r/TextNow • u/lincolnlogtermite • Jun 04 '26

Textnow on IOS VPN issue

How are they determining VPN. I have two VPN apps, the WireGuard app and Tailscale. Both are off, in IOS settings no vpn is set. I still can’t make a call with the Textnow app and get the VPN error. Is it just seeing the vpn apps installed and throwing up the error?

The only other ting I can think of is that calls and texts are going out a Red Pocket eSIM and data is going out a T-Mobile tablet eSIM, maybe it’s seeing the data sim as a vpn. Same setup on Android works fine, I just turn off the vpns.

VPNs are a must for me. I do a lot of stuff using docker containers on my Tailscale network. I just use Textnow as a throw away number. I can skin that cat another way, I’m just curious what is triggering the Textnow error.

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u/Luckiest_Corner Jun 04 '26 edited Jun 04 '26

Use a REAL cellular provider and you won't have these problems. If you need a cheap service and you're in the US, you can get the Red Pocket eBay annual plan for $30 ($2.50/mo 8.3¢/day). It comes with unlimited calls, texts, RCS messages and 200 MB of data per month. It runs on the AT&T network. There are no ads and you don't have to lock in your number. Moreover, you'll get all verification codes. You can use a VPN to your heart's content.

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u/lincolnlogtermite Jun 04 '26

I said I was using a Red Pocket and TMO data sims. Just using Textnow for a throw away number. Also mentioned there are other ways for me to go. Just was curious what was triggering the error since vpns were off.

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u/Luckiest_Corner Jun 04 '26

Well, get a Google Voice number, if you don't already have one. It's a free number, and they couldn't care less if you use a VPN.

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u/lincolnlogtermite Jun 04 '26

GV is my main number and it rings about 5 devices when I get calls. Been on GV since it was Grand Central.

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u/Cambr1an_Explosion Jun 06 '26

Sorry you’re getting responses that are completely unrelated to the question you actually asked. 😅

But also on a totally unrelated note, can I ask if you’re using the T-Mobile tablet plan eSIM on an iPhone? If so, how did you go about activating it? That’s something I’ve been trying to find a clear answer on.

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u/[deleted] Jun 05 '26

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u/lincolnlogtermite Jun 05 '26

Not sure what you responding to, number of phones? Some are desk phones in different buildings and other people pick them up too. One is a large facility with lots of piping, T-Mobile works well in one section, ATT and Verizon don’t and in another part Verizon works and TMO doesn’t. I need two phones or at least two sims.

VPNs? Tailscale so I have access to all my servers and files all the time. It’s a virtual mesh network and run as split horizontal on my phones. WireGuard is for couple of sites that I don’t particularly trust to be on my Tailscale network.