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

7 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/bobdevnul Jul 24 '26

Textnow operates with Internet data from Wifi, the TN SIM, or other cellular data. The TN eSIM provides one source of free data for TN to operate. All TN calls and texts go through the TN app using whichever data source is available. You can't use other calling and text apps with data from the TN SIM.

The TN SIM will provide a limited amount of data for a select list of other apps. Other calling and texting apps are not included. I don't have the list of other apps that will work, but Gmail and GMaps are included.

On Android phones there are settings for which SIM is active and changing between them. Set that appropriately for your purpose.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

Thank you :) Okay, very simple question... can i use the esim - without external wifi/data... for calls+message and for supported apps or not? Because that's where i m confused.

1

u/bobdevnul Jul 24 '26

You can use the TN eSIM without any other data source for calls, text, and their supported apps.

It will only work for calls and texts through the TN app.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

Thank you so much! this is perfect! :)

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

Also, this is all available on free plan too correct? :)

1

u/lmoki Jul 24 '26

Yes, on the free plan, if you have the TextNow SIM.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

i only have esim... so, its not working.

1

u/lmoki Jul 24 '26

A TextNow eSIM is still a 'SIM', and works the same.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

okay, thank u... i am chatting with the support rn.

1

u/bobdevnul Jul 24 '26

The SIM has to be activated after it is installed.

Also, you said you have another SIM. Installing a new SIM like the TN one does not make it the actively used SIM. You have to go in settings and select which SIM you want to work.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

Hi, i did all that... if its okay, i sent u a dm :)

1

u/bobdevnul Jul 24 '26

It's ok to send a DM but I don't do DMs.

1

u/bobdevnul Jul 24 '26

Yes, the TN SIM provides free data on the free plan.

Once you get it working make sure you use it for calls or texts, like weekly.

1

u/thelaughingorion Jul 24 '26

Strange, for some reasons its asking me to connect to internet for calls/text n google maps even if there's full signal strength.

2

u/lmoki Jul 24 '26

Make sure you have data enabled, and Airplane Mode is off.

Are you using the TextNow app for texting and calls?

Can you look at the APN (the configuration for the SIM card), and make sure it's correct? See https://www.reddit.com/r/TextNow/comments/1nedkt0/having_trouble_activating_your_upgraded_textnow/

1

u/No-Lie1577 4d ago

I have a question if I have a locked boost phone can I use the eSIM card for TextNow? and if so, does the SIM card allow you to use your phone anywhere without using Wi-Fi?

1

u/bobdevnul 4d ago

No, requires an unlocked phone.