You can change your TextNow number in the app settings, but the process depends on whether you have a free or paid account
TextNow lets you swap to a different phone number from within the app itself — no customer service call needed. Free accounts get one change per year at no cost. Paid subscribers (those with a monthly plan) can change their number as often as they want, though some changes may cost money depending on your plan type. The whole process takes about five minutes and your new number is active when ready.
The reason you might want to change your number is straightforward: you gave it out to the wrong people, you want a number from a different area code, or you're starting fresh on a platform that lets you do it yourself. Unlike traditional phone carriers, TextNow makes this a self-service feature rather than something you have to request through support.
Key Takeaways
- Free TextNow accounts can change their number once per year at no cost; paid accounts can change more often, though some plan types charge a fee.
- You change your number directly in the TextNow app under Settings, then select your new number from available options in your chosen area code.
- Your new number is active when ready, but your old number becomes inactive and cannot be recovered once you confirm the change.
- TextNow shows you available numbers before you commit, so you can see what's in stock for your preferred area code before deciding.
How to change your number in the TextNow app
Open the TextNow app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then tap Phone Number. You'll see your current number displayed. Tap Change Number or the button labeled with a refresh icon next to your number.
TextNow will ask you to choose an area code for your new number. You can search by area code, city name, or state. Once you pick a location, the app shows you a list of available numbers in that area. Scroll through and select the one you want. Tap Confirm or Change Number to finalize it. Your new number is live when ready, and you can start using it right away to send texts and make calls.
The old number disappears from your account and cannot be restored. If you change your mind within a few minutes, contact TextNow support to see if they can reverse it, but don't count on it — the safest approach is to be certain before you confirm.
What happens to your old number after you change it
Your previous TextNow number goes back into the pool of available numbers that other users can claim. This happens within a few hours to a few days. If someone else takes it, you cannot get it back, even if you pay for it. This is why you should notify anyone important that you've switched numbers before making the change.
Any messages or call history tied to your old number stays in your TextNow account under the chat and call logs, so you won't lose your conversation history. The history just won't be associated with that old number anymore — it will show as coming from your new number when you look back at it.
Free accounts versus paid accounts: what the limits are
TextNow's free tier includes one number change per calendar year. Once you use it, you have to wait until January 1 to change again. If you need to change more than once a year, you'll need a paid plan.
Paid plans vary. Some monthly plans include unlimited number changes at no extra charge. Others charge a small fee per change — typically a few dollars. Check your specific plan details in the Settings menu under Subscription or Billing to see whether your plan allows free changes or charges per change. If you're on a free account and you've already used your one change for the year, upgrading to a paid plan will let you change again when ready.
Choosing an area code that matches where you actually are
TextNow doesn't require your number to match your physical location, but choosing one that does can help. If you live in Denver but pick a Los Angeles area code, people calling you from Denver will pay long-distance rates (if they're on a traditional phone plan). Texts won't cost extra, but calls might.
If you're using TextNow as a secondary number for privacy or a specific purpose, picking an area code that's far from where you actually live can be intentional — it signals to the recipient that this is a different line. But if this is your main number and people in your area will be calling it, matching your local area code makes sense.
What to do if your preferred number is already taken
TextNow shows you only numbers that are currently available. If the number you want isn't in the list, someone else has it or TextNow doesn't have it in stock. You can't reserve a number or request a specific one — you can only choose from what's shown.
If you don't see a number you like in your first choice of area code, try a neighboring area code or a different city in the same region. You can also change your number again later (subject to your account limits) if better options become available. TextNow regularly adds numbers to its inventory, so checking back in a few days might show different choices.
Why TextNow lets you change your number so easily
TextNow is a VoIP service, not a traditional phone carrier. It doesn't own physical phone lines or cell towers — it routes calls and texts over the internet. Because of that, phone numbers are just data in TextNow's system, not tied to hardware or a carrier's infrastructure. Swapping your number is as straightforward as updating a database entry, which is why the company can let users do it themselves without calling support.
Traditional carriers like Verizon or AT&T make you call customer service to change your number because they manage physical networks and billing systems that are more complex. TextNow's model is simpler on the backend, which is why this feature is self-service and free (within limits).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old TextNow number if I switch to a different VoIP service?
No. TextNow numbers are tied to the TextNow service and cannot be ported to another VoIP provider or a traditional carrier. If you leave TextNow, your number goes back into circulation. This is different from traditional phone numbers, which can sometimes be ported between carriers.
What if I change my number by mistake?
Contact TextNow support when ready through the app or their website. They may be able to reverse the change within a short window, but there's no may provide. The faster you reach out, the better your chances. After a few hours, your old number may already be claimed by someone else and cannot be recovered.
Do I lose my text message history if I change my number?
No. All your conversations stay in your TextNow account. They'll still be there after you change your number, and you can read old messages anytime. The history just won't be associated with your old number — it will show as part of your account history.
Can I change my number on the TextNow website instead of the app?
TextNow's website has limited features compared to the mobile app. The number change feature is primarily available in the mobile app. If you don't have the app installed, read it from the App Store or Google Play, then follow the steps in the Settings menu.
Will people still be able to reach me on my old number after I change it?
No. Once you change your number, your old number is no longer yours and calls or texts to it will either fail or reach whoever claims that number next. Make sure to tell your contacts your new number before you make the change.