Those days are gone when humans had to wait in order to make the connection with each other because of the distance but now it is a matter of moments. Even though the competition is high, the phone plans have risen in recent years and you have to spend a lot in order to take their subscription.
If you want to save money then TextNow should be the go-to option for you because it is a free app that lets you do calling and texting without any cost where you just have to spend some data only.
Let’s understand more.
What is TextNow?
It works like where it provides a virtual phone number to anyone in order to make calls and send texts. You can use the Wi-Fi or data network for the connection where the cost is nothing and it provides unlimited attempts for calling and texting which makes the communication more efficient.
Process of Login?
- Open the TextNow App: Find the TextNow icon on your device and tap it to open the app.
- Login Screen: You will see a screen where you can log in.
- Enter Credentials: Please type in your email address or username and password in the spaces provided. If you made a username when you signed up, use that instead of your email.
- Remember me (Optional): This lets the app keep your login information so you don’t have to enter it every time. Only use this feature if you are using your own device for safety.
- Log in: Tap the ‘Login’ button.
TextNow App Features
TextNow doesn’t just give you free calls and texts. It has many features that make your communication better and meet different needs. Let’s take a closer look at these features.
Communication:
- Group Chat: Get your friends or coworkers together to talk in one chat. Send texts, pictures, videos, and emojis to make conversations fun and interesting.
- Call Recording: Save important talks for later use. This can be useful for work calls, job interviews, or just for writing down important information from a conversation. Whether you can use it depends on where you are and if it’s allowed by the law.
- Customizable Caller ID: Stand out by using a custom caller ID. Select a number you like to show when you call someone, to make it look professional or fun. This might cost more on your phone plan.
- Voicemail to Text: Now you aren’t going to miss a single message because it transcribes your voicemail messages to text messages and sends them to your phone which allows you to have a look at it in a easy way.
- Blocked Numbers: If you get harassed online more often than not or have been fed up with unwanted calls then it can block specific numbers to protect your privacy and provide a feeling of peace in life with just a few clicks.
Advanced Features
- Call forwarding: It is still possible to forward the calls and do other tasks while the call is being forwarded. People can give you a call so make sure that you give them another phone number to call in case you are unavailable.
- Conference Calling: It allows up to 10 users to make the conference call simultaneously. This is ideal for attending meetings with a variety of people, speaking to family members or friends, and discussing things through the Internet.
- Call Waiting: You can handle multiple calls with ease where this feature gives an alert to you regarding another call when you are attending a different call at the same given point of time where you can decide whether you want to receive this new call and put that previous call on hold.
- Do Not Disturb: This is for turning off some calls and notifications at special times using the Do Not Disturb mode which is good for focusing on work, attending meetings or even having a sound sleep at night.
- Customizable Notifications: This means you can personalize your notification experience. Select the sounds and vibrations you like when you get a call, text, or voicemail.
- Starred Messages: Mark important messages so you can find them easily later. This helps you remember important information or conversations that you might need to look at again.
Additional:
- International Calling: Make international calls to family and friends in other countries at affordable prices. You can buy credits for making international calls or sign up for a plan that includes international calling.
- Personalized Ringtones: Choose special ringtones for certain people. This helps you know who is calling without looking at your phone.
- Customizable Wallpaper: Personalize your TextNow app by choosing a wallpaper that reflects your style and personality. Pick a picture, color, or design that shows your personal taste.
Difference Between TextNow’s Free and Premium Plan
TextNow offers a free plan with basic features and paid premium plans with additional benefits.
Features |
Free Plans | Premium Plans |
Calls and Texts | Unlimited to the US & Canada |
Unlimited to the US & Canada |
Monthly Data |
Limited Free Data | Up to 20 GB of Data |
Custom Phone Number | Free (Limited Options) |
More choices and vanity numbers |
Ad-free Experience |
No | Yes |
Call Forwarding | No |
Yes |
International Calling |
Limited (only paid) |
Included in some plans |
Who is it for?
TextNow serves many different people by offering free phone calls, messages, and different options.
- Budget-Conscious Users: People who are careful with their money are going to love TextNow because it helps them save a lot on phone bills. You can make free calls and send texts in the US and Canada with this option, saving money compared to regular phone plans.
- Occasional Phone Users: If you don’t use your phone a lot, TextNow’s free plan gives you what you need without extra costs.
- Secondary Phone Number Seekers: If you need a second phone number for personal or business reasons, TextNow lets you have one. This keeps your personal phone number private.
- Students and Young Adults: Do you fit into the student category or the young adult with limited income category? TextNow allows you to call as many people as you want and pay very little.
- Travelers on a Budget: By utilizing the Wi-Fi for the TextNow application, the chances of roaming costs will be less. If you want to cut off your international phone expenses, use free calls to families and friends back in your country.
- Freelancers and Remote Workers: At TextNow.com, you can really separate your work messages from your personal messages. When using the free plan, you can receive calls and texts concerning your work from the clients without having to sign up for a phone plan.
- People with Limited Data Plans: For individuals who have a limited amount of data on their phone plans, TextNow is good for calls and texting.
- Tech-Savvy users: These people would enjoy this app as they understand VoIP technology because TextNow has functional features for various utilization. If it is possible to use it on a phone, tablet, and computer then it will be the best one around.
Is the TextNow App Safe?
TextNow is generally considered safe to use. However, like any app, it’s essential to practice caution.
- You should be careful regarding the information you share like where you have used phone or text messages.
- You don’t have to click on any suspicious links and attachments from unknown people.
- Use a strong password for your TextNow account.
- Enable two-factor authentication for added security (if available).
Alternatives of the TextNow App
Google Voice:
- Pros: Free, integrates seamlessly with Google services, offers a US phone number, voicemail transcription, and the ability to make calls from Gmail.
- Cons: Limited free international calling options, call recording may not be available in all regions, and some features require a Google Fi mobile plan.
Signal:
- Pros: Known for its focus on privacy and security, offers free end-to-end encryption for calls and texts, and open-source code allows for independent security audits.
- Cons: Dependence on existing contacts to use Signal for encrypted communication, limited features compared to some alternatives, may not be ideal for large group chats.
Telegram:
- Pros: Offers a wide range of features including large group chats, channels, file sharing, and cloud storage, allowing for using the app on multiple devices seamlessly.
- Cons: Encryption is not enabled by default, some privacy concerns regarding data collection practices, potential for encountering large groups with misinformation.
FAQs
Q. Can I keep my existing phone number with TextNow?
Unfortunately, TextNow mobile does not support the number porting feature which is a disadvantage compared to its direct competitors. Because of the nature of this app, you will be provided with a unique new phone number as soon as you sign up.
Q. Does TextNow work with Wi-Fi calling?
Yes, TextNow is fully compatible with Wi-Fi calling, it can be your backup when the cellular network is not available. This enables you to make and answer calls even when you enjoy poor network connectivity in terms of cell signals.
Q. How much data does TextNow use?
The data usage on TextNow depends on your activity. Calls and texts use minimal data, but sending photos and videos will consume more. Consider managing your data usage settings or upgrading to a premium plan with more data.
Q. Is TextNow anonymous?
Though signing up to TextNow doesn’t demand your real name, the service provider does request your IP address alongside other information on the device you use. Some precautions are, utilizing the free TextNow correctly and should not violate the rules of service.
Q. How do I cancel my TextNow account?
To cancel the account, you can simply do it through the TextNow app by following a series of instructions.
That’s it for now. 🤟
Thanks for reading.