User Reviews for TextNow: Call + Text Unlimited

4.8 out of 5

625.7K Ratings

1 year ago, straybiss

Dropped My Phone Plan for Text Now!!

For 99 cents and $5 dollars a YEAR i can make phone calls, text unlimited, and have better service than when i had at&t! Im not working right now and Text Now was a life saver. i would be without a working phone right now, but instead i have a perfectly functioning phone for less than six dollars. the $5 a year is to be able to receive codes to your number which is unbeatable. The only thing I can say i wish worked better was the functionality of the app. sometimes it lags or wants to work slow. still cant beat it! im updating my review after having the paid plan for almost a year. i still stand by what i said in the beginning. we had an ice storm recently that knocked our power out for two days. If it wasn’t for text now I would have had no form of communication, but I was texting and calling, as if nothing was going. Sometimes the LTE that comes free with text now lets me do simple google searches which is amazing, especially when you don’t have wifi. This is hands down the best texting app on the app store. it’s even better than line!

2 months ago, Rauf_321

Great service, terrible design

I absolutely love TextNow as a service. Unlike other apps, there’s no catch to it. All you do is make free texts and calls, no credits or payments involved, no time limits or message caps, just pure, simple communications. Sure it might show you some ads, but there’s no full ads that I’ve ever seen. All of the ads I’ve seen are banner ads or ads that appear as a panel in your next messages, and that are completely unobtrusive (though ugly.) I do find how ads show up in the main menu for my contacts and conversations. Just opening the app, you see ads. When you’re in public and open the app, the first thing that pops up in the screen is a banner ad. It’s quite embarrassing to be honest. I feel like keeping ads INSIDE the texts would be much better as I only see them when I choose to open a message or make a call. Also, the lack of a dark mode is very uncomfortable for someone who has very sensitive eyes and can’t look at bright things directly for an extended amount of time, and as someone who prefers the dark aesthetic, it’s unappealing. I can easily see a dark mode appealing to a lot of other people, so it would be great if it was a feature. That’s it. The app may be an eyesore to some, but for me it’s only a two star deduction, and it doesn’t look that bad. The service itself is very capable for being completely free and it’s great even as a primary phone number.

2 days ago, My nicknames all take

Terrible service

I am new to TextNow. Loved it for a few hours but then tried to understand some of the options and differences among add-ons, subscriptions, premiums, etc. Their posted “help” articles were contradictory, so I used their chat help fcn w an agent. I followed all his instructions and was not able to get a new premium number unless I waited 15d. But he didn’t tell me that before I gave up my number. I continued to ask for clarification and then he abruptly disconnected the chat (after I had already been chatting and waiting for at least an hour). I continued to try to get a new number (as he had instructed). Then I got locked out and needed to recover my acct, which I attempted to do, but never received the email from them that it said I was supposed to. So I navigated around more, closed the app and reopened it, etc. And then my acct was completely suspended! Then I attempted to rechat but no one would pick it up. At least 10 minutes later an agent finally picked it up and said there is no account with my email/acct details. I’m still trying to resolve it, but this is terrible service. Been chatting for over 2 hrs and still not resolved!… …Someone finally paid attention and said they don’t support VPN… although I had t been having any problems w it while using VPN until this afternoon. And my current VPN server is in NY. TextNow requires a North American IP address. So that doesn’t really explain all the problems to me…

3 years ago, Thepianofreak01

Purchased subscription, lost number(2)

I paid the $4.99/yr for locking my number, and now all of a sudden a month later i click on the app to try and look at what number i have so i can log back into my Telegram account that i needed it for, and it will only ask for me to choose a new number. It’s clearly a glitch though, because it will show the list of texts i have gotten on the number i already paid to use and keep for less than a second before the other screen pops up in front of it. I can’t get around it. Update: i went back and forth with customer service over email and provided them the information they asked for, and a week later even after i ask if there’s been any update on progress, i get nothing back. I found out whoever has my number now deleted my telegram account to make their own with the number, so trying to keep it is just pointless now. Don’t use this app. They put receiving verification codes and “locking in” your number so that people don't take your information or number behind a paywall, but then it doesn’t even lock it in! I still got my number reassigned to somebody else and they were still able to log into my account and delete it so they could make their own. Waste of time and money. It took me two weeks of being logged out of my account for me to finally realize that all of this has been for nothing.

2 years ago, CynCynatti

Convenient with Wi-Fi

So I work really really hard but like a lot of people- sometimes in between paydays comes that phone bill. Which can be that little extra that’s either going to get you by or give you phone. Of course I choose to use it to get by! Downloading this app- I have Wi-Fi at home and at work. So while I’m here or at home I can call my FS card to check my balance (which can be VERY important when I need milk for my 2 yr old ect;) and I’m unsure of what I’ve got- and avoid embarrassment in the store being declined for misunderstanding my balance. It can be helpful for a lot. I need it for little thank God but where I need it- it comes in clutch like any phone I PAY for to make calls. I don’t use it as my main use but it’s definitely 1000% my go-to in a tight spot. Thank you Creators! (If you use this for texting pics, videos, voicemail; I think you pay for it but it’s like $10 a month…whiiiich is still $50 MINIMUM cheaper than a lot of plans elsewhere- I only use it for sparingly important phone calls in-between paydays so it’s perfect for users like me and that function- really is free.)

2 years ago, Jetsblaze

Ads have become unbearable

I’ve had TextNow for over 4 years and counting. I used to love this app because the ads while they were there (as they ought to be since it’s a free service), they were non intrusive and bearable. It was a tiny banner ad in between messages in the inbox . That’s it. However in the past few months it has gotten so bad that I’ve considered simply uninstalling the app and moving on . I’ve always used this service as a secondary number for non personal stuff (I even paid to get my number locked in) , but now it seems it’s not even worth it. To say that the ads are very frequent would be a total understatement.. it literally seems that after every call made , you get blasted with a 20-30 second full screen ad (which you cannot skip or close or do anything with other than wait it out) . Why should I have to deal with that so often ? It never used to be like this and if it had to come to the point in which full screen ads like that had to be implemented , then ok if it was once in a while fine , I would just deal with it. But every other phone call or 30 seconds of going through messages? Nah that’s too much I’m sorry. You guys sold out plain and simple.

1 year ago, Matthew Walker81

By FAR thee best application….

I am just so very pleased and thankful for a company like this and the app!! As someone who keeps having the worst luck with typical cell phone companies constantly screwing up my accounts and leaving me to be the one to pay the price for their mistakes. I’ve been in a position several times where my phone service was interrupted and unable to use my phone. So I am extremely grateful for this company. And the fact that they have a free service of using a phone number that only needs wifi to make it work. Which has saved me many times when I was in a position of needing to make an emergency call. I’ve tested just about every app that is similar to this one. But their services are very limited and only offer a few features that are free before they cut you off and demand some sort of purchase. I’ve now purchased services from this app simply because I want to show my appreciation and support to a company and app that gives their customers an option of service for free and without ever trying to force you to be a paying customer. I love this app!!!

2 years ago, Shell'64

Best Service

I have been a customer for the last two years and this app helped make the most difficult time of my life more bearable. When COVID hit the city I liv4d in in March of 2020 I was unable to pay my $55 phone bill and as a result they turned off my phone . FortunatleyI had#iFi and came across the app . Thanks to the app I was able to notify paramedics and my others hospice nurse when she was in the final stages of COVID and then family and friends when she passed the following day. I’ve tried other apps and was very disappointed. One in particular charged me $ 10and then wouldn’t let me make more than a couple of calls or texts and then said I had reached my,limit ! I l0ve this app and so grateful it helps people like me make it through the toughest of times without having to lose contact with others when it can be a life or death situation. Thank you much for being so beneficial to people who cannot make ends meet9n the middle of a global pandemic you’ve been a beacon of light !! Thank you so much for all you do to help without being greedy.

5 years ago, Smilessmcdecinburger

It’s not the best...

This app is great. Especially for me because I have an iPad, which means I cannot text phones from Samsung etc. This app is good because I could text my friends with phones from other providers. But, I faced many issues such as sometimes I would click on the app and it would shut me out and I would be back on the home screen after being in the app for about 3 seconds. I do get a lot of spam calls and a lot of people I don’t know txt me. It is really glitchy and sometimes I send messages and the person I am texting did not receive it. Another thing I didn’t like was I didn’t receive notifications most of the time when people texted me. One day I went on the app and all but the contact names went black. It shut me out of the app and I was back at the home screen. I tried many times getting back on the app, but it never worked. Then I got back on about a couple months later and I was logged out of my account! I can’t get back on and I don’t know what to do!! All of my text messages with my friends and family are gone. I would not recommend this app... it has just brought me so much anger and unless they fixed something with a magical update I don’t know if it’s going to be any good because I WAS LOGGED OUT OF MY ACCOUNT AND CAN’T CHECK FOR YOU. Hope this helped.

2 years ago, UpsetAlex

Will cancel your account without explanation

I have used this app for several years. First stated having issues 1 year ago where my number was almost lost even though I had paid the subscription to keep my number. Now this week when I try to use the service I receive a message that my account has been terminated for violation of terms. However I have barely used the app in the last few months except for every once in a while and I am definitely sure I violated no terms as I have been using the app for several years. When I contacted customer service they informed me the account was closed for violation but are not able to tell me what the violation was and there is not appeal process to get reactivated. It is my feeling that they just wanted the subscription fee and then wanted to recycle my number to someone else. I do not recommend this app to anyone due to sketchy business practices and no business integrity. Update: They contacted me to try and resolve issue supposedly but would only say sorry we can't help your account terminated even though I had paid the yearly subscription fee to keep my number. This app use to be good, however as many of the other reviews have stated it is now a total scam to get money then free up cell number to other to try and scam over and over.

4 months ago, Stg man

I’ll never switch again!

Unlimited talk text and data all for free if you pay .99 cents for the SIM card. I’d rather pay a buck once than 50+ a month for a worse service! I got to keep my phone number as well when I switched. My only problems were if you purchase faster data, it’s limited and if you burn it too fast, they suspend your account for a while. I don’t understand the logistics of that so I’m not questioning it. You get a new number as well you get 2, so if you have iMessage and FaceTime with iPhone, you sacrifice that on your primary number, but it’s available with the 2nd number you get. Kind of odd, but as long as you tell your family and friends you get blue bubbles from me with a different number, they just need to add the 2nd number to your contact. It’s a lot, I wish I could do everything with my primary, but again I don’t understand how it works so I’m trusting the professionals. These 2 oddities aren’t worth a lower review, TextNow deserves 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for being the ONLY free phone plan that isn’t tied to income needs.

2 years ago, Dman11385

Updated: Misleading SIM card kit plan

Updated. I was all wrong. Tech support was able to send instructions to fix my situation. It was working within 5 minutes. That’s all it took. Live Chat support was very supportive. Issue resolved and rating updated. Thank you. The offer is truly free no strings attached. Thanks again. (It offers free unlimited calling and texting with one time purchase of the SIM card kit on our nationwide network. So it says on the advertisement. There’s an asterisk in the advertisement however when you scroll down you can’t find the notice for the asterisk. It’s only after purchase I realize the SIM card purchase only activates the free calling on WiFi only portion of the plan. Free texting remains the same on WiFi only. My phone did not work outside. You need to purchase the AdFree+ plan or a data plan to have your phone work outside. The SIM card kit offer page she be updated without any words mentioning or referencing your nationwide network. That is highly misleading and disingenuous. It’s a classic bait and switch.)

9 months ago, alnowledge116

Amazing, but could be improved

I absolutely LOVE the free service this provides, and would recommend it for anyone who doesn’t need service for more than calling and texting. However there are some bugs I’d like to address. Twice now with the same person it has made it so that I can’t see any of the texts I’m sending or that they are. I could still type, send, and receive massages, but I was unable to veiw our conversation. Another thing is that links to apps don’t work. My friends with try to send me links to pinterest video’s and it just takes me to a non existent website; please fix this. I also have a friend who uses a smart watch, so he often times try’s to send me audio messages, but for some reason it appears to me as a link that also try’s to send me to some non existent website. It would be deeply appreciated if you’d fix these bugs. Thank you!:) (Edit) It would also be nice if I I could see if my messages have been read or not.

2 months ago, BeckynRobin

Unhappy in Florida

I’ve been very happy with this service from Text Now since 2017 with the same number and all my friends and family members as well as my drs have this number and for the past ummm 6 months or so I’ve been experiencing many problems that I’ve learned to deal with but now in order to use this app I have to delete this app turn off my phone wait a few seconds and turn it back on download the app again go through the whole setup again just to use it one time and if I want to use it again I have to go through this process again over and over and over again. I’ve been in contact with support told them my problems and every time they emailed me back I would get a response from one person for one of the issues and they would try to tell me how to fix my problem and I’d write back saying I’d either already done that or I’ll try it but what about the other issues and then another name would pop up addressing another issue telling me how to fix it and the same thing this happened with four different name and you can clearly tell by the beginning of this review that I’m still having issues so I’m at a loss of words I love this app and what it offers but not happy with my service at the moment. Unhappy in Florida

5 years ago, Join Walkers btw!

This used to be my favorite texting app...

I’ve been a TextNow user for many years, ever since 2011, and haven’t run into so much trouble until recently when their ads just became unbearable. I believe in ads and have even tried buying their service several times. However, the ads are ruining the experience. Whenever I enter the app and tap on a contact and begin to type a message the app just freezes. I sometimes end up calling my boss on accident due to the horrible lag. The actual texting and calling is good otherwise. The texting is far better than the calling at times. I have unlimited data, but this apps can go from working great to not working at all in seconds. I can see that it’s the ads causing all the issues. My fix would be to have ads take up less data or use less ads or use a better way to get these ads on the app. Please fix this devs. It gets very confusing and frustrating when I can’t use the app due to all the ads. I will try to get a plan to remove the ads, but the normal service is advertised as free. I do hope you can fix the interface to run smoothly once again. I will return to the app when it gets better.

4 years ago, Aychee F

Dreadful Support! Dreadful useless app!

#1: USE TALKU OR DINGTONE!! always guaranteed credits to earn through watching videos and playing games-very interactive! And one of the best for free-yes free international calls and texts that actually go through! It’s not perfect 100% of the time but it’s gotten so much better. Avoid TEXTNOW. You’re lucky if you can earn one credit a day. Talking to support today made me want to literally rip my eyes out because I was going in circles with someone who clearly didn’t read or understand not only the initial issue, but know what’s in their FAQs and articles. 1st, they have a submit a request feature through the app, but then when you submit a request, you get a canned reply through email saying they don’t use that anymore and to utilize chat instead. Then you need to remove anything that is obsolete from your app!! A customer should not be going in circles to try to get help. I had to explain to this person practically 3 times what I was referring to. For example-they say you can complete offers for credit but there is nowhere to ever do that! So do not refer me to Tap Joy when you don’t even offer the opportunity to earn credits for offers! It was just awful… I wind up turning off the message communication with this person because my patience was depleted.

3 years ago, pudchini

App is useless after latest update

Idk what happened to this app but it’s been complete garbage the last few days (both the iPhone and the iPad versions of the app). It completely overloads the device’s operating system or something because when I try to open the app whatever media is playing in the background (and would normally continue to play in the background) stops playing. This wouldn’t really bother me if it was the only problem, but from there it only gets worse. The app freezes and will not respond to any taps. I’ve tried task killing the app and then restarting it but nothing changes. I’ve also tried doing a soft reset/force re-starting the devices, and then trying the app again to see if it’s working, but that hasn’t helped either. At first I thought it was my phone but then I realized the same thing was happening on my iPad too, so it must be the app itself because I’m not having any issues like this with any other apps. I really wish/hope the developer fixes the app because this was my favorite messaging app (before the update). But now that it’s completely unusable I’m going to have to try out some other apps and see if I can find a suitable alternative. Goodbye (for now?) TextNow ✌️

3 months ago, EReeD39

Seen Better Days

I’ve had the same number and use this app for 8+ years now five of those I have used it over my main phone number because It was impressive service wise till probably starting a year ago I may not have a call ring through from time to time nothing to earth shattering. But has progressively gotten worse to the point over the last month or so I’m practically unable to rely on it whatsoever. It’s lagging, not sending or receiving messages at times hours after being placed, as well as many calls not ringing through, only receiving notifications of a missed call. Over last week has begun to freeze up and not able to do anything but close app and try to reopen but just continues loading with no issue solved. Tried to delete app and reinstall to no avail it seems hopeless to think the issues will do anything but continue to make it functionally unsound for use. Hate to lose my favorite number I’ve ever had but seems inevitable. Definitely needs some major attention, and I don’t seem to be alone in my assessment. Hope your able to work it out soon!!!

4 years ago, m@4545222

Amazing quality!!

I had text now app for a long while and then I caught wind of their free cell service, I ordered a sim card and I installed it in my iPhone and activated it. Once I activated the sim card I went down the street and I was able to make and receive high quality audio calls and the texts send and receive fast, you truly get free cell service yes $0.00 with no WiFi I am able to call and text this is a wonderful thing!! I decided to transfer my cell number over to TextNow and it was a smooth and pleasant process that took less then 24 hours!! I transferred my number from Straight Talk to TextNow. There is no cell data included with the free plan but that’s ok with me I’ll just use the internet on WiFi, although if you wanted cell data TextNow has affordable options. What’s the catch you say ? There are ads that pop up from time to time when you call or text but besides that there is no catch!! I highly recommend this it’s great

7 months ago, ladykatina

Almost a 5 Star

I have used this app for years and it is my only communication app or rather phone app. This is all I have to stay connected with anyone. It has always made me happy for what it is. Every once in awhile I have a problem with something nothing major or life threatening it will usually clear up or get fixed within a day or so without even saying anything about it. Recently the last update it would not open it crashed time again I did everything I could with app and my iPhone. For three days I was without communication with ppl. But one morning there it was sitting with my apps working. There are littlest things that might not be the greatest but this app is by far the best around of its kind. I do pay for the no ads and keep same number. This app is worth it. Updated This app is still number one in my books. I am going to try out the data plan see how it works. I’ll let ya all know what I think.

5 years ago, Seaslang

Glitchy and ads overwhelm the experience

TextNow is a great idea and provides a great service essentially - that you can have a free phone number and call North America from anywhere in the world -however the user experience is pretty bad. The app is slow, extremely glitchy, and the ads are meant to overwhelm your experience. The ad situation has gotten substantially worse in recent months. The standard bad ad experience on the app is that the ads pop up on the home screen constantly and they are hard to close. But recently I had the experience that video ads start playing through my calls and as the call time progresses the interval between the time the video ad plays gets shorter and shorter. So what happens is you're talking to someone and then an extremely loud ad (way above the call audio volume) starts playing over your call. You can shut it down but it will just start back up again a few moments later. Really unbearable. I am keeping the app because it's in its development stages and I'm hoping it will go in a different direction when it receives more funding. As a traveler it's a great tool for me, just wish it wasn't such a harrowing tool to use.

1 year ago, AvvaRaeR

Budget Friendly User Friendly

🤓🧐😎I have been using this app for a while now. I’ll list pros and Cons and why: ✨Pros: 100% Free You get to choose your number User Friendly Accesses current contacts Works on any Wi-Fi even hotspot Clear Calls ✨Cons: The ads (not being able to skip after a few seconds) No FaceTime There’s not trash box for old conversations Deletes stores name when a number is blocked 🔥Over all this app is thee best phone app out there. I have used them all and this is my go to. Realiable & easy to use😉 jump off the fence if you’re not sure 🤙🏼 To save your number for a year it’s only $5. The only sucky part is If you change your number you have to do another $5 to get the new number for the year. HUGE NOTE to the creators 🗣🗣🗣 the app when anyone calls now (not sure why) but every time someone calls it goes straight to vm. They have to call twice for my phone to ring on my end :/ plz fix this

2 years ago, L Sonna

Big problems

This was a good app. Today I didn’t receive 2 critical text messages. Instead, I received 2 text messages from your company saying that now I must pay to receive text messages…if I have a particular version of your app. I spent an hour hunting for my app’s version # without success. 1. What is the version # of my app? The emailed link to purchase the text messaging capability didn’t work. 2. Is that because I have the wrong version? How do I receive text messages as in the past? I spent an hour searching for a tech support phone or email without success. 3. How do I contact tech support? In trying to sign up for the text messaging plan, I accidentally purchased “lock in your #.” I don’t need that service 4. How do I get my $ back? Or, better yet, how do I get the plan switched from “lock in your #!” to “text messaging.” Your website and the Apple App store say that both phoning and texting are free, which apparently is untrue. 5. Isn’t false advertising illegal? - I reinstalled the app today to be sure I have the latest version. I have sent multiple text messages from my phone - not one has come through. Calls works, but not text messages.

4 months ago, IA435

Smartest option is TextNow

TextNow is amazing. It allows you to call and text for free on Wi-Fi, or mobile data. It has tons of ads, but you can remove those for free, and really easily. You just have to watch 3 ads and then you can get ad free for 30 minutes. You can also get a TextNow SIM card, and then you can get free mobile data, which is really convenient when you’re outdoors, or at a place that doesn’t have Wi-Fi nearby. A TextNow SIM card only costs $5, like any regular SIM card. The annoying thing that I had to deal with for my first month was keeping my number. But fortunately, you can lock in your number by buying the lock in your number add-on, but it really rips you off, so it’s better to get a SIM card, which also locks in your number for free. Honestly, TextNow is nice, but if you don’t have ad free, then there are too many ads, and it’s sort of awkward. I think TextNow is great, and you should get it.

5 years ago, Sickles Girl #1

Text Now Review

I absolutely love the text no app! It’s convenient and steady. FMy family and I have used it for 5 years! What I like about bout text now is the fact that no matter what , I can always access it through any device I choose to use whenever I choose to use it! Another great thing about text now is when I do have to access it through a secondary device all my info and previous messages are still there! That is super convenient being I lose everything especially phone numbers and messages! But text now keeps all that stored and it’s accessible to me 24/7. Sometimes paying my and my family’s phone bills can be very stressful at times because it’s expensive and I’m not able to get all of them payed at the same time. So having text now as a back up or second number. I along with my children Can assure my friends and family that they’re still able to contact me through texting or calling. Thanks text now!🤗

12 months ago, DonDiva23

Good App but Super Annoying Updates!

I like my textnow app, I’ve had it for years and actually use it VERY frequently. Textnow has been the most consistent and convenient text app out forever. HOWEVER. The new features and updates are SUPER annoying and inconvenient! I hate that my message threads get messed up and out of order, can’t get verification codes anymore, and there are a lot more ads now. But none of that is as frustrating as when you go to make a call and you hear “you made to many calls in a short time” and it hangs up. WTH TEXTNOW that’s is the worst update/feature EVER. When the signal is shotty and your trying to call back someone then it cuts you off. In an emergency you can’t call someone back right away. Or even if you hang up with someone and call someone else you can’t. PLEASE GET RID OF THAT FEATURE. Anyway outside of those things textnow is a good app when you need it.

3 years ago, babydoll764

TERRIBLE.. SCAM/NO REFUND!!

I trusted TextNow for a couple of years until I heard you connect to their wireless data. Yes it works with WiFi but I decided to try the free wireless data and bought it for $10 and the same day I received my activation kit, I decided to cancel it because of some sketchy stuff that was going on with the SIM card not working and my device not connecting to their wireless data it said no refund but on their website before you buy the activation kit they advertise that they will give you a 30 day return refund and you get your money back but that’s a total lie I got no refund as it stated in the email (which had no reply) meaning I can’t reply to whoever sent that email so now I just lost $10... this is a total scam please don’t fall for it you’re just going to lose money do not fall for their free wireless plan or go with any of their plans. It’s all sketchy and just fake advertisements to get your money & improve their app. Something else I also found sketchy about TEXTNOW is that I’ve been looking for a customer service number/email and I couldn’t find anything it just takes me to a site that answers irrelevant questions. SMH BIG FAILURE!!!

4 years ago, SirVince

Don’t do it!!

I’ve been using Text Now for a few months. At first, it started out like a great substitution for the more expensive (and horrible) Sprint service I’ve been wasting my money on. Since they both use the same network, I’d rather pay less for unreliable and sketchy phone service. But believe me, Text Now service is not at all reliable either. You won’t get much reception indoors, your texts msgs may or may not send, and there will be times when you won’t get phone calls. Anyway, my rant today is because TextNow took things to a new low. Today my bill is due and they SHUT ME OFF on the day it’s due. AND it’s a Saturday, so I can’t transfer money from my savings account into my (bill paying) account until Monday. I take complete ownership for not remembering about transferring sooner. Thanksgiving was just 2 days ago and I lost all sense of time in the planning. But to give NO notice is going too far. Since I drive for Uber, I cannot work or earn money either until Monday as well and I’M FURIOUS!!! They are screwing with my livelihood. So PLEASE reconsider your choice to use this service. Don’t be dumb like me. Find another way. Or someday you’ll be writing a scathing review too.

5 years ago, Gam'in horse

Could be better

I am not sure if it is my phone, or the phones of my contacts. At times, even when I seem to send them messages, they inform me that they do not receive them. Or when I call them, they say they do not receive a record of me calling them. I like the style and interface of the app, it is very appealing, but it is just these small inconveniences that make the experience troublesome. One feature that I would love to see is that when you send someone a message/text, that there would be a little notification that says “John has seen your message” or a simple little “seen” notification. Like on Instagram messaging. That would make this app much better, and would restore my confidence in it. It is a great app, and I would take it over any other competitor, just fix these things, and add that feature, and I would eagerly share with more of my friends and family. Thank you! 😁

2 months ago, DOKOOEKDIJD

Just Curious

I’m just confused why I can’t log back into my account?? It currently says I violated the terms of use, trying to call someone. I don’t know if it was because of my spam calling, or some other term of use I didn’t stumble upon. But I would really like my account back, I’ve been fretting all night stressing wether or not I’ll actually get it back; considering I put all my info on there. I have 1 other app which is messages, but I have friends whom have androids that I can’t contact on there, so I’d really like for the sake of my comfort. For me to have my account back, and yes, I’ll read the terms this time. Please, and thank you. Also, it canceled my account although I’ve recently haven’t been active on it, only like every 2 weeks or so?? I’m puzzled why I can’t text or log back in due to a message sending to me everytime, it’s like a barrier preventing me from contacting ones I try to talk to. I’d like my account back, along with the approval from the appeal. Thank you, although I’m not sure I violated any terms of use..

1 year ago, bluewolf84

Okay at best

Good for emergencies and something quick you can have with you. Not a full mobile carrier service as what it is advertised. Even when you subscribe to the highest package, it still is a simple phone service you find here on the app stores. This does not work for discord chat. The data plans are advertised but those do not work. Maybe it is a future release? There is no support right now for data, it’s only advertised come here to pick out your data plan. Best thing overall is it tries to act like a real phone network on what they say the t-mobile network. It’s not the full capabilities. UPDATE: data plans do work with a SIM card. It wasn’t working with esim. It is great for emergencies, quick phone to get around, and good for work chats. Everything has to be done in the app although you can use call forwarding. The app is complicated and takes time to use unlike a full mobile carrier service which is easier to manage.

6 months ago, Headache Hater

Issues but you get what you pay for I guess free is nice

For a free texting app it’s not the worst. I don’t like that. I have to exit out of multiple ads after a call especially if I’m in a hurry. It’s like the longer I’ve had this up the more ads they keep putting on here. Not only is there a constant sway of apps above and below the app but if you make a call you have to watch videos on exit out of at least three different ads now. What I really don’t understand is why the ones that are constantly on the screen are for meeting local singles near me. Even though the only things I ever use my phone for is work. Plus, I often have to completely delete the app and reinstall it due to when I try to make a call, it says call rejected. I read something that said that it should only do that if you go against its user guide lines, but I do the same thing every single day so I don’t understand why it does that whenever it chooses. Other than that it’s not a bad app.

4 years ago, Kaitlyn 👁👄👁

Amazing but...

I live for this app! Occasionally, you can use the number for other apps as well! I personally like using this number that I have on here for apps instead of my personal one. But for all good things there comes a bad. Random people have gotten a hold of my number and started calling me at random times. They will literally non-stop text and call me sometimes. I have no clue how they’ve gotten my phone number. But besides the random people texting you time to time, if you have the patience to deal with it like me, I definitely recommend this app. If the people do contact you, just report and block. Thank you for reading my review! If you’re considering getting this app, I think you definitely should. Note that not all the numbers you get on this app will work for other apps, I learned that when I made another number :)

4 years ago, autumn mongan

Okay

I do love this app I use it all the time but sometimes when I press the hang up button it is really slow and glitchy and when I go to the app it will shut me out of it when I’m only in the app for 3 seconds but again I use this app all the time but I also get a lot of random numbers call and text me and it does get super annoying but I love this app so so so much I use it so much and it’s just really slow and glitchy but I mean it is what it is also this app is very very slow and glitchy when I go on the app it will take a while for it to actually load even when I full bars of WiFi’s and everything I think maybe it’s just really slow and I noticed if I get more than 13 phone numbers it will delete my most recent person I texted and if I don’t use my app for a 3 days it will log me out and say I need to get a new number I have spent so much time on this app and it’s not that good of quality I hop you guys the best to try and fix it and this app would be the bomb but as of right now it’s not such a great app🥰!

5 years ago, Peep 🐥

Calling won’t work, can’t receive texts

So I have been using TextNow for a LONG time, and I can say it is one of the best messaging apps I have ever used, I can use it for friends who don’t have their number registered with iMessage. But I have to point out a few things wrong: when I try to start or receive a call, either the caller can hear me and I cannot hear them, or the other way around. I would like to have this fixed because calls can be very important and it is quite annoying. Next thing, sometimes I can’t receive texts. If I was having a conversation with someone, I have to leave their chat and go to the main ‘home’ screen of TextNow, and wait for them to send a message or for it to come in. It does not happen all the time but I would like to be able to not have to refresh the page etc, to receive messages. I hope this review was understandable and I tried my best to be clear with the issues I am having. Thank you for listening.

4 years ago, OGBobUSA

Glitchy

I have been having issues for months now, it would freeze or crash on my iPad mini 4 with the newest version of iOS and the last couple weeks have been horrible! Not getting important texts, or phone calls. It was like my ringer was off, it wasn’t! Once I opened the app it would say 4 Missed Calls, and it never rang! I tested it with a friends phone and called my apps number, it rang on his end but not on my end. After uninstalling and reinstalling the app, restarting before reinstalling, it has gone from being pretty reliable to wondering if I’ll be getting my phone calls! It went from a 4 star App to a 2 star app, and WoW, did I mention adds? Come on Text Now, Do we need adds flashing and popping up? No wonder the App keeps closing when I go to open it, the app is trying to run adds before loading messages! To much running makes apps crash!, UPDATE MAY 17th 2020, I’m still not getting notifications of incoming calls, my Alert goes off for a second and stops. Then a friend called and said somebody answered but wasn’t me. How’s this possible?? I’m not happy with this. Why is this happening? Who’s answering my calls when I’m not?

3 months ago, TextNotNow

Great…when it works which is hardly ever…

I had textnow when it first came out and loved it. Recently I have had the need to text and make calls from my ipad to non-apple phones. Downloaded the app and it worked great like the good old days. But the next time I opened app, it was not sending or receiving text or calls. I deleted app and reinstalled it. It worked for the quick conversation that I was having. Next day, you guessed it…not working. Deleted, reinstalled, Rinse and Repeat. It is a great app if you are using it to text someone for an immediate reply that is when it works…which is hardly ever. However, it can not be relied on for a service where you expect to randomly use it to see if anyone has texted you or missed calls. They don’t show any and you don’t know if you missed any other than when you try to text out to see if it is working. Major work is needed. But I guess when you do not pay for the service even if you are making payment with your privacy and data ( which is more profitable to them) then you can not expect the app or service to work.

1 year ago, Mnt. Wolfie

Garbage

This app is garbage. They take your money, they sell your information, and then they do not deliver what they promised. They will not allow you to use the number for verification codes, like to open Facebook or Instagram. That makes it absolutely useless if you think you’re going to use it for your only number. It cannot work. if you want to be able to use it for verification codes, they want another $20 from you or something. They are constantly bombarding you with ads, even if you buy the ad free versions. It has been the worst purchase I have made in over a year of bad purchases on the Apple store. Apple wonders why their store is getting less and less traffic and going to crap? It’s because they continue to allow these foreign, jack wagons to put apps on here that are unverified and basically just looking for a way to rip off hard-working English-speaking people. Don’t do what I did! Don’t buy this app there are plenty of others to choose from Lake text, free or any of the Pringer apps. They are out to fleece you too, but at least they don’t hide it

3 years ago, karl4356633

5atars but it needs some thing

Hi and thanks for making that cool app but there is. A only thing that is not great is that if I. Not use the app messaging I can loose my number at anytime so please make a number renewal system for free /yr and this could be magnificent and you are already the best!!! All that was before today , today I have discovered that I can’t receive verefication codes anymore ... some of my accounts which contains fees and real money are now inaccessible... I don’t know what to say it’s more than a crime to ask a user to subscribe to your plans to access his private messages ! I’m leaving text now and I’m not the only ! And btw here is my updated review : still disappointed cause text now is accessing people privacy across it’s servers and lied about the full privacy they give to their user and additionally I have always checked in my number and kept it going and I don’t need that feature to keep it going thank you for respecting my opinion and improving your service to keep it more accessible or else you’ll keep on loosing customers ... just like me !

3 years ago, LongTimeTextNowSubscriber

Advertisements Ruin this App

I believe in advertiser support for a free app but they are so INVASIVE in Text now that it is barely usable. Ads run in between every 4-5 calls, they are so large I accidentally click them when trying to scroll recent calls. I’m sure this is intentional. Ads pop up and end calls 4-5 times daily and end business calls. Do not depend on this app for anything important! It will fail and embarrass you. When app opens you are FORCED to wait up to 2 minutes for ad to time out and it never self closes. I have to find the close on the ad which is someplace different on every ad. Don’t try to make last minute calls or dial 911, you will definitely be waiting. DEVELOPERS: make the app closable after a specified time, like 15-20 seconds, trust me I know what your seller is selling after watching for that long. App never terminated calls from advertisements and ran 2 entire minutes until a few month ago. App is only useful if you do not mind waiting 2minutes to make a call and having your calls CONSTANTLY disconnected by ads.

5 years ago, bigbsvo

Buyer beware

If you buy the app like I did to avoid the advertisements you can expect the advertising to continue. I did the free version for a while and thought if I buy it then I won’t have to see the adds again, boy was I wrong. The adds never went away, the only thing that went away was my money from my bank. The app is also slow as heck, it is slow when you send photos, it is slow when you type messages, it’s just slow slow slow. The pros to having the app, I downloaded it on my desktop computer, I can type on a keyboard, I use it for business to text customers about their auto repair, and they think it’s my cellphone and I get to tell them “I’m sorry but I use a texting app to text from my office computer”. This way they don’t get my personal cell number. So, pros and cons, everything has them. But to pay for an ad free app and they still are there makes me not happy. So keep your money and use the free version, there is no difference.

3 years ago, TabiKaye

Spam calls

I’m getting a ridiculous amount of spam calls. I have ‘blocked and reported’ at least 20 between yesterday morning and today 1pm. They are all different numbers but from the same area codes, it’s getting so annoying that I’m considering deleting the app and finding something else. Who are you giving my number to? When I had voicemail turned on, the calls would leave 3 second silent messages, I’ve turned off voicemail now just to stop getting a second notification. If I answer and don’t say anything (because I’m sure it’s a bot and not a real person with actual business with me), the call hangs up within 10 seconds and it’s silent. I’ve had ‘debt collector’ calls before, it’s always a person in a call center who at least asks ‘hello?’ when the call picks up, this is different. Don’t tell me to ‘block and report’. I’ve done that and it’s no good as they keep using a new number. It’s hugely disrupting to my day. Not worth keeping the app if this continues tomorrow.

4 years ago, RMVG03

It’s Free... But At A Cost

I’ll start by saying free service is free service. I couldn’t be more grateful to have unlimited calling and texting via cellular and not just WiFi. All of my 3 stars go to this and this alone because that’s where the good stops. The ads are annoying but sure, but that’s what you get with free service so I won’t complain to much. Reception is mediocre at best but again... free. However, the app itself is VERY LAGGY. Half of the time, I don’t even get notified of a phone call, even when hooked up to WiFi and it cannot be blamed on poor service. I’ve had entire conversations poof into thin air without me manually deleting them, only to find out later that I had missed a new message or call from said person because of the conversation being magically deleted. At the end of the day, TextNow needs to get their act together and provide us a well functioning app. If it doesn’t improve in the future, I’ll have to look elsewhere and I’m sure others will as well.

3 years ago, bayb19777778

Not happy

The last update turned my app blank. Unfortunately I can’t remember my email and this is the only way for me to regain access. So I see people are messaging me but I can not see what it says. There isn’t a way to talk to anyone live thus everything is via text. I ask if they could send me a message to verify my account I was told no. I asked if I could verify the phone by my device id I was told no. I could verify 3 numbers that have texted me on the number. There should be more than one way to verify your account. Or an easier way to regain access to your account and speaking to a person would be nice. There are very important messages on the number. You collect my Device ID, my location and have the ability to conduct a diagnostic test on the app crashing. You could choose to use this data to help individuals whom forgot their email address or mistyped their email address to retrieve their account (even if there was a small fee) Please do more to assist other than have me validated an email address that I could have mistyped. Please

1 year ago, Mesonoxia.com

Works (enough said)

Tried a bunch of these - some have cache numbers, some have extra features - but text now is fast and reliable. If that’s your main concern/need, this app actually works, and at times better than my phone carrier - especially from iPad - clarity on videos at times is a little grainy but at least you don’t miss critical communication for the most part. More than I can say for most similar products. If you have a reliable internet whether phone or Wi-Fi the app is consistent. Couple issues in the past and customer service not really very responsive but reasonably priced and seemed to have worked out any issues in my humble experience. I’ve paid for premium and still get adds but at least texts and calls come in quickly. What else you need?

5 years ago, JAM_118

Quick and easy to deal with

I’ve been using this app for a couple of months now, and I feel very happy with the results it’s a wonderful tool when you have a small business or you just need a different phone number. The only thing I didn’t like is that apparently the person who had my current number before had a lot of debt, so it took me a while to get rid of all those unwanted calls from Debt collectors that I was getting on daily bases at all times. Other than that I’m very happy with the service, I’m still learning about it, for ex. Now I know that pictures or videos that I received by text are only there temporarily also I know that in order to don’t lose your number you need to upgrade to premium to lock your number or use the service because your number can be revoke due to inactivity. Other than that you service is good, props to the team of TextNow.

4 years ago, ccbear17

Works great but one weird issue....

I love TextNow! I have used it for years and it has had its share of bugs and glitches but they always get updated and fixed in the end! I will continue to use the app but I have experienced a few “Call Interferences” that kind of freak me out when they happen. It’s only happened about 3 times and I cannot find anything online about anyone else who is experiencing this issue but basically what happens is - I’ll be on the phone with my boyfriend or someone else and everything is just fine but then all of the sudden the call gets really staticy and a separate voice from ours enters the call as if we just called them and their answering their phone! At first I thought my boyfriend was messing with me but I have had this experience while talking to other people as well! When I respond to the voice they can’t hear us but I know I’m not crazy because the person I am talking to hears it to. Please look into this.

3 years ago, kassmeowtside

TextNow, what happened?

Have been using TN for a couple years and considered it a 4-5 star app that I truly loved... but that was until the last couple months. According to what my iPhone says I do believe I have the newest version.. idk what the issue is. Several problems: •Phone will ring, but instead of given the answer/reject options, my screen says I’m already In the call. And my phone is still ringing out loud but I can’t answer it. Sometimes killing the app won’t make the ringing stop and I have to reset my phone. •75% of the time I AM able to answer the call, it is dead silence on the other end and vice versa. •Phone calls are just a wreck. Several textnow user friends of mine are having the same issues. Anything from basic glitching, lagging, can’t hear the other person well, etc. WEIRDest thing is: •My friend signed into their account one time for a few minutes. A long time ago. Since then, anytime she gets a call, that call also will ring my accounts, just whichever one I’m signed into at the time. This happens on any device I’m using. Her sign in was never saved or linked or anything it is SUPER weird. Sometimes it won’t actually ring but I will get the missed call notification. This also happens to some of my personal calls. •Phone call lags. I’ll say something and the other person hears it a couple seconds late and vice versa(like when news reporters are talking to each other from different locations)

11 months ago, leonhas9999

Was somewhat useful with paid account then stopped working

I was paying a monthly fee and I purchased a SIM card because that was the only way to make it work properly. I actually had to get two SIM cards and change the number because the first time I tried it randomly deactivated after a month. Then after 6 months and of using a number I paid a monthly fee to reserve it just released my number and asked me to sign up again as if I never had an account. Also you have to pay a fee to be able to use sms confirmation codes or two factor authentication, which is absurd. The company can just refuse to deliver some important text messages unless you pay them a fee? The app is buggy and full of ads and the company simply can’t be trusted with something important like a phone number that may be the only means of contact for some people. I’m switching to a more legit service. If you don’t already have Google voice then use that because it’s this app’s premium service but completely free.

1 year ago, MStyleFTW

there’s no way this app has an average 4.8 rating

See the app’s TrustPilot reviews for a rating that’s closer to reality. ORIGINAL REVIEW My own experience: Bought a SIM card for $1 with free delivery. Activated and tested on an iPhone. Calls and texts can only be made through the TextNow app, not the Phone and Messages apps. When you go into the Settings part of the TextNow app there’s no obvious way to get back to the screen with calls and text messages, other than force quitting the app. Also, calls made through the TextNow app often don't go through at all - they just keep ringing in the app but there’s no incoming call on the other phone. Sometimes calls don’t go through at first, then after a few minutes when you've already started doing something else, the phone starts ringing and the only way to stop it is to force quit the TextNow app. To sum up, it's a mess. Don't rely on this "free" service. Instead, get the cheapest prepaid plan that will actually work when you need it. REPLY TO THE DEVELOPER’S RESPONSE I just downloaded the app (to try the service) so of course it is the most recent version. As for the permissions, I enabled everything the app asked for, which is easy to do in iOS. Neither the version of the app nor its permissions are the problem. The problem is bad service. It works some of the time when on Wi-Fi, but the whole point of this “free” service is to be reliable when you’re away from Wi-Fi. And that’s when it falls apart.

Description

Join the more than 100 million people who phone smarter, with free texting, free calling, and free nationwide coverage with TextNow! Communication should be without limits. Stay connected to what matters most with unlimited texting and calling, without the bill. Download the TextNow app, pick a free phone number (or bring your own) with the US area code of your choice, and start calling and texting now. NATIONWIDE TALK & TEXT, WITHOUT THE PHONE BILL Cut the cord from your mobile phone company! Get a TextNow SIM card to access the same nationwide network with the same coverage as the big carriers, without the bill! Now there’s a smarter way to phone, with our ad-supported, zero-cost Nationwide Talk & Text app, so you can talk and text freely from anywhere in the US. AFFORDABLE HIGH-SPEED DATA Your phone needs can change, and TextNow has you covered. With low-cost data add-ons, you can get mobile data and go anywhere. No commitments, only pay for the data you need when you need it. ADD A SECOND NUMBER TO YOUR PHONE Need more privacy? Want to keep your personal life separate from your business? Use the TextNow calling and messaging app as free local 2nd phone number. Boost your status with your friends or mint some new ones by using a second phone number from TextNow on your favorite social apps. It’s another private phone line on your device with free calls and free text messages. CHEAP INTERNATIONAL CALLING Are your friends and family overseas? TextNow offers low-cost international calls to over 230 countries. Stay connected longer with rates starting at less than $0.01 per minute. WIFI OR MOBILE CALLING? WHY NOT BOTH! Does your mobile signal need a boost? No problem! TextNow lets you use your real phone number over WiFi. Or get the same great service on our nationwide mobile network with a TextNow SIM card. WHY TEXT NOW? • Get a local phone number or bring your own! Area codes from most metro areas in the US available. • Make and receive unlimited voice calls, texts and video or picture messages to the USA or Canada for free! • Use across multiple devices – send unlimited messages and make calls on your computer or tablet, then access them from your phone while on the go! • Discover the new way to phone with Unlimited Nationwide Talk & Text with a TextNow SIM card – starting at $0. • Need data? Get affordable, flexible data add-ons, whenever you want. • Call internationally with our low-cost calling options to over 230 countries. • Voicemail transcription and conference calling. • Turn your WiFi enabled tablets and computers into a phone. IS TEXT NOW FREE? There are no yearly or monthly fees. Our service is ad-supported, with no cost to the user. If you don't like ads, you can purchase a subscription to remove them. Users can access our free wireless network with a one-time purchase of a TextNow SIM card, allowing users to call and text without the need for WiFi. FEATURES STANDARD FOR ALL USERS • Passcode to keep messages safe and private • Caller ID • Signatures: add a personalized signature to each text • Customizable text-tones, ringtones, vibrations and backgrounds • Quick Reply to speedily respond to friends • A home screen widget for instant use • Text from your computer and seamlessly synchronize with your mobile device via textnow.com So, what are you waiting for? Download the app and get phone service without the bill with unlimited texts, voice calls and much, much more over both WiFi and wireless. FOLLOW US on Social for the latest news and offers: TikTok - @textnow Facebook - @textnow Instagram - @textnow Twitter - @TextNow Privacy policy: https://www.textnow.com/privacy Terms of use: https://www.textnow.com/terms