There are hundreds of communication apps available on the Google Play Store or App Store, but one app in particular is getting some attention from kids and teens. That’s TextNow app, which provides users with real phone numbers to make calls and send messages over Wi-Fi.
As with any app that allows kids to communicate with people online, parents are rightfully wondering, “Is TextNow safe?” This article reviews exactly what TextNow is, how people use it, whether it has safety features, and how parents can keep their kids safe online while also building healthy digital habits.
Key Takeaways
- TextNow is a user-friendly app that provides a free phone number in the U.S. or Canada for users to make and receive phone calls and text messages.
- There are no built-in safety features, and messages are not end-to-end encrypted.
- People may want a second phone number for work or to keep their real phone number private when contacting people.
- TextNow offers a free plan with in-app ads and 1 GB of data, or paid subscriptions with unlimited calling and texting, data, and an ad-free experience.
- Parents can use Findmykids to better understand their child’s digital habits, manage screen time, and stay connected through location and safety features.
Contents:
What Is TextNow and How Does TextNow Work?
TextNow is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that provides users with American or Canadian phone numbers to make free calls or send texts. Essentially, it allows people to have a different phone number than the one their mobile carrier provides.
Voice over Internet Protocol simply means that calls and texts are sent through the internet (Wi-Fi or mobile data) instead of a traditional phone network.
People might use a TextNow account to have a second phone number for work or to call or text without paying a mobile provider. Additionally, since the phone number works over Wi-Fi and data, people can use it when traveling and avoid paying extra carrier charges.
To use the app, TextNow requires users to download the app to their device, create an account, choose an available phone number and area code, and either download a free eSIM or order a TextNow SIM card. Then, they can use that number to make calls or send texts through the app when connected to Wi-Fi or data. It’s also possible to use the number on multiple devices through a web app to make and receive unlimited texts and calls.
While TextNow is a free service with the Free Flex Plan, users can purchase premium subscriptions and data plans. These remove annoying ads and include unlimited data and nationwide unlimited talk and text. Plans start at $8.99 per week or $35.99 per month. TextNow also offers a Daily Data Pass, which provides unlimited data for 24 hours.
Premium features, such as international calling, can also be added to a TextNow number. This is useful for business or personal communication while traveling or for making overseas calls. However, it’s important to note that TextNow is only available in certain countries. Starting July 30, 2026, it will operate only in the United States, cutting coverage in Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico for new accounts.
Is a TextNow Number a Real Phone Number?
Yes, TextNow provides real virtual phone numbers that allow users to make and receive calls and texts. However, since TextNow is a VoIP service, communication takes place through Wi-Fi and data, not a traditional mobile carrier.
Is TextNow Anonymous?
TextNow provides some privacy during communication, but not truly anonymous. That means when someone uses the phone number, the recipients will see that number when they receive the call or text. However, TextNow will not share the name, email address, or other personal information connected to that phone number.
In other words, TextNow provides a level of privacy that separates a user’s personal number from their calls and messages, but it doesn’t guarantee complete anonymity. For parents, this could raise concerns because harmful users could contact their child. However, this would be possible through either a VoIP or a primary phone number.
Is TextNow a Social Media or Random Chat App?
TextNow is a VoIP service, not a social media platform or a chat app. It is not possible to connect with other people through suggestions on the app or find phone numbers they would not otherwise have access to. It simply provides users with a phone number to use as they would normally.
What Age is TextNow Appropriate For?
Users must be at least 13 years old to create a TextNow account. However, parents should consider whether their child is mature and responsible enough to have a phone number to communicate with friends and family.
In some instances, TextNow could be a good option for families who do not want to pay for a dedicated phone line yet, but would like to reach their child when they are connected to Wi-Fi. It also allows children to contact their parents when needed.
What Safety Features Does TextNow Provide?
TextNow does not offer built-in parental controls or child safety features that many parents expect from apps designed for younger users. For example, parents cannot set screen time limits, approve contacts, or monitor conversations directly within the app.
TextNow also does not provide end-to-end encryption for messages. This means users should avoid sharing highly sensitive information, such as passwords, financial details, or private documents, through TextNow messages.
Because TextNow is a free service supported by advertising, users may also see in-app ads. As with many free apps, some advertisements may not be appropriate for every age group, which is why parental guidance and device-level controls can be helpful.
What Are the Main TextNow Safety Risks?
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TextNow works like a regular phone number, so many risks are similar to those parents already know from traditional calls and text messages. However, virtual numbers, free accounts, and recycled phone numbers can create additional situations families should understand.
| Safety risk | What can happen | What parents should know |
| Unwanted contacts | Spam, automated messages, telemarketers, scammers, random-number contacts, or messages meant for a previous owner of the number | TextNow does not publish users’ numbers publicly, but any phone number can receive unwanted calls or messages. Teach children not to respond to unknown contacts and how to block them |
| Recycled phone numbers | A previously used number may later be assigned to another person. This can lead to messages from old contacts, account recovery issues, or confusion about who controls the number | A virtual number should not be the only recovery method for important accounts |
| Phishing and scams | Fake delivery notifications, account alerts, job offers, prize messages, requests for passwords, or verification codes | Children should learn not to click unexpected links or share personal information through messages |
| Harassment and impersonation | Someone may repeatedly contact a child, pretend to be a friend or company, or continue contacting them from another number | Children should know how to block and report unwanted interactions and when to involve a trusted adult |
| Grooming and inappropriate communication | Someone may ask personal questions, request private images, move conversations to other platforms, or pressure a child to keep communication secret | These risks exist across many communication apps, not only TextNow. Open conversations about online boundaries are important |
| Account security issues | Weak passwords, phishing, shared devices, or old logged-in sessions may allow someone to access an account | Use strong passwords, protect the connected email account, and review active devices regularly |
| Privacy, ads, and purchases | The free version includes advertising, and users may see optional paid features or subscriptions | Parents should review privacy settings, explain advertising, and enable purchase approval where possible |
How Parents Can Make TextNow Safer for Kids
While TextNow does not have built-in protections or parental control settings, there are ways parents can make TextNow safe for kids.
Download the Findmykids App
Findmykids app
One way to keep your kids or teens safe when using the TextNow app is with the third-party parental control app Findmykids. This app provides a 360-degree view of how your child uses their phone while also allowing parents to set screen time limits and block access to apps and websites with inappropriate content.
With monitoring features like daily and weekly screen time and activity reports, parents can regularly check when their child uses specific apps and how long they spend using them. This is crucial for parents who want to keep track of what their kids are doing and what screen time limits to implement.
Findmykids also helps parents create healthier phone routines. They can set screen time schedules for specific apps, limit access to social media or messaging apps like TextNow during school hours or at night, and use additional safety features:
- Real-time location tracking — see where a child is throughout the day.
- Location history — check previous routes and visited places.
- Place alerts — receive notifications when a child arrives at or leaves important locations.
- Loud Signal — send a loud alert to a child’s phone even if it is on silent mode.
- Sound Around — hear what is happening near a child’s device when extra reassurance is needed.
Download Findmykids today for free to help your child use their phone more safely while building trust and independence!
Teach Children About Unknown Contacts
Since TextNow is a phone number, your child could potentially receive calls or messages from unknown contacts. Have a conversation about how this can be dangerous when speaking with people they don’t know over the phone.
Let them know that many unknown phone numbers end up being scams. So, they should ignore them if they don’t know who it is or block the contact.
Set Communication Boundaries
Clear boundaries—such as who your child can contact through their TextNow number or how much time they can spend on the app—are important. Agree on these rules before allowing your child to use TextNow, so they understand what is and isn’t acceptable.
Create Healthy Smartphone Habits
Ultimately, when your child has a smartphone, it’s a good idea to set healthy digital habits and boundaries. On average, kids spend more than 5 hours in front of a screen per day, much more than the recommended 2 hours. Therefore, setting screen time limits is one of the best things parents can do for their children.
Plus, teaching kids responsible online behavior—such as keeping personal information private and being careful about who they share it with—is an important part of digital safety.
Should Parents Let Kids Use TextNow?
TextNow provides free communication service through virtual phone numbers over Wi-Fi and data. It could be a good option for families who do not want to pay for a phone line for their child just yet. However, TextNow is not as reliable as a traditional primary phone service in that the device must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
If your child already has a traditional phone number, parents should consider whether a second number through TextNow is necessary. Talking openly about why they want one can help families make the right decision together.
If a child does use TextNow or other communication apps, it’s important to agree on basic safety rules and have a way to stay connected. Apps like Findmykids can help parents check their child’s location, stay informed during the day, and support independence while keeping safety in mind.
FAQs
Is TextNow safe for a 13-year-old?
The minimum age to create a TextNow account is 13 years old. For teens, the app can be a convenient way to stay connected, but like any communication tool, it requires responsible use. Parents can help by discussing privacy, online safety, clear boundaries, and using tools like Findmykids to stay connected with their child before they start using the service.
Can a TextNow number be traced?
Yes, it is possible to trace a TextNow phone number through legal processes. However, ordinary recipients cannot identify TextNow users simply from their virtual phone number.
Can strangers contact you on TextNow?
Yes, if a stranger has a TextNow phone number, they can call or message that person without limitations. However, unwanted contacts can be blocked if they continue trying to get in touch.
Is TextNow safe for verification codes?
TextNow can be used to receive verification codes through the TextNow SIM card or by purchasing a subscription for Lock In Number or Ad-Free+. However, if you need codes from a bank, email, or for password recovery, a traditional phone number is more reliable.
Are TextNow messages end-to-end encrypted?
No, TextNow does not offer end-to-end encryption for messages through the app. If you want end-to-end encryption, consider using apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram.
Is TextNow safer than regular texting?
TextNow offers similar communication features to regular texting, but it uses a separate phone number that can provide additional privacy in some situations. But it is not considered safer than regular texting.
Sources & References
- TextNow Review (2026): Pricing, Pros And Cons, Forbes, 2025
- Why VoIP Scams Keep Spreading, and Why They’re Hard to Stop, SanTrac Technologies, 2026
- Average Amount of Screen Time for Children and Young Adults, American Academy of Pediatrics, 2026
- We’re Making Phone Service Simple, TextNow
- 2026 Service Update Outside of the United States, TextNow Support, 2026
Cover image: https://www.facebook.com/TextNow/
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