You can change your TextNow number directly in the app settings

TextNow lets you change your phone number whenever you want, and the process takes about two minutes. Open the TextNow app, go to Settings, find the option to change your number, and confirm the new one. The app will show you available numbers in your area code, or you can search for a different area code if you prefer. Your old number stops working immediately, so make sure anyone who needs to reach you knows the new one before you change it.

The number change is permanent once you confirm it. TextNow does not charge you to change your number, but you cannot switch back to a number you used before — each change gives you a completely new number from their pool.

Key Takeaways

  • Open TextNow, tap Settings, select your phone number, and choose Change Number to see available options in your area code.
  • Your old number becomes inactive as soon as you confirm the new one, so notify your contacts beforehand if you want them to reach you.
  • TextNow shows you numbers available in your current area code, but you can search other area codes if you want a different region.
  • Changing your number is free and takes effect immediately, but you cannot revert to a previous number once you confirm the change.

Step-by-step process for changing your number

Start by opening the TextNow app on your phone. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner, then select Settings. Look for the section labeled "Phone Number" or "My Number" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on whether you are on Android or iOS, but it is always near the top of the Settings menu.

Tap on your current number. You will see a button that says "Change Number" or "Get a New Number." Tap it, and TextNow will show you a list of available numbers. By default, it displays numbers in your current area code. Scroll through the list to find one you like, or tap the search icon to look for numbers in a different area code. Once you find a number you want, tap it to select it.

TextNow will ask you to confirm the change. Read the warning carefully — it will tell you that your old number will no longer work. Tap Confirm or Continue, and your new number is active immediately. The app will display your new number on the main screen.

What happens to your old number after you change it

Your old TextNow number stops working the moment you confirm the new one. No one can reach you at the old number, and you cannot receive texts or calls on it. TextNow recycles old numbers back into their pool, meaning someone else may eventually get that number — this usually takes weeks or months, but it is not may provide.

If you had set up call forwarding or voicemail on your old number, those settings do not carry over. You will need to set them up again on your new number if you want them. Any text message threads with your old number are still visible in your chat history, but they are labeled with the old number, not your new one.

Choosing an area code when you change your number

TextNow defaults to showing numbers in your current area code, but you are not locked into it. Tap the search or filter option in the number selection screen and type in a different area code. TextNow will show you available numbers from that region instead. This is useful if you moved to a new state or want to keep a number from where you used to live.

Keep in mind that the area code you choose does not affect where you can use TextNow — it is purely a display preference. A 212 number (New York) works exactly the same as a 415 number (San Francisco) no matter where you physically are. The area code is just what appears on the caller ID when you text or call someone.

Reasons you might want to change your number

Some people change their TextNow number because they gave it out to someone they no longer want contact with, or because they received unwanted texts or calls. Since TextNow numbers are free and easy to change, this is a practical way to start fresh without losing the app itself.

Others change their number when they move to a new state and want a local area code, or when they want a number that is easier to remember. A few people change their number regularly just to keep their contact list clean and intentional.

If you cannot find the change number option

On Android, make sure you are running the latest version of TextNow from the Google Play Store. Older versions sometimes hide the number change feature. Go to Play Store, search for TextNow, and tap Update if an update is available. Then restart the app and try again.

On iOS, the same applies — check the App Store for updates. If you have updated and still cannot find the option, try signing out of TextNow completely (go to Settings, scroll to the bottom, and tap Sign Out), then sign back in. This sometimes refreshes the menu options. If the feature is still missing, your account may have a restriction — contact TextNow support through the app's Help section to ask why the option is unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my old TextNow number if I change my mind?

No. Once you confirm a new number, your old one is gone permanently. TextNow does not offer a way to revert or recover it. If you are unsure about changing, wait until you are certain, because the change cannot be undone.

Do I lose my text message history when I change my number?

Your message history stays in the app, but it is labeled with your old number. Conversations do not disappear, and you can still read old texts. However, the person you were texting will see your old number in their phone contacts, so they may not recognize messages from your new number unless you tell them.

How many times can I change my TextNow number?

TextNow does not publicly state a limit, but changing your number very frequently (multiple times per day) may trigger a temporary restriction. For normal use — changing your number once a month or less — you should not run into any limits.

Will changing my number affect my TextNow account or settings?

Your account stays the same. Your username, password, contacts, and app settings all remain unchanged. Only the phone number itself changes. You stay logged in the entire time.

Can I choose a specific number, or do I have to pick from TextNow's list?

You can only choose from numbers TextNow has available. You cannot request a custom number or reserve a specific one. The available numbers change constantly as people sign up and change their own numbers.