The TextNow app gives you a free phone number in the United States or Canada that you can use for calls and text messages over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It is popular with people who want a second number, need to save money on their phone bill or want a backup line for online sign-ups and small professional business contacts.
In this guide you will learn how TextNow works, how to choose your free number, how calls and texts are delivered, which features are free and which are paid, how to keep your number active and what limits you should know. You will also find setup steps for iPhone and Android and practical tips to improve call quality.
Direct answer: download TextNow from the official store, create an account and pick a free number from the area codes offered. You can then call and text other numbers in the US and Canada over the internet, with ads in the free version. Use the number regularly, because inactive free numbers can be reclaimed after a period of time.
TextNow works like a normal phone line inside an app. People you contact see your TextNow number, not your carrier number, which makes it useful for privacy. The company also sells optional services, such as removing ads, locking your number so it is never reclaimed and a SIM card that adds coverage when you are away from Wi-Fi.
A common mistake is to use a free TextNow number for important accounts, such as banking, and then let it expire. If the number is reclaimed, you may lose access to verification codes. For critical services, use your main carrier number, or keep the TextNow number active and consider the paid option that locks it for good.
Next, you will see a comparison of free and paid features, a step-by-step setup, how to improve call quality, how to keep your number active, the limits of the free service, safety tips and a short checklist to decide whether TextNow is the right second line for your daily needs, your work contacts and your monthly budget.
Free and paid features compared
| Feature | Free | Paid options |
|---|---|---|
| Phone number | Free number from available area codes | Number lock to keep it permanently |
| Calls and texts in the US and Canada | Yes, over Wi-Fi or data | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Can be removed |
| International calls | Paid with credits | Paid with credits |
| Coverage away from Wi-Fi | Uses your mobile data | Optional SIM plans where available |
How to set up TextNow
- Install TextNow using the official store button above.
- Create an account with your email or a social login.
- Enter a ZIP code or area code to see available numbers.
- Choose your free number.
- Allow notifications so you never miss calls or texts.
- Test a call and a text with a friend.
How to improve call quality
- Use a stable Wi-Fi connection whenever possible.
- Close apps that use a lot of bandwidth during calls.
- Keep the app updated to the latest version.
- Allow microphone and notification permissions.
- Restart the router if calls drop frequently.
How to keep your number active
Free numbers stay assigned to you as long as you use them. Making or receiving calls and sending texts regularly keeps the line active. If you plan to stop using the app for a long period, consider the paid number lock, or move important accounts to another number before the free line can be reclaimed.
Limits of the free service
- Calls depend on the quality of your internet connection.
- Some services do not accept internet-based numbers for verification.
- Free numbers can be reclaimed after a period of inactivity.
- Emergency calls may have limitations, so keep a regular phone for emergencies.
Privacy and safety tips
A second number is useful for online marketplaces, dating apps or classified ads, because it protects your main number. Still, never share verification codes with strangers and be careful with unknown callers. Use a strong password on your TextNow account and enable any extra security options offered in the settings.
Who benefits most from TextNow
- People who want a second line without paying for another plan.
- Small business owners who want to separate work and personal contacts.
- Users with limited phone plans who are often on Wi-Fi.
- Travellers who need to keep a US number while abroad on Wi-Fi.
Using TextNow for a small business
Many freelancers and small business owners use TextNow to separate work contacts from personal ones. You can give the TextNow number to customers, publish it on marketplace listings and keep your personal number private. Set a custom voicemail greeting with your business name so callers know they reached the right place.
If the number becomes important for your business, consider the paid option that locks it permanently. Losing a number that customers already know can cost you sales and trust.
Finally, review your TextNow settings once in a while to check your number, voicemail greeting and notification preferences.
Summary
Summary: TextNow offers a free phone number for calls and texts over the internet. The key points are:
- You choose a free number from available area codes.
- Calls and texts to the US and Canada work over Wi-Fi or data.
- The free version includes ads.
- Inactive numbers can be reclaimed, so use the line regularly.
- Do not rely on it for critical verification codes.
Frequently asked questions
Is TextNow really free?
Yes, the basic service with a number, calls and texts is free with ads, while extra features are paid.
Can I keep my TextNow number forever?
Free numbers stay active while you use them, and a paid option can lock the number permanently.
Does TextNow work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, it can use your mobile data, and optional SIM plans are available in some areas.
Conclusion
The TextNow app is a simple way to get a free second number for calls and texts. Choose your number, use it regularly, protect important accounts with your main line and enjoy cheaper communication whenever you are connected to Wi-Fi.