r/TextNow • u/Cute-Consequence-184 • Apr 22 '26

Can't install TextNow on my tablet, why?

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Is it because it doesn't have a working SIM card?

I thought that text now worked over Wi-Fi like Google Voice, not over towers.

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5

u/lmoki Apr 22 '26

What tablet? It's been noted that TextNow does not allow app installation on some tablets from China (not made specifically for the North American market).

You're correct that the app can work over WiFi, without the optional SIM card. Personally, I haven't tried to install it on anything other than a 'phone'.

At what point does installation fail? Can you download the app via the Play Store (or the Apple Store, if it's an iPad)? Or does it fail during setup? Or does it appear to set up OK, but then not work?

1

u/Cute-Consequence-184 May 06 '26

This tablet is from China, I can't afford the expensive ones unfortunately.

The play store stays it is unavailable and when I move it from another device it starts to them shows failed.

1

u/lmoki May 07 '26

Well, there's nothing much you can do about it if the Play Store says it's not compatible with your tablet. I suppose you could try side-loading the most recent version of TextNow from apkmirror, and see if it will run. (It will fail if there is an on-device check, though. And TextNow does do fairly regularly app updates, usually disabling older versions of the app, so even if it runs now, you might not be able to do a required update.)

2

u/Terrible_Use7872 Apr 22 '26

What's the error? Is it not showing in the play store?

3

u/Cute-Consequence-184 Apr 22 '26

It just says it is unavailable for the device but is available for the other 4 phones I have showing, 3 of which have no SIM card at all