TextNow Wireless Problems iPhone

TextNow wireless on the T-Mobile network has some problems, at least for iPhone users. Facetime and iMessage will only work properly over wifi (if you are not paying TextNow for a data plan), and you have to be sure to send iMessages from the email address that is tied to your Apple ID. Must know for TextNow wireless IOS users!
*IMPORTANT NOTE* If you are an iPhone user who doesn't care about those two apps, and are totally fine with using the TextNow app for your calling, texting, and video calls--you will likely have a great experience (for a free plan with a $5 sim card and no data).
I cover an unknown number that becomes tied to your Apple ID when you use TextNow, as well as some customer service issues to be aware of. I still think TextNow has the best free talk and text plan on the T-Mobile network, but if you are an iPhone user that doesn't want to change the way they use their device (when away from wifi) then it might not be the best option for you.
Please check out my first TextNow video for more general information about the plan I'm using!
• TextNow Review on T-Mo...
The wireless provider I use daily and recommend is Mint Mobile, you can check out my review here! • Mint Mobile Review (Be...
My Mint Mobile referral code ($15 credit for you!): fbuy.me/sXrXp
Thank you for watching! If you have any questions please leave a comment, and subscribe to the channel if you want to see more content about different phone compatibility topics in the future!
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[@phonecomp]

Please leave a comment about your experience with TextNow! Feel free to ask me any questions and thank you for watching!

[@darnellgrundy589]

ok so what would I enter for my SM-DP+ Address because its unable activate the TN SIM card purchased

[@dbest4755]

the problem is it does not work !!! no internet connection , i am using WIFI

[@mallo1334]

So I’m confused. Do or do you not have to have an iPhone unlocked to be able to use the TextNow SIM card?..

[@phonecomp]

Hello Cee.Dot! With the sim card, you do use T-Mobile's network, so it is important that your phone is unlocked from any other carrier. If you don't use the TextNow sim and just use TextNow on WiFi then it doesn't matter if your phone is unlocked or not. Sorry I didn't clarify that in the video. I plan on updating it this year!

[@mallo1334]

@@phonecomp thanks for the fast response!. And you answered all my other questions in the video so excellent work. Short. Simple. & to the point. 😊

[@typicalcoreeah6107]

i’m having a problem too. i have an iphone and every time I call or text someone with an android it never goes thru it always says “ Free Msg: Unable to send message - Message Blocking is active.” and when i call it automatically drops but i already deleted that app and it still does that. what do i do? please help

[@phonecomp]

Hello Typical! Sorry it's giving you trouble. I'm not 100% sure but I've seen that message many times when trying to send from the default messaging app instead of TextNow's app. That's with TextNow's sim installed. I don't have an iPhone to test with at the moment, but I would make sure you're apple id, call settings, and iMessage are all set to use the number tied to your non-TextNow sim that you installed. Make sure it's not still trying to use your apple id email for FaceTime and iMessage at least. Is that helpful or am I not understanding the question?

[@typicalcoreeah6107]

@@phonecomp the thing is i don’t have a sim for text now. i never purchased anything. it just gave me a number cuz i needed my ex to unblock me so i used that number for a day. i also deleted my entire account permanently and it still does it 🙁

[@phonecomp]

@@typicalcoreeah6107 Hmmm. I'm thinking there has still got to be some settings that are attempting to use that number or your apple id. You could also try reinserting your sim, maybe that will fix any weird leftover settings?

[@typicalcoreeah6107]

@@phonecomp i tried everything 🙁. nothing works. everything is correct in my settings i just took the sim out and restarted it. it still don’t work

[@phonecomp]

@@typicalcoreeah6107 Well that's frustrating. I hate to say it, but you should reach out to TextNow support. Or apple support, they maybe better actually, faster at least.

[@wheeleroutdoors3351]

I'm using textnow on high end android phones. I have their sim card. I have alot of issues out of textnow dropping calls half the time and also phone calls where each other's voices cut in and out alot half the time. For that reason I wouldn't pay for data. If their service where to improve in Bowling Green kentucky I would definitely buy a plan.

[@phonecomp]

Hello Wheeler Outdoors! Sorry to hear your service is rough. I just released a video comparing TextNow to Textfree and I have had occasional issues like what you're describing -- but, TextNow's reception is better than Textfree's. I completely agree about not paying for a data plan from TextNow --the value is not there. Tello, Red Pocket, US Mobile, all would be a better rock bottom priced option. Hope all is well in Bowling Green! I've been to Louisville, but that's it for Kentucky (so far).

[@jeniferrr777]

Hey, quick question, so if I text from an iPhone using text now, will the messages show green for the other person?

[@phonecomp]

They will . . . if you text from iMessage using an apple id. It won't show as a green bubble if you use the TextNow app to message (as far as I know).

[@loki_x]

I've got these SIMs for my kids (older iPhones). All we needed was an ability for them to talk and text. It was great while it worked. In the past month, their phones are no longer able to send/receive text messages or make phone calls without WiFi. I'm not sure what may have changed. We've attempted to reinstall the app, and restarted the phone handful times. We've also turned on/off WiFi and even turned on/off airplane mode and nothing seems to have worked so far. Any suggestions on what might be the problem here? Btw - I appreciate the details you've provided on the nuances around how imessage actually works with the TextNow service.

[@phonecomp]

Hello Loki! Thank you for saying that, I didn't know if that was just confusing information to share about iMessage, but it's seemed so strange so I included it. Sorry you're having trouble with your children's phones! My first troubleshooting question would be, are the iPhones older than the iPhone 6? If so, T-Mobile's 3G network is in the process of being shutdown which would mean that any 3G only devices will no longer have voice access over the network. Since TextNow uses T-Mobile's network, this would be my first guess.

[@loki_x]

@@phonecomp late reply but we managed to get the phones working again. I ended up chatting with one of the agents and went through a handful of troubleshooting items. In the end we ended up simply having to reset the service on their end.

[@phonecomp]

@@loki_x Good to hear LoKi! Glad they could help and that y'all are back up and running!

[@habboonperson3592]

Meeewe toooo my phone stoped working I want a refund

[@tenzinwosal8573]

I want my i messages name to show as my number but it doesn’t work.How do I put my text now number to my iMessage number.

[@phonecomp]

Hello Tenzin! I don't think it will allow you to do that. If you want to send iMessages, they will only come from your apple id name. Sorry

[@Dukedemonte]

So I'm locked out of my Apple ID because there's a TextNow app being the number I get my verification code 242 factor what do I do about that

[@mar4eva]

Did you ever figure out your issue because I too am locked out of several things because the number is not verifying smh

[@SwagestPersonEverBruh]

For some reason when someone calls me it never gives me the thing to answer it

[@phonecomp]

Hello Daylee! There's no notification or anything on your iPhone?

[@SamuelForLife]

I got my SIM card from text now recently and couldn’t find a way to turn on the cellular. I have tried the instructions listed on the packaging that came with the SIM card.

[@phonecomp]

Oh no! Sorry to hear that Sxrio. Did you activate the nationwide plan in the TextNow settings?

[@taylorslack6431]

Is your phone unlocked?

[@aircoolscott]

Just to be clear, there is no way in any of their plans to use the regular green iPhone dialing button? You have to use the Textnow app for everything? Thanks!

[@phonecomp]

Hello Aircoolscott! That's correct, TextNow prefers that you use their app for everything. You can use iMessage and FaceTime, but not the stock green dialer app. And iMessage and FaceTime work on wifi only, using your email address from your apple ID. I don't know of any plans to enable voice calls through the stock apple or Android apps, even if you pay for a data plan.

[@Pygsty]

My sim had been working freely for like a week but out of the blue the people I send messages to don’t receive them even though it says they sent and when I have bars

[@phonecomp]

Hello Maraechan! I would definitely reach out to TextNow support, that's a weird issue. Usually there are problems starting service initially or possibly after not using your number for a while. Not sure why it would function one day then stop though. Sorry I can't be more helpful than that!

[@MALAKHAI00]

Hey I’m having problems. Well I don’t have my number locked. And I recently made another account but it’s still the same. My girlfriend and I have been messaging eachother. I’m using text now and she’s using her android phone. So I’m able to send her messages but can’t receive messages from her. But with anyone else it works just fine. And I’m her end she receiving them and texting back. I’m just not getting them.

[@phonecomp]

Hello Beast! Hmmmmm. Is the TextNow app your default messaging app on your phone?

[@gelato_98.69]

Hey man I have the TextNow SIM card on my iPhone but I just can’t make calls without Wi-Fi even when I’m doing it through the app? I’ll already set up the APN

[@phonecomp]

Hello Carlos! Hmmm. Can you text without Wi-Fi?

[@londonrose5368]

I never can get a customer service representative

[@phonecomp]

Sorry to hear that London. I'm working on my updated TextNow review as we speak so I'll be sure to reach out to customer service. Last year they took a while to get back to me (over email), but they were very professional and quite helpful. Have you tried contacting them through social media?

[@1800johan_]

When I use app that need to verify my phone number, they don’t send to my iPhone number, how do I fix this?

[@phonecomp]

Unfortunately there are plenty of services that won't verify with Voip services like TextNow. As far as I know, there is not a way to fix that. I've heard it's possible if you're paying for a data plan from TextNow, but I don't know if that's true. Sorry Jolan! Hopefully, this will be fixed in the future.

[@N111-y8j]

Bro hello again , one question is it safe to be Used on IPhone ??

[@phonecomp]

Hello Dubai Dxb! I don't know of any safety issues with TextNow on iPhone or Android. I would say they are as safe as any other MVNO. I feel like I'm not answering your question well, let me know if there is a specific safety issue you are thinking of. Thanks for asking!

[@danniellaarias]

Ipod 7 6 touch work good texnow apple

[@fallenangle5887]

How do I log back into my acc when it allready says someone’s like on it but my old phone is an like I can’t get back in for some reasons

[@phonecomp]

Hello Fallen Angel! That's a good question, I would try logging in on a computer, going into settings, then "my account" and transfer from there? I'm not sure if I'm answering your question though

[@ssorevenge]

Ok know I have iPhone 11 and my Textnow service was working fine and later on doesn’t work for texts or calls

[@taylorslack6431]

I’m having the same issue except my texts work but not my calls. I have an 11 too!

[@ssorevenge]

@@taylorslack6431 i know got a iPhone 14 pro max

[@ssorevenge]

@@taylorslack6431 subscribing would make my day

[@kevinpirnie482]

I activated the SIM card on an iPhone 8 and paid for the unlimited call and text without Wi-Fi but cannot make outgoing calls or outgoing text

[@phonecomp]

I'm sorry to hear that, Kevin! Are you using the TextNow app when you're attempting to call/text?

[@kevinpirnie482]

@@phonecomp yes of course. There is no live chat support only chat bots even WYNNE logged into account.

[@phonecomp]

@@kevinpirnie482 hmmmmm. Did you try changing APN settings? I'll have to try support. I've been able to email back and forth previously.

[@kevinpirnie482]

@@phonecomp yes I changed the APN settings as well. I cannot find an email address for tech support. only email for security, orders, and law-enforcement.

[@phonecomp]

@@kevinpirnie482 I would suggest reaching out through one of those email addresses or message them on Twitter or Instagram. I'm sorry I can't think of any other troubleshooting steps!

[@taylorslack6431]

My data calling doesn’t seem to work…when I make or receive a call all that it says is calling.😅 It doesn’t let me talk or hear the other person. Texting works though.

[@phonecomp]

Hello Taylor! Well that's a problem! Hmmm. So you are using the TextNow sim and, when not on wifi, you don't have voice service? What phone are you using?

[@taylorslack6431]

Hi! I have an iPhone 11 pro

[@taylorslack6431]

Thx for trying to help me out by the way!

[@phonecomp]

@@taylorslack6431 Is it unlocked from another carrier?

[@taylorslack6431]

Ya ya! I paid extra money to get an unlocked phone off eBay.

[@tonib9452]

Question? When using the App the individual can’t hear me when making outbound calls. I can only hear them if they call me. Is there a solution?

[@phonecomp]

Hello Toni! That's a weird issue for sure. If you are using the TextNow sim card, you could try manually entering in the APN settings? My guess is something got mixed up there, but I'm sorry to say I really don't know. Here is a link to how to enter the APN settings manually, I hope it helps! If not. I would reach out to TextNow customer support. help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/1500008666822-Manual-APN-setup-on-TextNow-s-new-faster-network-

[@tonib9452]

Thank you so much!!

[@treyspears1082]

Wait so if I buy the SIM card I will be able to iMessage but only with a email address will I be able to use a gmail or regular iCloud but there are two questions actually I won’t be able to use insta or anything like that so if I’m on the free I will be able to iMessage only with a email

[@phonecomp]

Hello Trey! It's definitely confusing, but the iMessage email is whatever is tied to your iCloud account. You basically can't get full FaceTime or iMessage functionality unless you are on wifi, or have a data plan. Since the $5 TextNow sim is just for voice and sms messaging, you still won't be able to send or receive iMessages over the nationwide network. I don't know if I answered your questions properly, so just reply if I totally missed what you were asking!

[@andyrg8483]

Thanks a lot for the video. Have you tried verifying Whatsapp through the sim card number? I have a free number just with app (locked for a year) and Whatsapp doesn't recognize it as a valid US number.

[@phonecomp]

You're extremely welcome Andy! Even though you paid to lock your number (which does mean verification codes should work) WhattsApp only supports TextNow users that pay for the sim or pay for the sim and a data plan. That's according to a TextNow support article from 2 months ago. I should have time to test it out tonight and let you know!

[@phonecomp]

Hello again Andy! I just tried verifying with my TextNow number (nationwide sim card plan-just $5 one time purchase, no data plan), and it let me verify and setup an account. I hope that info helps!

[@andyrg8483]

@@phonecomp Oh that's awesome. Thank you very much for your help! Wishing you and your channel success.

[@snak0408]

So Um when someone text me on I message it don’t com to TextNow and I have to call my friends number and they answer not knowing who I am what do I do

[@phonecomp]

Hello Beans! Are they texting your TextNow number?

[@Dukedemonte]

Since he was an iPad it was my only device I no need to log into my Apple ID was needs to text now app code which is linked to the Apple ID so big circle jerk of that context know how to help me get that cold I need

[@phonecomp]

Hello Fudgeradio! I'm not exactly sure what you're saying, but if it's a problem accessing your Apple ID then I'd reach out to Apple support. They are much more responsive than TextNow.

[@Dukedemonte]

@@phonecomp Yeah Apple can't do nothing the number I use my TextNow app it's tied to the Apple ID and I can't log into it it tells me to use my Apple ID and Apple won't verify my account because the key code goes to that number and I'm not sure why text now will help me it seems like that's something that should've been blocked

[@Dukedemonte]

you can access my KZbin account which is Duke Amonte got lots of videos on there lots of fudge radio lol

[@phonecomp]

@@Dukedemonte oh! Ok I understand, that's a problem. Hmmm. I can't think of a way to get out of that, but I'll keep thinking and let you know if I come up with something.

[@mar4eva]

Did you ever figure out a solution to getting notifications with text app because I am now locked out of several things, including an iCloud in my Facebook because I thought it was safe to put my text now number but I cannot receive notifications through the phone with that phone number smh

[@thecozytoadco]

all my calls drop and say "busy" any solution to this?

[@phonecomp]

Oh wow, I haven't heard of that issue yet Sierra. Do the calls connect at all so that you can speak/hear the other person?

[@thecozytoadco]

@@phonecomp it seems to have fixed itself but all calls would drop immediately and say the other person was busy no matter who I called. It was like that for several hours but is now back to normal.

[@phonecomp]

That is bizarre! Maybe network issues on TextNow's side then. Glad everything is working normally now!

[@thecozytoadco]

@@phonecomp thanks, I think so too. Your videos were very helpful regardless, thanks for reaching out so quickly too!

[@theoblivious2001]

If you have the free plan with just calling and texting, will you be able to send/receive photos and videos THROUGH THE TEXTNOW APP when you aren’t on WiFi?

[@phonecomp]

Hello Joey! Yes, with the SIM you can. It's slower than with a traditional carrier (in my experience), but it does work. I also just put out an updated TextNow review

[@theoblivious2001]

@@phonecomp Thank you for the quick and thorough response

[@paulgraham7002]

Great videos! Very informative! I've subscribed. I do have a question you may be able to help me with with regards to TextNow, and I'll totally understand if you are unable to answer. TextNow has served me quite well. I purchased a lock-in number for a year for $6, and have about three months left. I recently ascertained that a locked-in number will now be $6/month. This may be a big price hike, but in comparison to other similar apps out there that offer a locked-in number, this price is understandable. My question: I've heard of people simply losing their locked-in number and so on, and I don't want to lose this one. Thus, will TextNow automatically start charging me $6/month through the apple app store for the locked-in number or will there be something I'll need to do? Thanks! Looking forward to see if you can assist with this question. I'll also continue to try to see if I can get ahold of a TextNow associate.

[@phonecomp]

Thank you Paul! I'm glad TextNow is working well for you! I'm guessing you will need to at least approve of the new payment details, but as far as a smooth transition that allows you to retain the number--unfortunately that will need to be handled by TextNow support. Have you had any luck with their online chat service? And are you sure you wouldn't rather port your number to Red Pocket, Tello, US Mobile, etc.? I'm just not sure about paying $6/month for TextNow.

[@paulgraham7002]

@@phonecomp - Thanks for the response! After some more investigation, through my iPhone 12 its already set up on auto-renewal at $4.99/year, and I've heard of folks still getting this price if nothing changes on their phone. The area-code and number that I have is also certainly not in high-demand as its from a rural area, so hoping that helps a bit. The thought did cross my mind to port this number. Thanks for the tip!

[@phonecomp]

@@paulgraham7002 Good to hear! Thanks for that information!