TextNow 101
Everything you need to know about getting the most from your free phone service.
DISCLAIMER: The prices you see on this or any other TextNow blog article are subject to change. Please check the TextNow app for the most recent pricing.
Bookmark these handy links to guides on TextNow's most popular features. Find the TextNow feature you’d like to get to know and see how you can make the most of free phone service!
TextNow 101: Upgrades and Add-Ons
TextNow basics
TextNow is the only free phone service provider with unlimited talk & text, plus data for essential apps on a nationwide 5G network. All in one convenient app.
You can download the app for your Android or iOS smartphone or tablet. The app can work over a Wi-Fi connection or over your device's data plan. If you don't have your own data plan, and want to have access to your calls, texts, and some essential apps without Wi-Fi, you can get a TextNow SIM card to access our 5G network! Using the app, you can get a free eSIM (depending on type of phone) or a physical SIM card with a one-time purchase.The SIM will allow you to use the TextNow app plus email, maps, finance, and rideshare apps for free, without ever having to pay for a data plan. (We explain more about that below.)
If you're more of a stationary person as opposed to mobile, you can also use TextNow right through your desktop's browser. Both the app and the browser are supported by ads, which means it costs you nothing. Zero. Zilch. Nada. Goose egg. Free calling and texting to any number in the U.S. or Canada for the very affordable cost of zero dollars. Cost: $0
And if you want to talk to people outside of the U.S. or Canada, you can do that for a reasonable price too (some countries, like Mexico, will cost you nothing!)
TextNow extras
If you want something a little spicier to go with your vanilla TextNow, we have a couple of ways to supercharge your experience with flexible add-ons.
Lock-In Number: This keeps your number from expiring, no matter how much or little you use it. Bonus, it also allows you to receive verification codes from other services. Cost: $1.99/week
Ad-Free+: For those who never want to see an ad (plus other perks, such as a locked in number and call forwarding) there's Ad-Free+, which removes all the ads from TextNow – including banner and in-line ads. Cost: $6.99/week
Even better: Our Rewards program lets you earn points you can redeem for these extras and more!
Use TextNow Without Wi-Fi
OK, but what if you're tired of the tyranny of W-iFi and want to use TextNow everywhere you go with your phone's data connection? We've got you covered there, too!
TextNow wireless service: TextNow wireless service runs on a nationwide 5G network for fast, reliable connection. With TextNow you can talk and text as much as you want, without Wi-Fi, for free. Plus data to access essential apps: email, maps, finance, and rideshare. Again, for free. All you have to do is use TextNow and combine it with a TextNow SIM card. No monthly payment, no contracts – just free phone service. Cost: $3.99 for physical SIM, free for eSIM.
And of course, you can still choose to upgrade any time with any of the extras or add-ons above, as you wish.
Get high-speed data
And finally, if you want to add more data to your TextNow plan for access to more apps (for streaming or browsing), you can! We have three flexible options available to fit your needs:
Day Plan: The Day Plan gives you full access to data for 24 hours, perfect for days when you're planning on being out and about, or for controlling online access for your kids. Cost: $2.99
Week Plan: The Weekly Unlimited Data plan gives you full access to data for the week, perfect if you only need data in small increments, or can't afford the full month and want to turn on data when you can. Cost: $8.99
Month Plan: This option would be the most comparable to a regular monthly plan you'd expect from your mobile carrier. Get full access to data for a month (30 days). This option does auto renew for your convenience, but is also easily manageable through the app. Cancel anytime without having to contact someone, or pay any extra fees. Comes with 20GB of high-speed data (after you hit 20GB, data continues but is slower until the billing cycle resets). Cost: $35.99
