You can change your TextNow number through the app or website, and the process takes a few minutes
TextNow lets you change the phone number associated with your account at any time. The steps differ slightly depending on whether you use the mobile app or the web version, but both routes are straightforward. You do not need to contact TextNow support or wait for approval — the change happens immediately once you confirm it.
Before you change your number, understand that your old number becomes unavailable to you. Anyone trying to reach your previous number will not be able to contact you. If you have shared your TextNow number with people, you will need to tell them your new one separately.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your TextNow number directly in the app or on the website without contacting support.
- The change takes effect immediately, and your old number is released back to TextNow's pool.
- You may see a charge if you change your number more than once in a short period, depending on your account type.
- Your contacts, message history, and account balance stay the same when you change your number.
- You can choose a new number from available options or request a specific area code if one is available.
Changing your number through the TextNow app
Open the TextNow app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) 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. TextNow will show you available numbers. You can browse the list or use the search field to look for a number with a specific area code. Once you find a number you want, tap it to select it.
Review the confirmation screen to make sure the new number is correct. Tap Confirm or Change Number to finalize the change. Your account will update immediately, and you can start using the new number right away.
Changing your number through the TextNow website
Go to textnow.com and sign into your account. Click on your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner, then select Settings. Look for the Phone Number or Account section.
Click Change Number or Get a New Number. A list of available numbers will appear. You can filter by area code using the search or dropdown menu if you want a number from a specific region. Select the number you want.
Confirm your choice on the next screen. The change takes effect immediately, and your new number will be active in your account.
What happens to your old number
Once you change your number, TextNow releases your old number back into its available pool. This means another person could potentially receive that number in the future. You cannot reclaim your old number later, so make sure you have notified anyone who needs to reach you before you make the change.
Your message history, contacts, and account balance do not change when you switch numbers. Everything else in your account remains exactly the same — only the phone number itself is different.
Charges and limits for changing your number
TextNow's free tier allows you to change your number, but some accounts may face restrictions if you change too frequently. If you change your number multiple times within a short period, TextNow may charge a fee or temporarily prevent further changes. The exact policy depends on your account type and subscription level.
TextNow Plus subscribers typically have fewer restrictions on number changes. If you change your number often for work or other reasons, a paid subscription may be worth considering. Check your account settings or contact TextNow support to understand the limits on your specific account.
Choosing an area code for your new number
When you change your number, you can often choose which area code you want. This is useful if you want a number that matches your location or a place where you have family or business contacts. TextNow shows available numbers organized by area code.
Not every area code has numbers available at all times. If the area code you want is not showing up, try searching again later or pick a different one. Popular area codes may have limited availability, especially in major cities.
What to do if you cannot change your number
If the Change Number option is not appearing in your settings, your account may have restrictions. This can happen if you have changed your number too many times recently or if there is a billing issue on your account. Try logging out and logging back in, or try again in a few hours.
If the problem continues, you may need to contact TextNow support through the app or website. Open the app, go to Settings, scroll down to Help & Support, and select Contact Us. Describe the issue and TextNow's support team can look into why the option is unavailable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my contacts and message history disappear when I change my number?
No. Your contacts, message history, and account balance all stay the same. Only your phone number changes. Anyone who has your old number saved will need to update it to your new one to reach you.
Can I change back to my old number?
No. Once you change your number, your old number is released and you cannot get it back. If you think you made a mistake, you can change to a different number immediately, but you cannot reclaim the previous one.
How long does it take for the new number to work?
The change is instant. Your new number is active as soon as you confirm the change in the app or on the website. You can start using it right away to send and receive texts and calls.
Do I have to pay to change my number?
Changing your number is free on most TextNow accounts, but frequent changes within a short time period may trigger a fee or temporary restriction. TextNow Plus subscribers usually have more flexibility. Check your account settings for any limits specific to your plan.
What if no numbers are available in my area code?
If your preferred area code has no available numbers, choose a different one. You can change your number again later if a number in your original area code becomes available. There is no penalty for trying different area codes.