How to use your own phone with TextNow: A Guide

Did you know that TextNow can be used as your primary phone service? While the app gives you access to a free phone number with free unlimited talk & text, it can also turn into your primary wireless service, giving you access to your number on the go, along with essential apps such as email, maps and rideshare for free.

In order to turn it into a wireless service, all you need is a compatible phone and a SIM card. A TextNow SIM card, to be exact.

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How can I make my phone compatible with TextNow?

There are three steps you should follow to make sure your phone is compatible to be used with TextNow's nationwide 5G service:

1. Check the OS version of the phone.

   Since our service is run through the TextNow app, it's important that your phone can actually run the app itself (as that is where your phone number, alongside all your calls & texts will live.)
   If you have an iPhone, make sure it's running iOS 15 or higher.
   If you have an Android, make sure it's running Android 8 or higher.
   

2. Check the compatibility of your phone.

   There are some additional technical checks that we have to do to make sure your phone is compatible. These revolve around certain network bands and other technical backend jargon, so all you have to know is that we have a tool to do that work for you. Just pop your IMEI number in (instructions are provided) and it will let you know if you're good to go!
   

3. Confirm that your phone is carrier-unlocked.

   This is the last but the most important step. Unfortunately, even if the previous checks are all green, if it's locked to a carrier (Verizon, AT&T, Straight Talk, etc.) it will not work with TextNow's nationwide network. Now, if you bought the phone second-hand, or are not sure on whether it's locked or not, you can use this handy guide we put together to find out.

How do I get a TextNow SIM card?

Once you confirm that your phone is compatible to be used on our network, you will need a SIM card to access that network. Now, it can't be any SIM card, of course, it has to be one that we issue to you.

You can purchase it online or through your TextNow app. Shipping is free, and after this one-time charge, you may never have to pay for anything else again.

One question we've been seeing a lot is: "Do you have eSIM?" The short answer to that is no. But, the longer (and better) answer is that we're working on bringing that to our service to make getting free and flexible phone service even easier. So stay tuned!

Can I use my own phone number with TextNow?

You absolutely can! You can start the process to port in your number during your initial sign-up on the TextNow app, or after you activate your SIM card – all for free.

You will be asked to fill out a form with the following information:

1. The phone number you're trying to port (transfer) in

2. The name on the account (of that phone number)

3. The account number

4. The account's PIN number

If you're unsure where to get this information, we put together another guide to help you find it based on the carrier your phone number is with.

And there you have it! All the steps you need to follow to bring your own phone (and number) over to TextNow, so you can stop searching for a better – and more affordable – phone service, and start searching for your next vacation, car, birthday party, kids' presents, savings account – whatever makes the extra cash you're saving work for you.