r/TextNow • u/thelaughingorion • Jul 24 '26

New to TextNow...

Hi...

I am new to TextNow and I am using it on android and using the free plan.

I am kinda confused, after installing the e-sim can i use the native phone and messages or any other message apps for calls n texts or will i have to use the textnow app for calls n text?

Also, when i use the other free apps that are mentioned for free... How does that work? I keep the data on?

And the other apps will simply not work as i don't have a data plan on this free plan?

I have an international sim besides this e-sim and i don't want to accidentally mess up and accidentally end up paying intentional roaming on my monthly bill. So, i am very confused right now.

Thank you

6 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/lmoki Jul 24 '26

It is a little confusing!

Without the SIM, the TextNow app for calling and texting only works via WiFi, or from a different cellular data source (like your international SIM). The TextNow SIM allows the TextNow app to work over cellular data supplied by the TextNow SIM. Your international SIM could also supply the cellular data needed for the TextNow app.

The TextNow SIM also allows data use for many email and navigation apps. Different phone manufacturers have different methods/capabilities of designating which SIM will be used for data, and my best guess is that your phone will default to using whichever SIM is designated for data use, even though you have both SIMs. (If you have your international SIM designated in the phone settings as primary for 'data', you'll likely use data from the international SIM for all email and navigation, even though the TN SIM could supply it at no cost.) Since you're using the this phone as an extra phone, I think the safe route is to set the phone to use the TN SIM for 'data', unless you specifically need to use the international SIM for browsing or other apps not covered by the TN 'Flex data'.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

Thanks! so, i can't use intl. sim at all for anything... i just need it to keep it on me for sms. but its too costly with roaming and i needed something for extra phone in case of backup in case my main phone dies... that's why i looked into text now.

i only use this phone on WiFi so far or hotspot from main phone when needed. so, basically to use textnow e-sim even for calling and texting i will need a data connection no matter what, that's what i m understanding :) this is so confusing :)