TextNow SIM Cards: Your Guide to Unlimited Calling and Texting ⋆

TextNow SIM Cards: Your Guide to Unlimited Calling and Texting

TextNow is a free calling and texting app that allows users to make phone calls and send texts over WiFi. The service was launched in 2009 and is available for both iOS and Android devices. Find out more about the Textnow SIM card below.

TextNow works by assigning the user a free phone number. Users can then make free calls and texts over WiFi to any other TextNow user. The service also allows users to call and text real phone numbers by purchasing credits or a monthly plan.

Some key features of TextNow include:

Free phone number – Users get a free US or Canadian phone number to use for calling and texting.
Free calls & texts over WiFi – Users can call and text any other TextNow user for free over WiFi. No cellular minutes or data is used.
Affordable cellular minutes – TextNow offers competitively priced monthly plans with cellular minutes and text messages for making calls to non-TextNow numbers when WiFi is not available.
Bring your own device – The TextNow app can be installed on most existing smartphones, allowing users to keep their current phone number.
Group messaging – Have group conversations with up to 10 people.
Voicemail and MMS – Get voicemail and send picture messages (MMS) with TextNow.
Nationwide coverage – TextNow uses the major US networks to provide coverage nationwide.

In summary, TextNow provides a flexible free-calling and texting option by leveraging WiFi connectivity on smartphones. The service aims to provide an affordable mobile communication solution.

Obtaining a TextNow Number

Getting started with TextNow is easy and free. You can get your TextNow phone number in just a few steps:

Go to textnow.com and click on “Get a Free Phone Number”
Choose your area code – You can pick a local area code based on your location. This allows you to make and receive calls as if you had a local number.
Create your account – Fill in your basic info like name, email address, and password to create your TextNow account.
Confirm your number – TextNow will assign you a phone number. Confirm it to activate your account.
Download the app – Get the TextNow app for your smartphone (iOS or Android). This allows you to make calls and texts over WiFi.
Start using your phone number – You’re all set! You can now make nationwide calls and texts for free over WiFi using your new TextNow number.

Getting a TextNow number is free and only takes a few minutes. You can use it as your primary phone number or as a secondary line. TextNow provides great flexibility and connectivity with your free phone number.

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TextNow SIM Card Overview

A SIM card, or subscriber identity module card, is a small removable chip that allows a cell phone to connect to a cellular network. The SIM card stores data specific to your phone number and service plan.

TextNow offers mobile plans with included talk, text, and data that work with compatible SIM cards. You can activate a TextNow SIM card on an unlocked phone or buy a phone directly from TextNow with a SIM card already installed.

The TextNow SIM cards allow you to bring your own device and activate cell phone service without a contract. You can choose the SIM card that provides the network coverage and data speeds you need for your area.

TextNow SIM Card Pricing

TextNow offers very competitive pricing for its SIM card service. The SIM card price itself is $4.99.

TextNow has two main plans:

Plan	Price	Features
Free with WiFi	Free	Unlimited calling and texting over WiFi. ad-supported phone service
Day pass	$4.99/day	Unlimited calling and texting over WiFi and cellular
Month pass	$39.99/month	Unlimited calling and texting over WiFi and cellular, 10GB of high-speed data, and unlimited 2G data after high-speed data is used up

textnow prices

Compared to other prepaid providers, TextNow’s pricing is very affordable. For example, Mint Mobile’s unlimited talk/text + 4GB LTE data plan costs $15/month. So TextNow offers a similar service for the same price.

Some key things to note about TextNow’s pricing are:

Taxes and fees are included in the monthly price, so you won’t see extra charges.
You can pay monthly or purchase a longer 3/6/12 month plan for a discount.
International calling is extra – rates start at 1¢/minute.
No overage charges on data – speeds just slow down after the limit.

Overall, TextNow SIM pricing offers great value without breaking the bank. The free Basic plan is unbeatable, and the Unlimited plan costs less than most major carriers’ prepaid plans.

Activating a TextNow SIM Card

Activating a TextNow SIM card is a straightforward process that allows you to start using cellular data on your phone through the TextNow app.

When you first insert your TextNow SIM, you’ll be prompted in the TextNow app to activate it. Simply follow the activation prompts, which include entering the SIM card number and zip code.

Once activated, your TextNow SIM will connect to the T-Mobile network for cellular data and calling. By default, the TextNow app routes calls and texts over WiFi when available. If you lose your WiFi connection, it will automatically switch to using cellular data through your TextNow SIM.

To control when your phone uses WiFi vs cellular data, go to Settings in the TextNow app. Under “Calls and texts,” you can enable options like “Prefer WiFi” and “Limit cellular usage.” This allows you to customize how your phone routes calls, texts, and data based on your location and WiFi connectivity.

With your TextNow SIM activated you can seamlessly transition between WiFi and nationwide cellular data coverage. As long as the SIM remains active by adding credits periodically, you can continue enjoying ad-free calling and texting on your phone number.

Coverage Map for TextNow SIM

TextNow SIM cards utilize the networks of both Sprint and T-Mobile to provide coverage across the United States. When you first activate your TextNow SIM card, it will connect to Sprint’s network. You can then switch between Sprint and T-Mobile networks at any time through the TextNow app.

T-Mobile generally provides better coverage in more populated areas, while Sprint has better rural coverage. By combining both networks, TextNow can provide more widespread coverage across the country.

Before purchasing a TextNow SIM card, you can check the coverage maps for both Sprint and T-Mobile on their websites. This will give you an idea of the expected coverage in your area. Overall, the combined coverage is comparable to major wireless carriers like Verizon and AT&T.

textnow coverage

With both Sprint and T-Mobile now owned by the same parent company, T-Mobile is actively working to integrate the Sprint network into its own. This will further strengthen the coverage that TextNow can provide by utilizing both networks. Going forward, coverage on TextNow SIM cards is expected to continue improving as the Sprint network assets are fully merged into T-Mobile.

Bring Your Own Phone

One of the benefits of using a TextNow SIM card is the ability to bring your own phone. Rather than being limited to a specific device, you can use your current smartphone, tablet, or mobile hotspot by simply inserting the TextNow SIM.

As long as your device is unlocked and compatible with the networks TextNow utilizes (T-Mobile, and Verizon), you can activate the TextNow service on your existing phone. This allows you to keep your contacts, apps, preferences, and features you’re already accustomed to.

To use your phone with a TextNow SIM:

Make sure your phone is unlocked. This means it’s not tied to any specific carrier and can be used on different networks. Contact your carrier to unlock the phone if needed.
Check that your phone has a SIM card slot and is compatible with the carriers TextNow uses for service (Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon). Most modern smartphones have a SIM slot and support these networks.
Purchase a TextNow SIM kit or card from their website or a retailer. You’ll need the physical SIM card to insert into your phone.
Download the TextNow app and create an account if you haven’t already.
Turn off your phone completely and insert the TextNow SIM card into the SIM slot. Be careful not to damage the card or slot when inserting.
Turn your phone back on. It should read the SIM card and activate it after going through some setup steps.
Open the TextNow app and follow any prompts to finish activating the SIM card with your phone number.

That’s all there is to it! Then you can use your existing smartphone with your TextNow number and service. Just be sure to keep the TextNow app installed and use it to place calls and texts for them to work properly with your plan.

International Usage

The TextNow SIM card offers limited international usage capabilities. When traveling abroad with a TextNow SIM card, you will have access to basic calling, texting, and data in over 135 countries worldwide.

However, international rates can be expensive. Calling other countries from the US with your TextNow number is $0.05 per minute. Receiving calls when traveling abroad is free, but making calls is $0.25 per minute, sending texts is $0.05 per SMS, and data is $0.20 per MB.

So while it’s possible to use a TextNow SIM card internationally, it is not recommended for frequent travelers or those wanting extensive international coverage due to the high costs. Users are better off purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming package from another carrier.

The TextNow SIM card is really designed for domestic usage within the United States. International capabilities are limited for occasional, short-term travel use only. For heavy international calling, texting and data needs, other cell phone plans will be a better choice.

Customer Support

TextNow provides the following main support channels for customers needing assistance:

Phone Support

TextNow’s phone number for customer support is 1-888-666-4211.
Phone support is available 24/7 for any issues or questions with your TextNow service.
Wait times can vary when calling in depending on call volume.

Chat Support

TextNow provides customer support via live chat through their website and mobile app.
Chat support is available 24/7 to help with any TextNow issues.
To start a chat session, click on the chat icon on textnow.com or in the TextNow app.

Help Center

TextNow has an extensive online Help Center at help.textnow.com.
The Help Center covers getting started guides, account management, using your TextNow phone number, troubleshooting, and more.
The searchable articles and visual guides provide useful self-help resources.

Social Media Support

TextNow can also be reached for support via Facebook Messenger.
The TextNow Facebook page has fast response times for frequently asked questions.
Support is also available via Direct Message on Twitter @TextNow.

Email Support

Customers can send support inquiries to support@textnow.com.
Emails are typically answered within 24 hours. Provide detailed information to expedite response.
The email support option is ideal for questions that require long, detailed responses.

Pros and Cons of TextNow SIM Cards

TextNow SIM cards offer several advantages as well as some potential drawbacks to consider:

Pros

Free basic service – TextNow provides a free ad-supported service for calls and texts over WiFi. The SIM card enables this service on your own device.
Affordable cellular service – TextNow’s paid cellular plan starts at just $9.99/month for talk and text, which is very affordable compared to major carriers.
Compatible with most phones – TextNow SIMs work with most unlocked GSM phones. You can bring your own device instead of buying a new phone.
Nationwide coverage – TextNow uses the T-Mobile network, so you get coverage across the US and Canada. The coverage map is extensive.
International calling – TextNow offers calling to over 50 countries for just $2.99/month with their SIM card service. Cheap international calls are a nice perk.
Port-in your number – You can port over an existing number to your TextNow SIM card. This makes switching convenient.

Cons

Slow data speeds – The free data service is limited to 2G speeds. Paid data upgrades are available but can be slow in congested areas.
No family/group plans – TextNow does not offer any family, group or bundled plans. Each line is an individual account.
VoIP limitations – Since it’s a VoIP service, call quality may suffer occasionally. Performance depends on your WiFi or cellular data connection.
Must renew service – You have to log in and renew the plan manually each month or the service will lapse. There are no multi-month options.
No financing for phones – TextNow does not offer financing for devices. You have to bring your own phone or buy one outright.
Limited phone selection – Only a handful of phones are available for purchase directly from TextNow. Options are limited compared to major carriers.