Is TextNow Safe? What You Need to Know Before Using It

TextNow sounds like a dream deal — a free calling and texting app that even offers a $5 SIM card with unlimited talk and text. Many people use it as a secondary number for Craigslist, travel, or just to avoid giving out their personal phone number.

But here comes the big question: is TextNow really safe to use? Some users swear by it as a lifesaver, while others complain about missed calls, unreliable notifications, or even privacy concerns like spam and number spoofing.

If you’ve been wondering whether TextNow is trustworthy, don’t worry! In the next few minutes, I’ll walk you through how TextNow works, its pros and cons, and what safety issues you should be aware of before making it your go-to number.

• Table Of Contents
• Part 1: How TextNow Works
• Part 2: Pros of Using TextNow
• Part 3: Safety & Security Concerns with TextNow
• Part 4: When Is TextNow Safe to Use?

Part 1: How TextNow Works

Unlike traditional carriers like T-Mobile or AT&T, TextNow operates mainly as a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) service. Here’s what that means in practice:

1. App-Based Calling and Texting

• You must use the TextNow app to send texts or make calls.

• On iPhones, you can still use iMessage, but for Android, the native dialer doesn’t work.

• Every call or text runs through the TextNow app, which is supported by ads unless you pay to remove them.

2. Virtual Phone Numbers

• The number you get is a VoIP number, not a “real” cellular line.

• That’s why many apps (banking, 2FA codes, verification services) don’t recognize TextNow numbers as valid.

• If you want to use short codes (e.g., for login verifications), TextNow actually charges extra.

3. SIM Card Option

• For $5, you can buy a TextNow SIM card that connects to the T-Mobile network in the U.S.

• With the SIM, you get unlimited talk and text nationwide.

• Data works differently: only “essential apps” (Uber, Google Maps, email, navigation) are covered. Anything else, like YouTube or browsing, will quickly hit the 300MB high-speed cap before dropping to very slow speeds (500kbps or even 64kbps for non-priority apps).

4. Ad-Supported Business Model

• Free users see banner ads inside the messaging interface and even full-screen ads when opening the app.

• Paid plans or credits let you remove ads, buy international minutes, or purchase data.

5. Number Recycling Policy

• If you don’t use your number regularly (such as making at least one call per week), it may be recycled.

• Some users report even ported-in numbers risk being lost if inactive.

In short, TextNow works because it’s ad-driven, VoIP-based, and limited by design. It’s perfect for basic communication, but it’s not built to replace a carrier-level plan.

Part 2: Pros of Using TextNow

Despite its quirks, TextNow has a loyal user base. Here’s why people still recommend it:

1Cost Savings

• Free app-based calls and texts in the U.S. and Canada.

• A $5 one-time SIM unlocks unlimited nationwide talk and text — an incredibly low barrier compared to prepaid carriers.

2Great for a Secondary Number

• Reddit users often keep TextNow as a backup line for Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, dating apps, or work calls.

• It helps protect their personal number from spam, scams, and harassment.

3Travel Use Cases

• Some travelers forward their regular number to TextNow while abroad, so they can still pick up calls over Wi-Fi without paying roaming charges.

• Others use it on an old spare phone just for Uber or maps.

4Flexible for Budget-Conscious Users

• Users combine TextNow with other low-cost carriers like US Mobile or Tello.

• Example: one Redditor uses TextNow for free navigation and messaging, saving their paid plan’s data allowance.

5Surprisingly Reliable for Light Use

• Multiple users shared that TextNow works fine 95%+ of the time, with only the occasional dropped or missed call.

• Call quality is reported as clear and fast to connect, sometimes even better than traditional plans.

6Customizable Extras

• Paid options let you lock in your number permanently, remove ads, or buy international calling credits.

• TextNow even supports rare services like Inmarsat and obscure international country codes, which is a bonus for niche users.

7Creative Uses

• One user keeps a TextNow SIM hidden in their car with an always-on VPN, using it as a free GPS tracker.

• Others set up old phones with TextNow for kids or as family emergency lines (though reliability is debated).

So, while TextNow isn’t flawless, it’s incredibly versatile for different situations — especially if you only need a backup line instead of a full-featured carrier plan.

Part 3: Safety & Security Concerns with TextNow

Even though TextNow is a legitimate service, Reddit discussions highlight several safety and security risks you should keep in mind.

1 VoIP Limitations

• Because TextNow uses VoIP numbers, they don’t always work with banks, government services, or apps that require two-factor authentication (2FA).

• Some users found that short-code messages (like verification texts) are blocked unless you pay extra.

• If you rely on TextNow for important logins, this can be a major downside.

2 Privacy & Spam Risks

• TextNow is ad-supported, which means your usage data can be collected for targeting ads.

• Users have reported cases where their TextNow numbers were spoofed by scammers — used to make robocalls or placed on fake invoices.

• One Redditor even said they were “fake doxxed,” with their TextNow number falsely registered to their name.

• Spam calls are also a problem: even when only given to USPS or Walmart, some users reported getting countless spam calls.

3 Reliability Issues

• Some users noticed that calls don’t always ring, especially when the phone is in sleep mode, meaning you might miss important calls.

• Notifications for texts can also be delayed.

• If you run out of “high-speed” data (about 300MB per month), your connection slows down to 500kbps or worse — barely usable for anything beyond navigation or messaging apps.

4 VPN & App Restrictions

• TextNow explicitly blocks VPN use. If you rely on VPNs for privacy or bypassing restrictions, this can be frustrating.

• The app also has device requirements: currently Android 9+ is needed, and iPhones also face similar limits. Older devices may simply not work.

5 Not Reliable for Emergencies

• Parents who considered TextNow as an emergency phone for kids reported concerns.

• One foster parent said they needed a separate emergency line for a 9-year-old but worried TextNow wouldn’t be reliable because of missed calls and ads.

• Other users agreed that it’s not suitable for emergencies, especially for children or the elderly.

Part 4: When Is TextNow Safe to Use?

From real-world user experiences, we can see that TextNow is safe in certain contexts, but risky in others.

✅Safe Situations

• Secondary Number for Privacy

• Perfect for Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, dating apps, or online sign-ups.

• Protects your personal number from scammers or spam.

• Travel Backup

• Forward your regular number to TextNow while abroad to avoid roaming fees.

• Use it over Wi-Fi for calls and texts without needing a local SIM.

• Budget-Friendly Option

• Combine TextNow with a low-cost prepaid carrier to save data and costs.

• Some users keep it as a “free extra line” for family or work.

• Burner Phone Purposes

• Recommended in scam-prevention communities: apps like TextNow, Google Voice, TextFree, Talkatone are all safer than giving out your real number.

• Ideal if you want to keep your main line completely separate from risky situations.

❌Not Safe Situations

• Primary Phone Line

• Due to VoIP limitations, missed calls, and ads, it’s unreliable as your main number.

• 2FA and Critical Accounts

• Banking apps, PayPal, or other secure platforms often reject TextNow numbers.

• Risky to use it for important account recovery.

• Child’s Emergency Phone

• Ads, missed notifications, and recycled numbers make it unsafe for kids to rely on in emergencies.

Parental tips:

• For users who value safety and reliability, pairing your main phone with a trusted parental control tool like VigilKids can make all the difference.
• It helps you stay informed about your child’s digital life — calls, messages, locations — without invading their privacy.
• That way, you get the convenience of free apps like TextNow plus the reassurance of smart protection.

LEARN MORE Try it Now

• High Data Usage

• The “Essential Data” plan is extremely limited. Forget about YouTube, Instagram, or anything heavy — it’s only good for navigation, email, and Uber.

Conclusion

So, is TextNow safe? The answer is yes and no — it depends on how you plan to use it.

• ✅ Safe enough for: a free secondary number, travel backup, or privacy protection online.

• ❌ Not safe enough for: emergencies, 2FA, or as your only phone line.

As Reddit users summed it up: TextNow is legit, but limited. Treat it as a convenience tool, not a full carrier replacement, and you’ll get the most value without putting yourself at risk.