You can change your TextNow number directly in the app, and it takes about two minutes

TextNow lets you swap out your current number for a different one whenever you want. The process happens inside the TextNow app on your phone — you do not need to contact support or wait for approval. You will see a new number assigned right away, though TextNow may limit how often you can make this change.

The main reason people change their TextNow number is privacy: if you gave out your number to someone you no longer want contact from, a new number gives you a fresh start. Some people also change numbers when they move to a different area code and want a local number for their new region.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the TextNow app, tap your profile icon, and select the option to change your number from the settings menu.
  • TextNow will show you available numbers in your chosen area code, and you can pick the one you want before confirming the change.
  • Your old number stops working when ready after you confirm, so make sure anyone who needs to reach you has your new number first.
  • TextNow may restrict how often you can change your number — typically you cannot change it more than once every few days or weeks.

Steps to change your number in the TextNow app

Start by opening the TextNow app on your phone. Look for your profile icon — this is usually a circle with your initials or a photo, located in the top left or top right corner of the screen depending on whether you use iPhone or Android.

Tap your profile icon to open the menu. You should see several options listed. Look for a settings option, often labeled "Settings" or sometimes shown as a gear icon. Tap it to enter the settings area.

Scroll down through the settings menu until you find the option related to your phone number. This might be labeled "Phone Number," "Change Number," or "My Number." Tap this option. TextNow will ask you to confirm that you want to change your number — this is the point where you can still back out if you change your mind.

Choosing your new number

After you confirm, TextNow will show you a list of available numbers. By default, it shows numbers in your current area code, but you can change the area code if you want a number from a different region. Tap the area code field to see other options.

Scroll through the available numbers until you find one you like. Some people prefer numbers with patterns they can remember — like repeating digits — but any available number works the same way. Once you have picked a number, tap the button to confirm your choice, usually labeled "Confirm" or "Change Number."

Your new number becomes active when ready. Your old number is no longer yours and TextNow may reassign it to someone else. This means anyone trying to reach your old number will not get through to you.

What happens to your contacts and messages

Your existing text message history stays in the app — changing your number does not erase your past conversations. However, the people you have been texting will not automatically know your new number. You need to tell them yourself, either by texting them from your new number or by reaching out through another method like email or social media.

If you have set up TextNow to forward calls or texts to another phone number, that forwarding setting stays active with your new number. You do not need to reconfigure it.

Limits on how often you can change

TextNow does not let you change your number every single day. The exact waiting period varies — some accounts can change every few days, while others have longer restrictions. If you try to change your number too soon after your last change, TextNow will tell you how long you need to wait before trying again.

This restriction exists to prevent people from using TextNow numbers for spam or fraud. If you change your number and then when ready want to change it again, you will need to wait.

If you cannot find the change number option

On older versions of the TextNow app, the menu layout might be slightly different. Try looking for a "My Account" section instead of settings, or check under a menu labeled "Profile." The option to change your number is always somewhere in the account or profile area.

If you have a very old version of TextNow, consider updating the app from your phone's app store. Newer versions have clearer menus and the change number feature works more smoothly.

If you still cannot locate the option after checking these places, TextNow's in-app support can walk you through it. Look for a "Help" or "Support" button, usually at the bottom of the settings menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my number cost money?

No. Changing your TextNow number is free. You can do it as many times as you want, though TextNow enforces waiting periods between changes to prevent misuse.

Will my contacts be able to text my old number?

No. Once you change your number, your old number no longer belongs to you. TextNow may give it to someone else, so texts sent to your old number will go to whoever has it now, not to you.

Can I get my old number back?

Not directly. Once you change your number, that old number enters TextNow's pool of available numbers. You could potentially get it back if it becomes available again and you happen to choose it, but TextNow does not reserve old numbers for previous owners.

What if I change my number by mistake?

If you realize when ready that you made a mistake, you can change your number again right away — as long as you have not hit TextNow's waiting period limit. If the waiting period is active, you will need to wait before you can change it again.

Do I need to tell my contacts my new number?

Yes. Your contacts will not automatically know your new number. Send them a message from your new number or reach out through another method to let them know what changed.