You can change your TextNow number from the app or website, but the process depends on whether you have a free or paid account

TextNow lets you change your phone number, but the steps and restrictions differ based on your account type. Free accounts can change their number once every 30 days through the app settings. Paid accounts (those with a monthly subscription or credits) have more flexibility and can change numbers more frequently. The actual change takes effect immediately once you confirm it.

Before you change your number, understand that anyone who has your old number will no longer be able to reach you at that number. TextNow does not forward calls or texts from your old number to your new one. If you rely on your TextNow number for important contacts, let people know your new number before you make the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Free TextNow accounts can change their number once every 30 days; paid accounts can change more often depending on your subscription level.
  • The number change happens instantly in the app, and your old number becomes unavailable to you immediately.
  • You must have an active TextNow account and be logged in to change your number through the app or website.
  • TextNow does not transfer your old number to anyone else or forward messages and calls to your new number.
  • If you cannot change your number in the app, check whether you have hit your account's change limit or whether your account has restrictions.

How to change your number on the TextNow app

Open the TextNow app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings" from the menu. Scroll down and tap "Phone Number." You will see your current number displayed. Tap "Change Number" or a similar button (the exact wording varies by app 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 or use the search function to find a number you want. Once you select a number, tap "Change" or "Confirm" to complete the switch. The app will ask you to confirm that you understand your old number will no longer work. After you confirm, your new number is active immediately.

How to change your number on the TextNow website

Go to textnow.com and log into your account. Click on your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner and select "Settings." Look for a "Phone Number" or "Account" section. Click "Change Number" or "Manage Phone Number." You will see your current number and a button to change it.

Select a new number from the available options or search by area code. Review your choice and click "Confirm" or "Change." The website will ask you to verify that you understand the change is permanent and your old number will not work. Once you confirm, your new number is active. You may need to log out and log back in to see the change reflected everywhere in your account.

Why you might not be able to change your number

If the "Change Number" button is grayed out or missing, you have likely hit your account's change limit. Free accounts can change their number once every 30 days. If you changed your number recently, you must wait until 30 days have passed since your last change. Paid accounts have higher limits, but the exact frequency depends on your subscription plan.

Some accounts have restrictions placed on them by TextNow if there has been suspicious activity or a violation of their terms of service. If you see an error message or cannot access the change function at all, contact TextNow support through the app or website. They can tell you whether your account has a restriction and how long it will last.

What happens to your old number after you change it

Your old TextNow number becomes available for someone else to claim. TextNow does not hold it for you or forward calls and messages to your new number. If someone tries to text or call your old number after you change it, the message or call will either fail or reach whoever claims that number next.

This is why it is important to notify your contacts before you change your number. Update your number in any apps, websites, or services that use it for two-factor authentication or account recovery. If your TextNow number is linked to a bank account, email recovery, or other sensitive services, change those settings before you switch your TextNow number.

Choosing a new number: area codes and availability

When you change your number, TextNow shows you available numbers. You can usually filter by area code to get a number that matches your location or a location you prefer. Some area codes are more limited than others, so you may see fewer options in certain regions.

You cannot reserve a number before you change to it. The number must be available at the moment you confirm the change. If you see a number you like but are not ready to change yet, write it down — but understand that it may no longer be available when you return to make the change later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old TextNow number back?

No. Once you change your number, TextNow releases it and you cannot reclaim it. If you think you changed your number by mistake, contact TextNow support immediately, but they cannot may provide they can reverse the change if time has passed.

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

No. Your conversation history stays in the app. The messages are tied to your account, not your phone number. When you change your number, all your old conversations remain visible in the app under your account.

Will my contacts automatically know my new number?

No. TextNow does not notify your contacts when you change your number. You must tell them yourself through another method — a call, email, or message from a different number. Update your number in any shared contact lists or group chats.

How often can I change my TextNow number if I pay for a subscription?

Paid accounts can change their number more frequently than free accounts, but the exact limit depends on your subscription tier. Check your account settings or contact TextNow support to see your specific limit. Most paid plans allow changes every 7 to 14 days.

What if I change my number and then immediately want to change it again?

You must wait until your account's change limit allows it. For free accounts, that is 30 days. For paid accounts, it varies. If you made a mistake, contact TextNow support as soon as possible — they may be able to help, but there is no may provide they can reverse a recent change.