pop it out, like this:

Let's go through the settings step-by-step:

Download Free App:Links to our downloads page where you can grab free downloadable versions of TextNow for Android and iOS.

Phones & Plans:Link to our Phones & Plans page, for the latest deals from TextNow.

Settings:The Settings page for the downloadable app. Here's what you can do in each section:

Settings > Account:View your phone number, edit the first and last name on your account, edit your email address associated with your account, and resend an email validation.

Settings > Account > Password:You can change your password here.

Settings > Notifications:Setting for your desktop notifications to play a sound when receiving a text, or pop up a message on your desktop when receiving a text. You can also set the app to email you when you have a text.

Settings > Messaging:Add a signature to your messages.

Settings > Calling:Choose whether to send missed calls over the app to voicemail, and view your blocked numbers.

Settings > Security & Login: See which devices you're currently logged into on your account, and remotely log out if you wish.

Help: Acollection of useful links and resources.

Help > Support:Link to our Support page, with help articles, tip & tricks and a community forum.

Help > About:Link to our TextNow corporate page, if you want to find out more about us as a company.

Help > International Rates:Link to our international long distance rates page.

Help > Engineering Blog:Link to our Engineering blog, where you can find out more about the technology that drives TextNow.

Help > Terms Of Use:Link to our Terms Of Use page, with details on our end-user service agreement.

Help > Privacy Policy:Link to our Privacy Policy.

Help > 2G Fair Use Policy:Link to our, with details on how our unlimited 2G policy.

Log Out:Click here to log out of the app.

Using the TextNow app, you're able to call any number in the US and Canada! Here's how it works on your mobile device:

1. Open your TextNow appand tap on the dial-pad icon in the top right-hand corner. (If you don't see the dial-pad icon, tap on the main menu buttonand then tap onConversations.)

2. This will bring you to the Calling page. Below are the Android and iOS versions, respectively:

Android Dialpad

iOS Dialpad

3. You can place a call directly from this page by typing in the ten-digit number you're calling (area code + seven digit number) and then tapping the green Call button in the bottom-center of that screen.

4. To call a number from your Contacts, tap on the Contact icon in the bottom-right of the screen if you're using Android and the bottom-left of the screen if you're using iOS(they're the icons that look like a little person), and then tap on the contact name you'd like to call.

What's group messaging?

Group messaging is a way to have more than one person involved in your Conversations. With TextNow, you can add one or more people to the same message thread and talk to all of them together. Here's how!

Starting a Group Message:

Starting a group message is the same on both the TextNow Android and iOS app, and on our web and desktop versions. For simplicity, we're showing you the Android version in these examples:

First step is to start a new text message. You can enter a contact's phone number, TextNow username if they're a TextNow customer, or name or nickname from your contacts stored on your device, as seen below.

Group Management

Each person in the group has access to some group management options. TextNow users can access options through the Options button in the top right-hand corner, like this:

Mute notifications will mute the notifications for this specific group chat. Your other notifications will remain as they are.

Members shows you the current people in the group.

Open floating chat will open the group message inside a floating chat bubble, so you can access it from any page on your device.

Set Wallpaper will set the background wallpaper for this group chat.

Add shortcut will add a shortcut to your device's home screen to allow you to jump right from that screen to the group message.

Export conversation will export the current group conversation to a .txt file, email or other app on your device.

Block number will block the group message from appearing on your phone. You can leave the group entirely by blocking the number, and then deleting the conversation from your device.

Help! Group messaging doesn't seem to be working on my device!

Some Android phones may need to have group messaging turned on in their native Messaging apps. On your device, look for an app called Messages, and tap on the Advanced section of the settings menu. You should find a toggle for group messages there, which need to be turned on. Consult your phone's documentation for more information.

Unlike traditional cell phone carriers, TextNow phones and plans utilize your data connection for all communication - calling, texting, and accessing the internet. In order for TextNow to work, you need to be either connected to wifi, or be within the TextNow coverage map.

Also unlike other cell phone companies, when you go over your data limit we don't turn off your connection. Rather, your connection slows down to 2G speed, which still allows you to call and text when you're not connected to wifi. For more information on unlimited 2G, please see our Fair Use policy here.

What counts as 'data'?

Outside the TextNow app, any app that communicates with the internet uses data. So, for example, watching a video on YouTube, or checking your Twitter feed, or posting onto Facebook - all of that uses your data connection.

Accessing a file that is being saved remotely (like playing a video on YouTube, or playing a song on Spotify) is called streaming. All streaming services use data; how much data is being used depends very heavily on the app and your personal settings.

Does wifi use my data from my TextNow plan?

When your phone is connected to wifi, any data used does not count towards your data plan. Your data plan is only used when wifi is unavailable, and you're connected tothe TextNow 3G/4G data network.

Do I need data to make a call?

If you have a TextNow phone, or you're using a TextNow SIM on the CDMA network, you do not need a data connection to place a call. That's because TextNow has the ability to use the voice connection on the carrier network to "fallback" to, in the cases where no data connection is available.

[Android] How do I see how much data I've used?

For Android users, you device comes with built-in data usage tools, most commonly found under the Data Usage section of your Android main settings app. Here's an example from a Samsung S7:

From this screen, you can see a break-down of exactly what was using my data when I was off wifi for the month of January, 2018.

[Android] I see something listed as 'Android OS' on my Data Usage page. What's that?

AndroidOS is a compression tool we use on some of our older devices to compress images from different apps, like SnapChat or Instagram. Compressing the images can save a lot of space when transmitting them over 3G/4G data, which means that you can squeeze a little more out of your data plan.

When your device isn't connected to WiFi, it will use your plan's mobile data. Therefore, it is important to understand what is using your data when you're not connected to WiFi.

Your device hasa built in data usage tracker inside the Settings app, which will help you monitor and controlyour data usage.

To access the data usage tracker, to go theSettings app >Data Usage. Here's a quick rundown of the options you might see on your device:

Mobile data:This will disable 3G/4G connection. Warning: if this is turned off it will prevent you from sending and receiving messages whenever you are off WiFi

Limit mobile data: This will disable your data once you’ve reached the set limit. To set the limit simply touch and drag the red line on the graph. (We do not recommend turningthis option on as TextNowdoes not charge data overage fees)

Alert me about data usage:This will give you a warning once you’ve reached the set data. To set the warning simply touch and drag the orange line on the graph.

Data usage cycle: This will allow you to view your past data usage history and will also let you change your data cycle. The graph will update accordingly

.

your Account page

To know which apps are consuming the most data, scroll down and you will see the following

If a particular application is using too much data, you may limit the application's data usage when not being used by tapping the application in question and turnon Restrict app background data.

Note: On later Android OS's you will need to go to your apps settings to see how much data each one is using.

TextNow will never charge you for overages. When you exceed your plan's data limit, data access is still available at (reduced) 2G speed.

Should you require more high speed mobile data, you can upgrade your plan at any time, right here on .

For information on how to cancel a TextNow Family Plan, please click here.

We're sorry you're thinking of leaving TextNow!

If you would like to cancel service after troubleshooting or speaking with a chat representative,head to your My Account page and click on Cancel Your Subscription, as shownin the example below.

our hassle-free return policy here

You can also use your app to access your account settings. Tap on My Account on your TextNow app main menu:

And then scroll down on your Account page and tap on Cancel Your Subscription:

We have many support articles on this site that will help solve any particular issue you're having with your TextNow phone. And we also have our chat team available for troubleshooting help and answers for all your questions, right here: Click on the chat icon on the bottom corner of this page (or any of our support pages) during our chat hours, and one of our agents will be happy to help!

Our chat is available at the following times (Eastern):

Monday-Sunday 10am-5:30pm

Our Return Policy

If you purchased your device in the last 30 days, and the device is inperfect condition along with the original packaging and accessories, the cost of the device along with your first month of service will be refunded to you upon successful return. Read more about .

Plan Fees

When you cancel, your service will be terminated and no future service fees will be charged. If you are within the initial 30 day return period and return your device in it's original condition, your first month's service fee will also be refunded.

Our Refund Policy

If you cancel your subscription, refunds will only be eligible with 0MB of data usage during a billing cycle. Refunds are a one-time exception, and will not be applied toward multiple billing cycles.

Upon cancelling, a refund will be processed automatically if it meets the above criteria.

As you can probably imagine,Snapchat is another app that can eat up your data plan if you're not careful. Like many apps, Snapchat can access the internet and update in the background without you necessarily being aware that it's updating. Snapchat specifically will update Stories and Snaps even if the app isn't currently open on your device.

Luckily, there's a simple setting to turn on which will helpprevent Snapchat from using your data when you're away fromwifi. First, go to your profile page in Snapchat and tap on the Settings icon in the top right hand corner (it's the icon that looks like a small gear).

That will open the Settings page, as seen below:

From there, scroll down and tap onManage Preferences to bring up this page, shown below, and make sure Travel Mode is checked:

Keeping Travel Mode checked will do a lot to save your data. With Travel Mode checked on, Snapchat will only update Stories and Snaps when you're on wifi, not through your data plan.

For more tips & tricks for your other apps, check out our other articles on how to Save The Data!

Streaming services (like Netflix, YouTube and Spotify) can use up a surprising amount of data from your data plan if you're not careful. While music streaming, like Spotify, uses a lot less data than video streaming from Netflix or YouTube, music streaming can still add up over time. Here's some settings you can use to prevent Spotify from eating up your data plan!

First, open the Spotify app on your device and navigate to the Your Library page. The Android and iOS Spotify apps are very similar, so we'll use the Android version here. From there, tap on the Settings icon (it's the one that looks like a little gear) in the top right hand corner:

That will open the Settings page, as shown below. Near the top of the Settings page you can choose Offline mode, which means you'll only be able to play music and podcasts you've already downloaded to your device. If you've downloaded music or podcasts onto your device, turn this on as it will prevent Spotify from using your data plan if you're off wifi.

Keep scrolling down the Settings page to see the section under Playback marked Autoplay. Just like YouTube's autoplay feature, Autoplay is where Spotify will keep playing songs after your playlist or individual song is over that is in the same style or mood of the previous song. Keep this turned off to save on your data off wifi.

And finally, keep scrolling a little further down until you see the Music Quality section. You can set the streaming quality to taste - the lower the quality, the less data is used, and you can experiment with how it sounds at different streams. You can also switch Download using cellular off to prevent Spotify from downloading or streaming while off wifi.

Like all streaming video services, Netflix can use a very large amount of data in a surprisingly short period of time if you're not careful. (See our YouTube article for a breakdown of how much data can be used by streaming video.)

Luckily, Netflix has some settings and features that can stretch your data a lot longer. The menus for both Android and iOS versions of Netflix are very similar, so we'll use the Android screens for examples.

First, open up your Netflix app and go to your main menu in Netflix:

And tap on App Settings to bring up the App Settings page:

Netflix has a new feature which allows you to download videos to your device to watch later. That's a great way to save data when you're away from wifi. Keep the Wi-Fi Only selection checked to ensure you don't download movies over your data plan, which would take a big bite out of your plan.

Next, tap on Cellular Data Usage to bring up this menu:

Select Off to prevent Netflix from watching movies unless you're on Wi-Fi, the best possible way to save data with Netflix.

While streaming audio services like Spotify can take a chunk out of your data plan if you're not careful, an even bigger source of data use are steaming video sites, like YouTube. For an illustration of how easily video streaming can eat up your data plan, here's a chart showing how long you can watch videos of various resolutions before your datais downshifted to 2G speed:

YouTube Video Resolution

Video Watch Time

100MB

500MB

1080p

1 min, 40 sec

8 min, 20 sec

720p

2 min, 40 sec

13 min, 20 sec

480p

5 min, 20 sec

26 min, 40 sec

360p

13 min, 20 sec

1 hour, 8 min

YouTube Video Resolution

Video Watch Time

1.5GB

3GB

1080p

25 min

50 min

720p

40 min

1 hr, 20 min

480p

1 hr, 20 min

2 hr, 40 min

360p

3 hr, 25 min

6 hr, 50 min

YouTube Video Resolution

Video Watch Time

6GB

1080p

1 hr, 40 min

720p

2 hr, 40 min

480p

5 hr, 20 min

360p

13 hr, 40 min

As this table shows, even on our highest data plan, you would be able to watch one average length movie at the highest resolution before exceeding your data limit. For this reason, we strongly urge our customers to not stream video, or other data-heavy applications, outside of wifi.

That being said, there are some settings you can use to help conserve data with YouTube. Note that the YouTube app menus are very similar between Android and iOS - for the purposes of this help article, we'll use the Android versions.

First, open your YouTube app on your device, and tap on your profile picture to bring up the Accountmenu of the YouTube app:

From there, tap on Settings to bring up (you guessed it) the Settings menu...

And then tap on General to bring up the general settings menu:

From this page, you'll want to turn Limit mobile data usage on, and keep Autoplay turned off, as shown. Limit mobile data usage means your phone will only stream high-quality HD video while you're on wifi, which can be a big help with saving data. Keeping Autoplay turned off will stop YouTube from automatically playing another video immediately after the video you're watching ends.

If you upload videos to YouTube from your phone,there are a couple more settings to be aware of: Uploads, and Upload Quality.

We strongly recommend uploading videos to YouTube when you're using WiFi, not over the data network. Uploading counts against your data limit just the same as downloading does, and uploading videos to YouTube will be a lot faster over WiFi to boot. You can set YouTube to only upload over wifi by clicking on Uploads, and selecting Only when on WiFi, as shown below.

You can also set the upload quality overall to save on data if you do have to upload while off WiFi. Tap on Upload Quality and choose a smaller resolution (360p being the smallest), like below:

Quick links:

Twitter tips for Android users

Twitter tips for iOS users

Much like Facebook, Twitter can use a surprising amount of data if you're not careful. Luckily, there are some settings you can turn on to help save your data!

First step is to ensure Twitter is fully up-to-date. App updates can often include optimizations and stability improvements that can greatly help with data use. You can update Twitter through the Play Store on your Android device, or through the App Store on iOS.

Twitter Tips For Android:

Open your Twitter main menu and tap on Settings and privacy.

From the Settings and privacy page, tap on Data Usage.

On the Data Usage page, thereare a few settings of which to be aware:

Uncheck Image previews in timeline, which will prevent Twitter from sending a picture preview for a linked article. Those images are very small on their own, but they can really add up to a noticeable amount of data over time.

Also, under the Video section, set Video autoplay and High-quality video to Wi-Fi only, as seen below:

Setting the video playback to only play back on wifi will be a big help with saving data; as high-quality streaming video can really take a bite out of your data plan if you're not on wifi.

Twitter Tips for iOS Users:

Similar to Android, there are some settings buried within your Twitter app that can help you save data. First, get to your Twitter settings on your Me page in Twitter - tap on the Settings icon (it's the one that looks like a little gear near the top of your Me page) to bring up the Twitter Settings menu option. From that menu, tap on Settings and privacy:

From the Settings and privacy menu, tap on Data Usage to get to the Data Usage page:

As seen in the above picture, for maximum data savings keep Image previews switched off, and set your Video autoplay settings to Wi-fi only.

Quick Links:

Facebook tips for Android users

Facebook tips for iOSusers

One of the biggest culprits when it comes to eating up your data plan is Facebook. Luckily, there are a few settings you can choose to help cut down on the amount of data Facebook will use when wifi is not available:

First step is to update your Facebook app (over wifi, of course). Generally speaking, it's a good idea to keep all your apps up-to-date, as very often new versions of apps will have improvements to conserve data used. You can update Facebook on your phone through the Play Store for Android devices, or through the App Store for iOS.

Facebook tips for Android users:

After making sure your Facebook app is the latest and greatest, dig into the Facebook Settings menu. (You can get there by tapping the icon with the three horizontal dashes on it inside your Facebook app.) You're looking for the Data Saver setting - it's the one with the orange icon, as shown below:

Tap on that and it will bring you to the Data Saver page. Switch on both Data Saver On and Always turn off Data Saver on Wifi - that way, when you're on wifi, your phone can use the wifi data without any restrictions.

Digging into the App Settings can give you even more control over how Facebook uses data. From that same Facebook Settings menu from above, tap on App Settings, which brings you to this page:

To conserve more data, keep the two settings Upload Photos in HD and Upload Videos in HD switched off, as seen above.

Once those are off, tap on Autoplay,and keep On Wi-Fi Connections Only checked. That will mean videos will only automatically start playing when you're on wifi, and not on your data plan. (You could also choose Never Autoplay Videos, which means Facebook won't play a video at all until you tap the Play button on the video.)

Facebook tips for iOSusers:

Verysimilar to the Android version shown above, you want to find your Facebook Settings menu. Tap on the menu icon at the bottom-right of your Facebook app, scroll to near the bottom and tap on Settings to bring up this Settings menu.

From the above page, tap on Account Settings, which brings you here:

Tap on Videos and Photos to bring up the videos and photos menu, as shown below. You'll want to have Upload HD turned off for both videos and photos.

After switching off the Upload HD settings, tap on Autoplay to bring up the video playback settings, and check On Wi-Fi Connections Only.

Using a WiFi connection is generally preferable to using a 3G/4G connection: you'll generally have a faster and more reliable internet connection with better call quality and, most importantly, WiFi won't use up the data on your plan.

Your phone will connect to and remember many different WiFi networks. You can join your home WiFi, connect to your friends or family members' WiFi at the places you frequently visit, or search for public WiFI networks in your vicinity. (Note that public WiFi may require opening your browser to complete an additional sign-in page.)

To join aWiFi network in your area, go to theSettingsapplication >WiFi > and select the WiFi network name. It canalso be known as the SSID (stands forService Set Identifier), which is a fancy way of saying it's the wifi network name.

Enter the password when it asks you for a password:

Once you’ve setup your WiFi you will see Connectedunder the WiFi name(Network SSID).

When connected to WiFi youwill also see this wifisymbol on the notification bar across the top of your device:

If that symbol is lit up, you're connected to wifi and your 3G/4G data is not being used. Also,the symbolwill show you a quick indication of your wifi signal strength: if only one or two bars are lit up, your connection is poor. If it's all four bars, it's strong.

Next time you are in proximity of that sameWiFi network you've just set up, your device will remember and connect to it automatically.

How do your family plans work?

If you're a TextNow plan subscriber, you can add up to ten additional lines, each with their own phone number and TextNow plan. Each of these plans can be managed from your Account page, allowing you to swap devices on the account, up or downgrade a plan, restart on a new billing cycle, port a number to that account, and more.

I'm a new customer. How do I set up my plan?

First, get yourself signed up for a TextNow plan for yourself, either on an existing compatible device or on a new device from us. Once you have your plan set up, you can check our article on How To Start A Family Plan for a step-by-step guide.

I'm already a customer. How do I set up my plan?

If you already have a TextNow plan, head on over to our article on How To Start A Family Plan for a step-by-step guide.

How do I manage my family plan?

Your Family Plan, along with all the devices and plans on it, is managed through your Wireless Account page. For a breakdown on each option, please read our guide on How To Manage Your Family Plan.

What can the people on my plan change about their accounts?

The only thing people under your plan can do without your permission is start a number port to their account. They cannot change their plans, their billing information, purchase a new device or swap the device on their account. You have complete control over the plans and devices under your Family Plan.

Who can I add to my Family Plan?

The short answer is: anyone! The slightly longer answer is: You can sign up current TextNow users who already have a plan of their own, or add a device and plan for a non-TextNow user to invite them to your plan. They don't even need to have their own phone because you can purchase one for them to use when you sign them up!

How does billing work with Family Plans?

All billing for each of your plans goes through your main TextNow account. Each individual plan can be on different billing dates, depending on when they activated their accounts, but it's all charged through your credit card on your main account.

Can my account balance be used to pay my Family Plan bills?

If you're the owner/manager of the Family Plan, any account balance you have on your account will be put toward the bills on the account in your Family Plan. Any funds in the account balances of the child accounts can be used for international long distance, but will not be used towards the payment of their specific plan, as all billing goes through the owner/manager of the Family Plan.

TextNow is a small company, and every phone purchase made is important to both us and to our customers. If your order is flagged by our fraud screening process please go to your My Account page and follow the steps to submit a photo of your credit card or your government issued ID. For your credit card, we only need to see the last four digits of your card number, your name, and the expiration date. For your ID, we need to see a government-issued ID - we will not accept student cards, bus passes, or other cards.

Fraud orders are not just a problem for the person who might potentially be defrauded, but it also hurts our ability to offer our phones at affordable prices.

To that end, we employ fraud screening software that will flag orders that seem incorrect. If your order is flagged by our fraud screening process, you'll see this on your My Account page :

Once you have the pictures saved to your computer or your mobile device, click on the Select buttons to upload the images of the credit card and ID, respectively, and then click Submit.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As the above screen says, for your credit card we only need to see the last four digits of your card number, your name, and the expiration date. For your ID, we need to see a government-issued ID - we will not accept student cards, bus passes, or other cards.

Once you've completed the upload, you'll see this page:

That's it! Your order is ready to be packed up and shipped to you.

There are some minor differences when using your iPhone over the TextNow network:

Calling works as it would normally. Texting works through the TextNow app. If you would like to use iMessage or FaceTime, you can use them via the email associated with your iCloud account on your iPhone.

Your TextNow phone number won't work if your fellow Apple users try to message you via iMessage or FaceTime. However, they can still contact you via iMessage or FaceTime by using the email associated with your iCloud account on your iPhone.

Your TextNow number can also be used online at TextNow.com for both calling and texting through your browser! Your messages, call history and voicemails can all be accessed by signing into your account at TextNow.com.

You can also download the TextNow app onto other devices - Android phones, desktops, tablets, etc. - and use your same login and number to call and text. And just like on the web, your messages, missed call history and voicemails can all be accessed from multiple devices!

Getting started

To get started, please follow the guides below.

Setup iMessage

Setup FaceTime

How to make a phone call

How to send a text message

How do I do an SCRTN?

Open your native iOS phone app (as opposed to your TextNow dialer)

On the number pad dial the code ##873283#.

The phone will reboot a couple of times as it resets your network connection and information.

Starting Services messages will appear - Tap OK

If the update is successful a Service Update Complete message will appear after about a minute. Tap OK.

What's an SCRTN?

AnSCRTN(which stands forSpecialCodeToReset theNetwork)is a technical term used by the mobile industry. Basically, an SCRTN will reset your phone's connection to the carrier network, which is why an SCRTN is sometimes referred to as a "carrier wipe".

Doesan SCRTN wipe all my information from the phone?

It does not. It only resets your connection to your mobile network.To completely wipe all the information from a phone, you would perform afactory data reset, which you can usually find in your phone's main Settings app underBackup & Reset>Factory Data Reset.

Does this work for any phone?

Only for phones on a CDMA network, such as Sprint. For phones on GSM networks this won't help with connection issues.

Help! The SCRTN code isn't working!

Not to worry! You can perform a manual SCRTN by updating the PRL and profile on your iPhone:

Go to Settings, then select General

From General, select Reset

Select the option: Reset Mobile Network Connection.

Alternatively you can try:Dial##25327#or##UPDATE#

That's it! You can test to see if your connection to the mobile network is working by turning off your wifi connection in the main Settings app - if you see an icon that says 3G or 4G at the top of your phone screen, and you can connect to TextNow or any other internet app, it's working!

Help! I'm still not getting a network signal after the SCRTN!

If that's the case, you can check out additional troubleshooting steps on our Data Connectivity article here. You can alsospeak to one of our chat agents here on our Support site during regular chat hours (Eastern),10am-5:30pm, every day.

How do I do an SCRTN?

Open your native dialer (the one that was built-in when you purchased the device) as opposed to your TextNow dialer.

Enter the code ##72786# (your code might be different so see the chart below).

The phone will reboot a couple of times as it resets your network connection and information.

To test your connection try opening the TextNow app and send a text or Google your favourite restaurant!

TextNow Phone Model

Code

Nexus 5, Nexus 6, Moto G5

#*#*72786#*#*

Moto G4, Google Pixel

*#*#72786#*#*

All other Android models

##72786#

If you have a phone you brought over to TextNow that isn't one of the models we sell, check your phone's manual for information on the SCRTN code for your particular device.

What's an SCRTN?

AnSCRTN(which stands forSpecialCodeToReset theNetwork)is a technical term used by the mobile industry. Basically, an SCRTN will reset your phone's connection to the carrier network, which is why an SCRTN is sometimes referred to as a "carrier wipe".

Does this work for any phone?

Only for phones on a CDMA network, such as Sprint. For phones on GSM networks this won't help with connection issues.

Doesan SCRTN wipe all my information from the phone?

It does not. It only resets your connection to your mobile network.To completely wipe all the information from a phone, you would perform afactory data reset, which you can usually find in your phone's main Settings app underBackup & Reset>Factory Data Reset.

Help! The SCRTN code isn't working!

Not to worry! You can perform a manual SCRTN by updating the PRL and profile on your Android TextNow device:

Open your mainSettingsapp.

Scroll down toSystem Updateand tap on it.

Tap onUpdate Profile. Your phone may reboot after this step.

After the Profile update completes, tapUpdate PRL.

That's it! You can test to see if your connection to the mobile network is working by turning off your wifi connection in the main Settings app - if you see an icon that says 3G or 4G at the top of your phone screen, and you can connect to TextNow or any other internet app, it's working!

Help! I'm still not getting a network signal after the SCRTN!

If that's the case, you can check out additional troubleshooting steps on our Data Connectivity article here. You can alsospeak to one of our chat agents here on our Support site during regular chat hours (Eastern),10am-5:30pm, every day.

Where can I find my MEID/IMEI?

Generally, the MEID/IMEI number will be a 14 (MEID) or 15 (IMEI) digit string, and may contain both letters and numbers.

Go to Settings, then General

Click About, scroll down to your MEID or IMEI

To Copy your MEID or IMEI, press and hold the 14 or 15-digit string

A small box will appear saying Copy. Press Copy

website

Why do you need my MEID?

Great question! We need your MEID in order to check that your device is unlocked and compatible with our service. We'll also need it in order to attach your service to your device.

If you're trying to buy a device from an online service like craigslist we recommend getting the MEID/IMEI to make sure the device is compatible and is not blacklisted.

I might have a compatible device, how do I know I can use it with TextNow?

Borrowing a sibling's hand-me-down or your Mom's old iPhone? Head over to our and click Get Started. You can input your MEID/IMEI here and we can tell you if it's compatible with our service.

Where can I find my MEID/IMEI?

Generally, the MEID/IMEI number will be a 14 (MEID) or 15 (IMEI) digit string, and may contain both letters and numbers.

Go to Settings, then scroll down to About Phone

Scroll down to IMEIor IMEI (in some cases it may even say ESN)

To Copy your MEID or IMEI, press and hold the 14 or 15-digit string

A small box will appear saying Copy. Make sure the whole number is highlighted

Press Copy

website

This doesn't work on my phone!

Don't worry! Because there are so many different Android phone models there are multiple ways of getting your MEID/IMEI. We've listed two more:

Option 2.

Go to your Settings

In the Search Bar type IMEI (or MEID)

Option 3.

Go to your native dialer

Type *#06#

A box should appear with Device Information

Search for MEID (HEX) or IMEI

Why do you need my MEID?

Great question! We need your MEID in order to check that your device is unlocked and compatible with our service. We'll also need it in order to attach your service to your device.

If you're trying to buy a device from an online service like craigslist we recommend getting the MEID/IMEI to make sure the device is compatible and is not blacklisted.

I might have a compatible device, how do I know I can use it with TextNow?

Head over to our and click Get Started. You can input your MEID/IMEI here and we can tell you if it's compatible with our service. Don't worry - your phone is still yours and you're never on contract with us so no need to worry about silly unlocking fees or contract termination fees!

TextNow is proud to offer No Hassle 30 day returns!

Every purchase of a TextNow device and plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied, you can send that device back to us any time within the first 30 days and we will refund your device and plan costs. We include a prepaid UPS label to return your device within the first 30 days. If you've had your device for longer than 30 days, contact us on chat support.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you receive your phone in a damaged state, please contact us immediately at chat support as we have a separate procedure for damaged phone shipments.

How does it work?

Every order will ship with a Prepaid UPS return label in the box with the phone and accessories. To send the device back to us for a refund, follow these steps:

1. Remove all of your accessories from the device including cases, screen protectors and SD cards, as well as remove any Google accounts or Apple IDs from the phone.

2. Package the device and all of the accessories that we sent you, other than the battery if it is removable, in the original packaging that the device came in.

3. Attach the prepaid UPS return label that came in the box to the package and take it to a UPS store. For the purposes of the return it must be sent back through UPS so that we can maintain package integrity and tracking.

And that’s it! once you have sent it back the package will come to our facility in Canada where we will inspect the phone to make sure it is in good condition, and if it is we will issue a full refund for the cost of the plan and device.

How long does it take to get my refund?

It will take about 30 days to receive your refund from when you drop the box off at UPS.

I lost my label. How do I send it back now?

We can help with that! Head over to TextNow.com/support and speak with one of our representatives over live chat and we will get a new label to you by email.

Once I send the phone back will I stop being charged?

Yes! Once we see that your phone is on the way back to us we will cancel your TextNow account to ensure you are not charged anymore. If you had a phone and service prior to sending a phone back we may check with you to see if you want to continue the service with your old device.

My phone is acting weird, should I just send it back?

While you are welcome to send the device back we would recommend talking to our support team if your phone seems like it’s not acting right. Our phones have warranties, and if we cannot fix the issue remotely we will replace the phone for you free of charge. For more info check out our Warranty FAQ.

What do I do with the battery once I have removed it?

We recommend safely disposing of the battery at an electronics waste disposal or recycling centre. You can check online to find out where these are in your area, but typically your local electronics stores will be able to help you, or at least point you in the right direction. Lithium Ion batteries should never be thrown out in the garbage.

It has been more than 30 days and I need to send the phone back. How can I do that?

Contact us by live chat at TextNow Support and we will try to help out with whatever you need.

I don’t know where a UPS store is. Where can I send the package back?

Check out the UPS store locator for locations you can send the phone back near you.

Is it free to send the device back?

Yes, the label is a prepaid label, so when you send that phone back via UPS there is no cost.

I need to exchange my phone. Can I just send it back with this label?

The label included with your order is for 30 Day Returns only. If you send your phone back with this label you will not get another device, and will instead get a refund. If you need to change your device head to TextNow Support and tell us why over live chat and we can help you out.

Do I have to send this back with UPS?

For us to be able to offer a refund for the device and service the device needs to be sent back by UPS. If you send it back with another service we cannot refund it, and you will likely be charged by that service to send the device to us.