How to change your number in TextNow

TextNow lets you change the phone number associated with your account, but the process depends on whether you're using the free or paid version. On the free plan, you can change your number once every 30 days through the app settings. On a paid plan, you may have more flexibility. The change takes effect when ready, and your old number becomes available for someone else to claim.

Before you change your number, understand what happens: anyone who had your old TextNow number will no longer be able to reach you at that number. Text threads and call history with that number stay in your account, but incoming messages to the old number will go to whoever gets assigned it next. If you use TextNow for two-factor authentication codes or account recovery on other services, you'll need to update those accounts with your new number first.

Key Takeaways

  • Free TextNow accounts can change their number once every 30 days; paid accounts may have different limits depending on your plan.
  • Your old number becomes available for someone else when ready, so update any accounts that use it for security codes before you change it.
  • The change happens in the app under Settings > Phone Number, and you'll see available numbers to choose from in your area code or a new one.
  • If you can't change your number because you've hit the 30-day limit, you'll need to wait until the window resets or contact TextNow support.

Steps to change your number on the TextNow app

Open the TextNow app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then look for Phone Number or My Number. Tap the option to change your number.

TextNow will show you available numbers. You can usually filter by area code if you want to keep a number from your region, or you can let the app suggest one. Select the number you want, and the change will process when ready. Your account will now use the new number for all incoming and outgoing texts and calls.

What to update after you change your number

Any service that uses your TextNow number for two-factor authentication or account recovery needs to be updated right away. This includes email accounts, banking apps, social media, and any other service where you listed your TextNow number as a backup phone. Log into each account and change the phone number in the security settings.

If you gave your old TextNow number to contacts, let them know your new number through another method — email, a messaging app, or a phone call. Don't assume they'll figure it out. If you use TextNow for business or professional communication, changing your number is more disruptive, so consider whether you need to do it at all.

Why you might want to change your TextNow number

People change their TextNow number for several reasons. You may have received spam or unwanted messages on your current number and want a fresh start. You might want a number with a different area code if you've moved or want to appear to be in a different region. Or you may have shared your number with someone you no longer want contact with.

Changing your number is not the same as deleting your account — your TextNow account, message history, and contacts stay intact. Only the phone number itself changes. If you're trying to stop receiving messages from a specific person, blocking them is often faster than changing your number, since you can block multiple people without losing your number.

The 30-day waiting period for free accounts

TextNow enforces a 30-day cooldown between number changes on free accounts. This means once you change your number, you cannot change it again for 30 days. The timer resets from the date you made the change, not from a calendar month.

If you try to change your number before 30 days have passed, the app will show you a message saying you're not yet may be able to access and will tell you the exact date you can change it again. If you need to change your number urgently and can't wait, contacting TextNow support is your only option, though they may not override the limit depending on your situation.

Paid TextNow plans and number changes

TextNow offers paid plans that include features like unlimited calling and texting, call recording, and voicemail transcription. The terms for changing your number may differ on a paid plan — some paid tiers allow more frequent changes than the free 30-day limit. Check your specific plan details in the Settings menu to see what applies to you.

If you're on a paid plan and unsure about your number-change limits, TextNow support can clarify what your plan allows. Paid plans also tend to have priority support, so you may get a faster response if something goes wrong with your number change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old TextNow number back if I change it?

No. Once you change your number, it's released back into TextNow's pool and assigned to someone else. You cannot reclaim it. If you're unsure about changing, wait a day or two to make sure you've updated all the accounts that need your number.

Will my text messages disappear if I change my number?

No. All your text threads, call logs, and message history stay in your account. The only thing that changes is the phone number itself. People texting your old number will reach whoever gets assigned that number next, not you.

What if I change my number and then realize I made a mistake?

You'll have to wait 30 days (on a free account) before you can change it again. If you need to change it sooner, contact TextNow support and explain the situation. They may be able to help, though there's no may provide they'll override the waiting period.

Do I lose my TextNow account if I change my number?

No. Your account stays the same — your login, contacts, settings, and message history all remain. Only the phone number associated with the account changes. You'll still be able to use TextNow exactly as before, just with a different number.

Can I choose a specific area code when I change my number?

Yes. When you go to change your number, TextNow usually lets you filter available numbers by area code. If you want a number from your home state or a specific region, you can search for it. If no numbers are available in that area code at that moment, you may need to choose a different one or try again later.