TextNow: New and Existing Customers: 1GB/Month Free Essential Data (Limited Apps)
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$5 Sim Kit Req'd for New Members
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TextNow is offering 1GB/Month Free Essential Data Plan (Limited Apps) for Free to new and current subscribers. New subscribers may order a Sim Kit for $4.99 (click the Get Sim button on the home page).
Thanks to community member ROB.E.REIN for finding this deal.
Plan Details:
With Free Essential Data, you can use most email, calendar, maps, notes, and rideshare apps without needing to be connected to Wi-Fi (see eligible apps on the details page)
TextNow app required
Make sure you're logged into an account with an active TextNow SIM card. If you have an active SIM in an area with cellular coverage available, you'll automatically have access to 1GB of Free Essential Data each month.
350MB of data per month at regular speeds, then you'll have access to data at slightly slower speeds up to 1GB.
This is in additional to the free texting/calls from via the TextNow app
TextNow's New "Free Essential Data" plan provides unlimited talk, text, and 1GB of data monthly for essential apps like email, maps, and rideshare. This plan is free except for a one-time $4.99 fee for the SIM card, and is supported by occasional ads. The first 350MB is at regular speeds, followed by slower speeds up to 1GB. Users can buy data passes starting at $0.99 for 300MB.
Last Edited by MisterDude
May 11, 2024
at
08:43 PM
If you already have a TextNow SIM card but find it no longer works you may need to update your APN settings inside your smartphone. One can use the TextNow support chatbot to get the new APN settings. These settings can also be found online in their support article: https://help.textnow.com/hc/en-us...er-network Once I input the new APN info data worked perfectly on older SIM and sure enough the app is showing my free essentials data because I used the app to activate the SIM several years back. Sweet deal!
As an experienced user of Textnow, those considering it should understand:
1) The usage requirement to keep your phone number alive and active seems to vary by area code, yet not specified to the user, although they do send out warning emails. It can vary from once every couple of weeks, to every couple of days. Once you lose your phone number, you can sign up for a new one.
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
3) They are notorious for suddenly cancelling your account if you have any use of a VPN on your phone. Apparently they view this as something non US users do to try to get a free Textnow account from overseas, and so cancel your account, without warning, upon detecting this.
4) The ads that are show on your phone, over time, are becoming more intrusive and more video orientated. Before, I hardly noticed the ads. Now they do bother me.
As such, I don't see this suitable for most people as their main cell number, but instead as something for a second, or backup phone, if you can accept the downsides to this service.
For those looking for onetime SMS verification, companies like SMSPool provide numbers you can rent for 24 hours or longer, that are guaranteed to work with the selected service. I needed one for a Claude Ai account initial setup and rented it for 36 cents.
So you're getting the SIM card AND 1GB of data every month, all for a 1 time $4.99 charge? Do the calls and texts use up the 1GB of data? How long will the 1GB/mo of data last for free?
I'm confused....when I go to sign up, I see nothing about an Free Essentials Plan with 1GB data/mo. Where is a link to that? In the app I downloaded, it goes straight to buying the SIM card. When do I pick the plan?
Where does it say anything about a free 1GB data/mo? Don't see that.
Edit: I found this page which explains the types of apps you can use the 1GB of data with. Apparently, it's NOT data that you can use for just anything you want to:
They don't list Google Voice in their list of apps that work with the free essentials data, but GV text does work for me using Textnow, and others that have reported this as well. I haven't attempted to use it with GV voice calls. Will try it out tomorrow.
or voip numbers that most services reject as fake?
Because I vaguely remember having a problem with their free service
ah ha see what I mean, nope, better just to get a $25/year tracfone
Quote
from zigner
:
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
i have a sim card. essential data active. also cellular bars full strong signal compared to 2 bars before essential data. i hope it'll eliminate bad lag with the sim card.
As an experienced user of Textnow, those considering it should understand:
1) The usage requirement to keep your phone number alive and active seems to vary by area code, yet not specified to the user, although they do send out warning emails. It can vary from once every couple of weeks, to every couple of days. Once you lose your phone number, you can sign up for a new one.
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
3) They are notorious for suddenly cancelling your account if you have any use of a VPN on your phone. Apparently they view this as something non US users do to try to get a free Textnow account from overseas, and so cancel your account, without warning, upon detecting this.
4) The ads that are show on your phone, over time, are becoming more intrusive and more video orientated. Before, I hardly noticed the ads. Now they do bother me.
As such, I don't see this suitable for most people as their main cell number, but instead as something for a second, or backup phone, if you can accept the downsides to this service.
I use the TextNow in unlocked phone is n my car for navigation
Someone correct me if I'm wrong but isn't this more or less Google Voice but paying $5 for 'free' data? If you have to use their app, it leverages data so 1gb won't go far if you use that for all calls, texts, and whatever entertainment unless you're on WiFi 24/7 and in that case just use Google Voice
Google voice needs wifi to work.. I don't think deal needs wifi for texting and talk
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05-11-2024 at 09:14 AM.
been using textnow with their sim card for over a year. it comes with no data, turning on 5g i can make call anywhere just like a regular cell without using wifi.
been using textnow with their sim card for over a year. it comes with no data, turning on 5g i can make call anywhere just like a regular cell without using wifi.
The Essentials data plan was just released. Check your account to see if you've been upgraded to the plan, as I believe everyone with a SIM card should have been upgraded. TextNow sent out a mass text message this morning.
The Essentials data plan was just released. Check your account to see if you've been upgraded to the plan, as I believe everyone with a SIM card should have been upgraded. TextNow sent out a mass text message this morning.
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05-11-2024 at 09:29 AM.
Quote
from turns2stone
:
Seems like you'd burn through that 1GB pretty quick, using it for navigation?
You're right, navigating with Google Maps can potentially use up the 1GB quickly if not managed properly. However, Google Maps is quite efficient in data usage, consuming roughly 2-5 MB per hour under typical use, which means you can navigate for about 200-500 hours before using up 1GB of data. To further minimize data usage, here are some tips:
1. **Download Maps for Offline Use:** Before you head out, download the maps of the areas you'll visit while you're connected to Wi-Fi. This means you won't use any data while navigating those downloaded areas.
2. **Use Wi-Fi Only Mode:** This setting ensures that Google Maps only connects to the internet when you're on Wi-Fi, preventing any data use when you're on mobile data.
3. **Disable Unrestricted Data Access:** In your phone settings, you can restrict Google Maps from using data in the background, which can save significant amounts of data.
4. **Avoid High Data Features:** Features like satellite view and live traffic updates use more data. Stick to simpler map views and try to avoid constantly zooming in and out or scrolling around unnecessarily.
These strategies should help make that 1GB go a lot further when using Google Maps for navigation. For detailed steps on setting these options, you might check out resources like Technipages or Mint Mobile's blog, which offer guides on reducing data usage for Google Maps.
As an experienced user of Textnow, those considering it should understand:
1) The usage requirement to keep your phone number alive and active seems to vary by area code, yet not specified to the user, although they do send out warning emails. It can vary from once every couple of weeks, to every couple of days. Once you lose your phone number, you can sign up for a new one.
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
3) They are notorious for suddenly cancelling your account if you have any use of a VPN on your phone. Apparently they view this as something non US users do to try to get a free Textnow account from overseas, and so cancel your account, without warning, upon detecting this.
4) The ads that are show on your phone, over time, are becoming more intrusive and more video orientated. Before, I hardly noticed the ads. Now they do bother me.
As such, I don't see this suitable for most people as their main cell number, but instead as something for a second, or backup phone, if you can accept the downsides to this service.
While I don't use TextNow with a SIM card and may not be familiar with all the finer details, one user mentioned that if you port your number in, you're exempt from the scheme to keep your phone number active. Also, Is it possible to use DNS with ad blocking to block their ads from the Android DNS settings?
I've had a free number through them for a few years or more now. Works decent enough through wifi. Don't think text codes work through it though unless you pay.
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1) The usage requirement to keep your phone number alive and active seems to vary by area code, yet not specified to the user, although they do send out warning emails. It can vary from once every couple of weeks, to every couple of days. Once you lose your phone number, you can sign up for a new one.
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
3) They are notorious for suddenly cancelling your account if you have any use of a VPN on your phone. Apparently they view this as something non US users do to try to get a free Textnow account from overseas, and so cancel your account, without warning, upon detecting this.
4) The ads that are show on your phone, over time, are becoming more intrusive and more video orientated. Before, I hardly noticed the ads. Now they do bother me.
As such, I don't see this suitable for most people as their main cell number, but instead as something for a second, or backup phone, if you can accept the downsides to this service.
I'm confused....when I go to sign up, I see nothing about an Free Essentials Plan with 1GB data/mo. Where is a link to that? In the app I downloaded, it goes straight to buying the SIM card. When do I pick the plan?
Where does it say anything about a free 1GB data/mo? Don't see that.
Edit: I found this page which explains the types of apps you can use the 1GB of data with. Apparently, it's NOT data that you can use for just anything you want to:
https://help.textnow.co
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https://hellomobile.com/shop/plans
or voip numbers that most services reject as fake?
Because I vaguely remember having a problem with their free service
ah ha see what I mean, nope, better just to get a $25/year tracfone
1) The usage requirement to keep your phone number alive and active seems to vary by area code, yet not specified to the user, although they do send out warning emails. It can vary from once every couple of weeks, to every couple of days. Once you lose your phone number, you can sign up for a new one.
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
3) They are notorious for suddenly cancelling your account if you have any use of a VPN on your phone. Apparently they view this as something non US users do to try to get a free Textnow account from overseas, and so cancel your account, without warning, upon detecting this.
4) The ads that are show on your phone, over time, are becoming more intrusive and more video orientated. Before, I hardly noticed the ads. Now they do bother me.
As such, I don't see this suitable for most people as their main cell number, but instead as something for a second, or backup phone, if you can accept the downsides to this service.
Google voice needs wifi to work.. I don't think deal needs wifi for texting and talk
Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank NotMeAgain
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank ROB.E.REIN
1. **Download Maps for Offline Use:** Before you head out, download the maps of the areas you'll visit while you're connected to Wi-Fi. This means you won't use any data while navigating those downloaded areas.
2. **Use Wi-Fi Only Mode:** This setting ensures that Google Maps only connects to the internet when you're on Wi-Fi, preventing any data use when you're on mobile data.
3. **Disable Unrestricted Data Access:** In your phone settings, you can restrict Google Maps from using data in the background, which can save significant amounts of data.
4. **Avoid High Data Features:** Features like satellite view and live traffic updates use more data. Stick to simpler map views and try to avoid constantly zooming in and out or scrolling around unnecessarily.
These strategies should help make that 1GB go a lot further when using Google Maps for navigation. For detailed steps on setting these options, you might check out resources like Technipages or Mint Mobile's blog, which offer guides on reducing data usage for Google Maps.
.
The best I can tell, is if you port in a number this no longer applies.
1) The usage requirement to keep your phone number alive and active seems to vary by area code, yet not specified to the user, although they do send out warning emails. It can vary from once every couple of weeks, to every couple of days. Once you lose your phone number, you can sign up for a new one.
2) Many, if not most of the SMS verification services will not work with Textnow numbers. I'm not going into all the details, but this is not a traditional carrier where your SIM card phone number is governed by the SIM card. In fact while there is a phone number associated to the SIM card, that number isn't usable to the customer. Instead Textnow assigns you another number, which is in effect a voice over IP number that it uses over your wifi connection, or when not present, Textnow's data connection.
3) They are notorious for suddenly cancelling your account if you have any use of a VPN on your phone. Apparently they view this as something non US users do to try to get a free Textnow account from overseas, and so cancel your account, without warning, upon detecting this.
4) The ads that are show on your phone, over time, are becoming more intrusive and more video orientated. Before, I hardly noticed the ads. Now they do bother me.
As such, I don't see this suitable for most people as their main cell number, but instead as something for a second, or backup phone, if you can accept the downsides to this service.
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