Getting a New TextNow Number Takes Three Steps
TextNow lets you change your phone number from inside the app or website. Open TextNow, go to Settings, find the phone number section, and select the option to change your number. The app will show you available numbers in your area code or let you pick a different area code. Choose the one you want, confirm the change, and your old number stops working when ready.
You do not need to pay anything to change your number — it is included with any TextNow account, whether you use the free version or pay for a plan. The process takes less than a minute, and your new number is active right away. Anyone trying to reach your old number will get a message that it is no longer in service.
Key Takeaways
- Open TextNow, go to Settings, and select the option to change your phone number — the exact menu name depends on whether you use the app or website.
- TextNow shows you available numbers, usually starting with your current area code, but you can search for numbers in any area code you want.
- Changing your number is free and takes effect when ready; your old number becomes inactive as soon as you confirm.
- You should tell anyone who has your old number what your new one is, because TextNow does not forward calls or texts from the old number.
Where to Find the Change Number Option
On the TextNow app for iPhone or Android, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Scroll down until you see "Settings" and tap it. Look for a section labeled "Phone Number" or "My Number" — the exact wording varies depending on which version of the app you have. Tap that section and you should see an option that says "Change Number" or "Get a New Number".
On the TextNow website, log in to your account and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. Find the section for your phone number and look for a link or button to change it. If you cannot find it on the first Settings page, check the "Account" or "Phone" subsection.
How to Pick Your New Number
After you tap the change number option, TextNow shows you a list of available numbers. By default, it displays numbers with your current area code first. If you want a number from a different area code — for example, if you moved or want to keep a number from where you grew up — you can search for that area code instead. Type the three-digit area code into the search box and TextNow will show you what numbers are available.
You can only pick from numbers that TextNow currently has in stock. If you want a specific number and it is not available, you can check back later — TextNow adds new numbers regularly. Some area codes have more available numbers than others, so if you are flexible, you may find more choices by looking at nearby area codes.
What Happens to Your Old Number
Your old TextNow number stops working the moment you confirm the change. TextNow does not forward calls or text messages from your old number to your new one. If someone tries to call or text your old number, they will get a message saying the number is no longer in service or the call will not go through.
This means you need to tell people your new number before you change it, or be prepared to let them know afterward. If you use your TextNow number for important accounts — like two-factor authentication for banking or email — you should update those accounts with your new number before you make the switch. TextNow keeps a record of your account even after you change the number, so your message history and account settings stay the same.
Reasons You Might Want to Change Your Number
People change their TextNow number for different reasons. You might want a number from a different area code if you moved to a new city and want a local number there. You might change it if you are getting spam calls or unwanted messages on your current number — a fresh number can give you a break from that harassment. Some people change numbers if they shared their old one with someone they no longer want contact with.
You can also change your number if you straightforward want a different one — there is no limit on how many times you can do this. TextNow does not charge you or require you to wait between changes, though if you change your number very frequently, TextNow may flag your account for review.
Updating Your Accounts After You Change Your Number
After you get your new TextNow number, go through any accounts or services that have your old number on file. This includes email accounts that use your phone number for password recovery, banking apps that send verification codes to your phone, social media accounts, and any messaging apps where people contact you. Update each one with your new number so you do not miss important messages or lock yourself out of your accounts.
If you use your TextNow number for two-factor authentication — a security feature that sends you a code when you log in — update those settings right away. If you wait too long and forget your password, you might not be able to recover your account because the verification code will go to your old number, which no longer works.
If You Cannot Find the Change Number Option
If you are looking at your Settings and cannot find a change number option, you might be using an older version of the TextNow app. Open your phone's app store — the App Store on iPhone or Google Play on Android — and check whether TextNow has an update available. Install the update and try again.
If you still cannot find the option after updating, try using the TextNow website instead of the app. Log in at textnow.com, go to Settings, and look for the phone number section there. The website version sometimes has different menu layouts than the app. If neither the app nor the website shows a change number option, contact TextNow support through the app or website to ask for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my old TextNow number if I change my mind?
No. Once you change your number, your old number is released back into TextNow's pool of available numbers and someone else may get it. If you want that number back later, you would have to hope it becomes available again, which is not may provide. Think carefully before you change your number.
How long does it take for my new number to work?
Your new number is active when ready after you confirm the change. You can make calls and send texts right away. There is no waiting period or set up time.
Will my text message history disappear when I change my number?
No. Your message history stays in your TextNow account. Changing your number does not delete any conversations or data. The only thing that changes is the phone number itself.
Can I pick a specific number, or do I have to choose from what TextNow shows me?
You can only pick from numbers that TextNow currently has available. You cannot request a completely custom number. You can search by area code to narrow down the options, but you are limited to what the system shows you.
What if I change my number too many times?
If you change your number very frequently in a short period, TextNow may review your account to make sure you are not using the service for spam or fraud. In most cases, normal use is fine. If TextNow suspects misuse, they may temporarily limit your ability to change numbers or suspend your account.