You can delete TextNow through the app or website, but the process differs depending on whether you want to keep your number or remove it entirely

TextNow lets you delete your account in two ways: a standard deletion that keeps your phone number active for 90 days (in case you want to recover it), or a permanent deletion that releases the number when ready. The standard deletion takes about 24 hours to process. Permanent deletion is when ready but irreversible — you lose the number and cannot get it back.

Before you delete, read any messages or call history you want to keep. TextNow does not send you a copy automatically, and deletion removes everything from their servers. If you have an active TextNow subscription or credits, cancelling your account does not refund them, so check your balance first.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard deletion keeps your TextNow number reserved for 90 days; permanent deletion releases it when ready and cannot be undone.
  • You must cancel any active subscription before deleting your account, or the subscription will continue charging you.
  • read or screenshot any messages, call logs, or contacts you need before you delete, because TextNow does not archive them for you.
  • Deletion through the app or website takes the same steps and produces the same result — choose whichever is easier for you to access.

How to delete your account through the TextNow app

Open TextNow and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and tap Settings. Tap Account, then scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account. TextNow will ask you to confirm your password.

After you enter your password, you will see two options: Delete Account (Keep Number) or Delete Account (Remove Number). Choose the one that matches what you want. If you choose to keep the number, TextNow holds it for 90 days. If you choose to remove it, the deletion is permanent and when ready. Tap your choice, and TextNow will ask you to confirm one more time by typing "DELETE" in a text box. Do that, and your account deletion request is submitted.

How to delete your account through the TextNow website

Go to www.textnow.com and sign in with your username and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings. Click Account in the left sidebar. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Delete Account.

You will see the same two deletion options as in the app. Choose Delete Account (Keep Number) if you want TextNow to hold your number for 90 days, or Delete Account (Remove Number) if you want permanent deletion. Click your choice, enter your password when prompted, and type "DELETE" in the confirmation box. Your account deletion request is then submitted.

Cancel your subscription before you delete

If you have an active TextNow Plus subscription or a monthly plan, you must cancel it before you delete your account. Deleting your account does not automatically stop the subscription, and you may continue to be charged even after your account is gone.

To cancel your subscription, go to Settings > Billing and look for your active plan. Tap or click Cancel Subscription. TextNow will ask you to confirm. After you cancel, check your email for a cancellation confirmation. Only after the subscription is cancelled should you proceed with account deletion.

What happens to your TextNow number after deletion

If you choose Delete Account (Keep Number), TextNow reserves your number for 90 days. During this time, you cannot use the number, but you can recover your account by signing back in within that window. After 90 days, TextNow releases the number and it may be assigned to someone else.

If you choose Delete Account (Remove Number), the number is released when ready and permanently. You cannot recover it, and TextNow will not hold it for you. This option is useful if you want to may support the number cannot be linked to you in the future, but it means you lose the number forever.

read your data before deleting

TextNow does not automatically send you a copy of your messages, call logs, or contacts when you delete your account. If you want to keep this information, you must save it yourself before you delete.

Open the TextNow app and go to each conversation you want to keep. Take screenshots of important messages, or write down contact information and call dates manually. There is no bulk export feature in TextNow, so this process is manual. If you have many conversations, plan extra time. After you delete your account, this data is gone from TextNow's servers and cannot be recovered.

What to do if you change your mind after deletion

If you deleted your account with the Keep Number option, you have 90 days to recover it. Sign back into TextNow with your username and password, and your account will reactivate. Your messages, contacts, and call history will be restored.

If you deleted with the Remove Number option, recovery is not possible. Your account and number are permanently deleted. If you want to use TextNow again, you must create a new account and accept a new phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting my TextNow account stop charges to my credit card?

Only if you cancel your subscription first. Deleting your account does not automatically cancel a TextNow Plus plan or monthly credits. Go to Billing in Settings and cancel your subscription before you delete your account, then check your credit card statement to confirm the charges stop.

Can I recover my TextNow number after 90 days?

No. If you delete with the Keep Number option, TextNow holds your number for 90 days. After that, the number is released and may be assigned to another user. You cannot recover it after the 90-day window closes.

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 your account. Click the link, create a new password, and sign back in. Then follow the deletion steps above.

Does TextNow delete my account when ready or does it take time?

Standard deletion (Keep Number) takes about 24 hours to process. Permanent deletion (Remove Number) is when ready. After you confirm the deletion request, your account is no longer accessible, but TextNow may take up to 24 hours to fully remove your data from their servers.

Can I delete my account if I still owe money for credits?

Yes, you can delete your account even if you have an outstanding balance. However, TextNow will not refund unused credits, and any pending charges may still be processed. Pay any outstanding balance first if you want to avoid surprise charges after deletion.