Getting a new TextNow number takes about five minutes

TextNow lets you change your phone number from inside the app or website at any time. You do not need to contact support or wait for approval — the change happens immediately. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use the free version or TextNow Plus, but both routes are straightforward.

Your old number becomes inactive once you switch. If someone tries to text or call it, they will not reach you. TextNow does not reassign old numbers to other users right away, so there is a grace period before the number could theoretically be claimed by someone else, but you should not count on being able to reclaim it later.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your TextNow number directly in the app or on the website without contacting support or waiting for approval.
  • Your old number stops working immediately when you switch, so tell your contacts your new number beforehand if you want to stay in touch.
  • TextNow Plus subscribers can change their number once per month, while free users can change it once every seven days.
  • You keep the same TextNow account, contacts, and message history — only the phone number itself changes.
  • If you cannot find the number change option, make sure you are logged into the correct account and that the app is fully updated.

How to change your number on the TextNow app

Open TextNow on your phone and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Select Settings, then tap Phone Number. You will see your current number displayed. Tap Change Number or Get a New Number — the exact wording varies by version.

TextNow will show you available numbers in your area or let you search for a number in a different area code. Browse the list, select the number you want, and confirm the change. The new number activates within seconds. Your account, contacts, and message history all stay the same — only the phone number changes.

How to change your number on the TextNow website

Go to textnow.com and log into your account. Click your profile icon or avatar in the top right, then select Settings. Look for Phone Number or Account settings. Click Change Number or Get a New Number.

The website version works the same way as the app: you browse available numbers, select one, and confirm. The change takes effect immediately. You can then open the app on your phone and the new number will be there.

How often you can change your number

TextNow Plus subscribers can change their number once per calendar month. Free users can change their number once every seven days. This limit exists to prevent abuse and keep the service stable.

If you have already used your monthly or weekly change, you will see a message telling you when you can change again. The timer resets automatically — you do not need to do anything. If you need a different number urgently and have hit your limit, your only option is to wait until the period resets.

What happens to your old number

Your old TextNow number stops working the moment you switch to a new one. Incoming calls and texts to the old number will not reach you. TextNow does not immediately reassign old numbers to other users, but you should not assume you can reclaim the same number later — it may be assigned to someone else or retired from the pool.

If you need to keep using a number for a while before switching, tell your contacts your new number first and give them time to update their records. This prevents confusion and missed messages during the transition.

Troubleshooting if you cannot find the option

If the Change Number option is not appearing, check that you are logged into the correct TextNow account. Some users have multiple accounts by accident. Log out completely and log back in to make sure.

Update the TextNow app to the latest version if you are using a phone. Older versions sometimes lack the number change feature or have bugs that hide it. Go to your phone's app store, search for TextNow, and tap Update if one is available. If you are on the website, try a different browser or clear your browser cache and cookies, then log in again.

If the option still does not appear after updating, your account may have a restriction. This can happen if the account is very new or if there has been unusual activity. Contact TextNow support through the app or website and describe what you are seeing.

Keeping your contacts and message history

Changing your TextNow number does not affect your contacts or past messages. Everything stays in your account. Your friends and family will still see your old messages in the conversation thread, but new messages will come from your new number.

This means your contacts will see the number change happen in real time if they are texting you. To avoid confusion, send them a message from your new number right after you switch, or tell them beforehand that you are getting a new number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a number from a different area code?

Yes. When you tap Change Number, TextNow shows available numbers in your current area code by default, but you can search for numbers in other area codes. Type in the area code you want and browse the results. The process is the same — select a number and confirm.

Will my contacts be able to reach me on my old number after I change it?

No. Your old number stops working immediately. Calls and texts to it will not reach you. You need to tell your contacts your new number so they can update their records and reach you going forward.

Do I lose my TextNow account or payment history if I change my number?

No. Your account stays exactly the same. Your contacts, message history, and any TextNow Plus subscription all remain active. Only the phone number itself changes.

What if I change my number by mistake?

You can change it again, but you will have to wait seven days if you are on the free plan, or until the next calendar month if you are on TextNow Plus. There is no undo button, so if you made a mistake, you will need to wait out the cooldown period before switching to a different number.

Can I reserve a specific number or put a hold on one?

No. When you select a number and confirm the change, it activates immediately. You cannot reserve numbers in advance or hold one while you decide. If you see a number you like, select it right away or it may become unavailable.