| Price | Free |
| Version | 22.41.0.2 |
| Category | Communication |
| Developer | TextNow, Inc. |
| Source | iOS, Android |
| Rating | (4.9) |
Students are attracted to the fact that they can use unlimited data, unlimited talk and the high speed data promised with TextNow Wireless Options (different from the app but very important to note the difference between Cell Phone Service and WiFi Apps).
Students feel safer thinking the person they are communicating with doesn’t know their true phone number. They feel anonymous and can send information/feelings/thoughts/photographs to the people they are communicating with on the app.
It’s important to remember that parents may not realize what their kids are doing on the app.
Many times, parents don’t check the app and don’t know how to see the incoming or outgoing calls or messages sent or received by their child. So how can you use Textnow safely?
TextNow has introduced a feature called number locking. This allows parents of younger children to set up a code that students are required to enter into the app before sending messages.
If the code is entered incorrectly too many times, it locks out the account for seven days. Parents can choose to unlock the account again once the period expires.
The feature is designed to help prevent kids from texting strangers without parental consent. Parents can view each individual conversation and block inappropriate texts. They can also see how long the phone conversations lasted and what type of device was used.
To lock a number simply open the TextNow app on your smartphone. Then tap the menu button in the upper left corner. Tap My Store. If you see a text messaging plan listed there, it means you already purchased one. Otherwise, scroll down and tap Lock In Number.
Follow the instructions on screen to complete your purchase. You’ll receive a confirmation code via SMS shortly thereafter. When you enter that into the TextNow app, you’re locked in.
To get started with Textnow, your device doesn’t even need to be unlocked. Just activate your SIM card and start sending and receiving texts, calls, and data wherever you go. You can use it in over 140 countries around the world.
And if you’re traveling abroad, you don’t need to worry about losing your connection while overseas because TextNow provides reliable connectivity no matter where you are.
You can buy a SIM card directly online, or pick up a kit at a local store. Either way, you won’t have to sign anything or enter any credit card information.
TextNow offers unlimited nationwide calling plans starting at $5 per month. You can choose a free local phone number for up to 10 people, or you can get a new number altogether. If you want to keep your current number, just pay the difference.
You can also use TextNow’s app to make calls over Wi-Fi while on the go. And because it doesn’t require data, you won’t be charged extra fees for high usage times.
As already mentioned, TextNow offers a cheap way to make phone calls and send texts without paying exorbitant amounts of money. You simply download the app, sign up, and start making calls and sending texts. There are no contracts or long term commitments required.
The free plan is a great deal, offering unlimited minutes and texts. If you want to save some cash, there are two options available.
For $1.99 per month, you can opt for the basic plan. This includes 500 MB of monthly data usage. For $5.95 per month, you can go for the premium plan. This one gives you 2 GB of monthly data usage.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive option to call friends and family around the world, TextNow might be worth checking out.
The app includes many basic messaging tools, including making and receiving phone calls and sending texts, images, emojis, and stickers. Users can even make group chats and set up conferences. There are no additional fees for using the app.
Advanced features include call transcriptions and conference calling. In addition, TextNow supports syncing across multiple devices, allowing users to continue conversations where they left off.
After a review of the app some users reported receiving unwanted calls from strangers, others complained about glitches like dropped calls and poor sound quality. A few even claimed to receive spam calls from unknown numbers.
But the app still has around 5 million downloads, making it one of the most popular apps of its type. In fact, according to App Annie, it ranks among the top 20 paid messaging apps on iOS.
TextNow is an excellent app for anyone who wants to save money on their cell phone bill. You don’t have to pay extra fees for things like international data roaming, SMS messages, text messaging minutes, etc., because it doesn’t count against your monthly limit.
And since it’s a VoIP app, it doesn’t use up your mobile voice minutes either. So the next time you go overseas, you won’t be stuck paying exorbitant rates for incoming calls.
The only downside about TextNow is that there are no apps for Android devices. But the good news is that the iOS version works just fine.
