You can change your TextNow number through the app or website in about two minutes
TextNow lets you change your phone number whenever you want, and the process is straightforward. You go into your account settings, find the option to change your number, and confirm the new one. The old number stops working immediately, and your contacts will need your new number to reach you. There is no charge for changing your number, though TextNow's free plan includes ads and limited calling minutes.
The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use the mobile app or the website, but both routes take you to the same settings page. You should have your TextNow password ready, and you may need to verify your identity before the change goes through.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your TextNow number for free at any time through the app settings or website account page.
- The old number becomes inactive immediately after you confirm the new one, so tell your contacts your new number beforehand.
- TextNow may ask you to verify your identity or wait a short period before allowing another number change if you have changed recently.
- Changing your number does not affect your TextNow account balance, credits, or subscription status if you have a paid plan.
How to change your number on the TextNow app
Open the TextNow app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. This takes you to your account page. Scroll down until you see the option labeled "My Number" or "Phone Number" — the exact wording varies by app version. Tap it to open the number management screen.
TextNow will show your current number and a button to change it. Tap "Change Number" or "Get a New Number." The app will display a list of available numbers, usually organized by area code. You can search for numbers in a specific area code if you have a preference, or scroll through the list to find one you like. Once you select a number, tap to confirm, and TextNow will ask you to verify the change by entering your password.
After you confirm, the new number takes effect immediately. Your old number is released back into TextNow's pool and will no longer work. Save your new number somewhere safe and share it with anyone who needs to contact you.
How to change your number on the TextNow website
Go to textnow.com and sign in to your account. Click on your profile icon or avatar, usually in the top right corner, and select "Account Settings" or "Settings" from the menu. Look for a section labeled "Phone Number," "My Number," or "Number Management."
Click the option to change or update your number. TextNow will show your current number and prompt you to select a new one. You can filter by area code or browse available numbers. Select the number you want and click "Confirm" or "Change Number." TextNow will ask you to re-enter your password to verify the change.
Once confirmed, your new number is active. The website may take a few seconds to update, so refresh the page if you do not see the new number right away. Write down your new number and update your contacts.
What happens to your old number and account information
Your old TextNow number stops working the moment you confirm the new one. Any calls or texts sent to the old number will not reach you. TextNow does not forward messages or calls from the old number to the new one, so you need to tell people your new number directly.
Your account itself — your TextNow username, password, account balance, and any paid subscription — stays exactly the same. If you have credits or a paid plan with calling minutes, those carry over to your new number. Your message history and contacts list remain in your account as well.
If you had set up voicemail or call forwarding on your old number, those settings do not automatically transfer to the new number. You will need to set them up again if you want them on your new number.
Restrictions on how often you can change your number
TextNow does not publish a hard limit on how often you can change your number, but the service does throttle frequent changes. If you change your number multiple times in a short period — typically within a few days — TextNow may require you to wait before changing again. This is a spam prevention measure.
If you see a message saying you cannot change your number right now, wait at least 24 to 48 hours and try again. If you are locked out longer than that, contact TextNow support through the app or website to explain your situation. Support can sometimes override the restriction if you have a legitimate reason for the change.
Why you might want to change your TextNow number
People change their TextNow number for several reasons. You might want a number with a different area code if you moved to a new city or want to appear local to a region. You might change it to get away from spam or unwanted contacts, or because you shared your old number with someone you no longer want to hear from. Some people change their number simply because they do not like the one they have.
Unlike traditional phone carriers, TextNow makes changing your number free and instant, so there is no penalty for doing it. The trade-off is that anyone who has your old number will lose the ability to reach you unless you tell them the new one.
If you cannot find the change number option
The location of the change number option varies slightly between the TextNow app for iPhone, the app for Android, and the website. If you cannot find it in your account settings, check that you are signed in and that you are looking in the right section. On the app, it is usually under your profile or account settings. On the website, it is in the account settings menu.
If the option is completely missing or grayed out, you may be locked out of changing your number due to recent changes or account restrictions. Wait 24 to 48 hours and try again. If the problem persists, open the TextNow app or website and look for a "Help" or "Support" option. You can describe the issue and TextNow support can help you regain access to the feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my contacts be able to reach me on my old number after I change it?
No. Your old TextNow number stops working immediately and becomes inactive. Anyone trying to call or text your old number will not reach you. You must share your new number with your contacts directly.
Do I lose my messages and call history when I change my number?
No. Your message history, call logs, and contacts list stay in your TextNow account. Only your phone number changes. When you sign back in, everything is still there.
Can I get my old TextNow number back if I change my mind?
Not immediately. Once you change your number, the old one is released and may be assigned to someone else. You cannot reclaim it right away. If you need that specific number back, contact TextNow support, but there is no may provide they can restore it.
Does changing my number affect my TextNow credits or paid subscription?
No. Any credits, paid minutes, or active subscriptions stay with your account. Your new number will have access to everything your old number had.
How long does it take for my new number to work after I change it?
Your new number is active immediately after you confirm the change. You can start making calls and sending texts right away. The app or website may take a few seconds to update and display the new number.