TextNow deletion removes your phone number and all messages

Deleting your TextNow account is permanent and when ready. Once you confirm deletion, TextNow releases your phone number back into circulation, erases your message history, and removes your account from their servers. You cannot recover the account or its data afterward. If you want to keep your messages or think you might return to the service later, read your data before you delete.

TextNow accounts can be deleted through the app or through the website. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to be logged in. You will need to confirm your choice twice — once when you start the deletion and again in a confirmation email.

Key Takeaways

  • TextNow deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, so read your messages first if you need them.
  • You can delete your account from the TextNow app under Settings > Account > Delete Account, or from the website at textnow.com.
  • TextNow will send a confirmation email to your registered address; you must click the link in that email to complete the deletion.
  • Your TextNow phone number becomes available for other users to claim after deletion, usually within a few days.

How to delete through the TextNow app

Open the TextNow app on your phone and log in if you are not already. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner, then tap Settings. Scroll down and tap Account, then tap Delete Account at the bottom of that screen.

TextNow will show you a warning that deletion is permanent and ask you to confirm. Read the message carefully — it will tell you what data will be deleted. Tap Delete Account again to proceed. TextNow will send a confirmation email to the address associated with your account within a few minutes.

Check your email inbox and spam folder for a message from TextNow Support. Click the confirmation link in that email. This step is required; deletion does not happen without it. Once you click the link, your account is deleted when ready.

How to delete through the TextNow website

Go to textnow.com and log in to your account. Click your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner, then click Settings. Look for Account or Account Settings in the menu on the left side of the screen.

Scroll down until you see Delete Account or a similar option. Click it. TextNow will ask you to confirm that you understand deletion is permanent. Click Delete Account again. You will receive a confirmation email at the address on file.

Open that email and click the confirmation link. Your account will be deleted as soon as you click the link. If you do not receive the email within 10 minutes, check your spam folder or contact TextNow Support through their help center.

read your messages before you delete

TextNow does not offer a built-in export tool for messages, but you can take screenshots of important conversations before you delete. Open each conversation you want to keep, take screenshots of the messages, and save them to your phone or computer. This is the most reliable way to preserve your message history.

If you have a large number of messages, consider using your phone's native screenshot or screen recording tools to capture multiple messages at once. Some Android phones allow you to select and copy text directly from the TextNow app, which you can then paste into a notes app or email to yourself.

What happens to your TextNow number after deletion

Your TextNow phone number is released back to the service and becomes available for other users to claim. This usually happens within three to seven days of deletion. If you had a paid TextNow number (one you purchased rather than one assigned free), the number may take longer to be reassigned.

Anyone who had your number saved in their contacts will see failed messages if they try to text you after deletion. Calls to your old number will not reach you. If you need to give people a new number, do so before you delete your account, or contact them separately after deletion to provide an alternative.

If you want to keep your account but stop using it

Deletion is not the only option. If you might want to return to TextNow later, you can straightforward stop using the app instead of deleting your account. Your account will remain active, and your phone number will stay assigned to you as long as you log in at least once every 90 days.

If you do not log in for 90 days, TextNow may deactivate your account and release your number, but the account itself may still exist. You can reactivate it by logging back in. This is less permanent than deletion and gives you the option to return without losing your number or having to set up a new account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I recover my TextNow account after I delete it?

No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. TextNow does not restore deleted accounts or their data. If you think you might want to use TextNow again in the future, deactivate your account instead by straightforward not using it rather than deleting it.

What if I did not receive the confirmation email?

Check your spam or junk folder first. If the email is not there, wait 10 more minutes and check again. If you still do not see it, log back into your TextNow account and try the deletion process again. You can also contact TextNow Support through their help center at textnow.com/help for information.

Will deleting TextNow stop people from texting my old number?

Yes. Once your number is released and claimed by someone else, texts sent to that number will go to the new owner. If you want to let people know you are no longer using that number, tell them before you delete your account or provide them with an alternative contact method afterward.

Do I lose my TextNow credits or paid features when I delete?

Yes. Any unused credits, paid minutes, or premium features are forfeited when you delete your account. Use any remaining credits before you delete, or accept that they will be lost. TextNow does not refund unused credits or paid features after deletion.

How long does it take for my number to become available to others?

Usually three to seven days. If you had a paid number, it may take longer. During this time, calls and texts to your old number will fail. Once the number is reassigned, it belongs to the new user and you cannot reclaim it.