How to delete your TextNow account
You can delete your TextNow account through the app or website by going to your account settings, finding the delete or deactivate option, and confirming the action. TextNow will ask you to enter your password before the deletion goes through. The process takes a few minutes and is permanent — you cannot recover the account, phone number, or message history after deletion.
Before you delete, read any information you want to keep. TextNow does not send you a copy of your data automatically, so if you have important messages or contacts saved only in the app, take screenshots or write them down first.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, so make sure you have saved any messages or contacts you need before you start.
- You can delete your account from either the TextNow app on your phone or the website on a computer.
- TextNow will ask you to confirm your password during deletion to prevent accidental account loss.
- Your TextNow phone number will be released back into the pool and may be assigned to another user after deletion.
Delete your account through the TextNow app
Open the TextNow app on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings. Look for an option labeled Account, Delete Account, or Deactivate Account — the exact wording varies depending on your phone type and app version.
Tap that option and TextNow will show you a warning that deletion is permanent. Read through it, then tap the button to confirm you want to delete. Enter your password when prompted. TextNow will send a confirmation message to the email address on file, and your account will be deleted within a few minutes.
Delete your account through the website
Go to textnow.com and log in with your username and password. Click your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner and select Settings from the dropdown menu. Look for Account Settings or Privacy in the left sidebar.
Scroll down until you find the option to delete or deactivate your account. Click it and TextNow will ask you to confirm your password. After you enter it, the site will show a final warning. Click the button to confirm deletion. Your account will be removed within a few minutes.
What happens to your TextNow phone number
When you delete your account, your TextNow phone number does not stay reserved for you. TextNow releases it back into its pool of available numbers, and another user may receive that same number weeks or months later. If you have given this number to contacts, friends, or services, they will no longer be able to reach you at that number once deletion is complete.
If you want to keep the number but stop using the account temporarily, look for a pause or deactivate option instead of delete. Some accounts have this choice, though it is not available on all plans. Pausing keeps your number reserved but stops service.
Save your information before deleting
TextNow does not send you an automatic backup of your messages, contacts, or call history. If you want to keep any of this information, you must save it yourself before you delete the account. Open the app and take screenshots of important conversations, or write down phone numbers and names from your contacts list.
Check your email for any messages from TextNow that you want to keep — once your account is gone, you will not be able to access them through the app. If you have received important documents or information through TextNow messages, save those separately before deletion.
If you cannot find the delete option
Some older versions of the TextNow app do not have a delete button in settings. If you cannot find the option after checking Settings and Account, update the app to the latest version. Go to your phone's app store (Google Play for Android, App Store for iPhone) and check for updates.
If you still cannot find the delete option after updating, contact TextNow support through the app or website. Go to Settings and look for Help or Contact Support. Explain that you want to delete your account, and a support agent can walk you through the process or delete it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed. TextNow does not restore deleted accounts. If you think you might want to use the service again in the future, consider pausing your account instead if that option is available on your plan.
Will deleting my account remove me from group chats?
Yes. Once your account is deleted, you will no longer appear in any group conversations. Other people in those chats will see that you have left or that your account no longer exists, depending on how TextNow displays it.
What if I forgot my password and cannot delete my account?
Go to the TextNow login page and click Forgot Password. TextNow will send a reset link to the email address on file. Click the link, create a new password, and log back in. Then follow the deletion steps above.
Does TextNow charge a fee to delete my account?
No. Deleting your account is free. TextNow does not charge any fees for account removal or cancellation.
How long does it take for my account to be completely deleted?
TextNow usually removes your account within a few minutes of confirmation, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. You will receive a confirmation email when the deletion is complete.