Does TextNow work without WiFi? Considering the world of overpriced phone plans and hidden phone charges we live in, I’m sure you have thought about this once or twice.
Suppose you have, then wonder no more. I’ll be taking you through all you need to know about TextNow.
TextNow does work without WiFi. However, you are still required to have an active mobile data plan. Using your regular SIM card will cost you the standard rates. However, using a TextNow SIM card is free.
TextNow provides a convenient way to communicate with your friends and family.
But it seems most of the public is oblivious to its many perks. I will be taking you through how to utilize and maximize all its features.
How Does TextNow Work?
TextNow is a service running on VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) that allows users to make calls and text any number in Canada & the U.S.
It utilizes local WiFi signals to provide users with charge-free texts and long-distance calls. Additionally, it offers users different plans each offering different features.
You can download the app from the Google Play store if you’re on android or the Apple store if you’re using an Apple device. You can also access TextNow on your pc from the website.
On installation, Textnow gives a user a phone number that can be used on a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Since its inception, it has expanded into a proper mobile virtual network operator(MVNO).
This means it piggybacks off of other cellular networks to provide you with wireless coverage.
To stand out from the rest, TextNow boasts of these two features:
- An Ad-supported free tier of services.
- An unlimited plan with the lowest prices in the market.
But what does all this mean to you as a user? Let’s go through a quick overview of what TextNow has to offer.
What Network Does TextNow Use?
At its inception, TextNow relied on Sprint’s CDMA network to provide cellular service. Since then, it has added T mobile’s GSM-based network to its mix.
However, as we saw earlier, cellular is only one side of the coin. Like other similar services, TextNow uses WiFi whenever possible for its calls, texts, and data services.
That focus on WiFi allows it to offer the lowest monthly rates for all its plans.
Does TextNow Work Without WiFi?
TextNow Works as well with Phone data as it does with WiFI. It can switch seamlessly from one network to the other based on the network that’s running on your device.
However, it’s well known that most plans from our regular providers are often overpriced, too restrictive, and have many hidden charges and lists of terms and conditions.
TextNow’s solution to this is the Free Nationwide Talk & Text service. It offers the same free services users get on WiFi.
All that's required from you as a user is a TextNow Sim card which you can buy from their Website.
Can You Get TextNow SIM Cards For Free?
Currently, you can get SIM cards for free, as TextNow is forgoing the normal $4.99 charge. The card will even be shipped to you free of charge.
As you proceed with the checkout process, the website prompts you for your current cell carrier, the IMEI/IMEID code for your phone, and the device model.
All these details are used to verify that your phone will work on TextNow’s network. You can also choose to purchase a supported phone from the TextNow website.
You are required to pick a CDMA or GSM SIM card based on your preference and service reliability in your location.
What Are The Best TextNow Plans?
TextNow offers flexible data add-ons that let you choose from 1 to 5 GB of high-speed data in addition to free nationwide calls and texts.
Data add-ons also let you make calls beyond U.S. borders with free roaming in Canada and Mexico.
To make the deal even sweeter, TextNow provides unlimited 2G data until your next billing cycle.
Like their whole business model, TextNow’s plans are also competitively priced while still offering a good amount of data.
TextNow Data Plans
Their data allotments are as follows:
- 1 GB of LTE data for $8.99 a month.
- 2 GB of LTE data for $15.99 a month.
- 3 GB of LTE data for $19.99 a month.
- 5 GB of LTE data for $27.99 a month
In contrast, T-Mobile charges $40 to purchase a similar 5 GB plan.
Note: All data plans offer unlimited text and talk time.
Recommended TextNow Monthly Plans
However, their most intriguing plan is the unlimited data plan at $39.99 monthly.
This is arguably the cheapest plan on the market and is an assurance that you are getting the best deal available.
For budget-conscious users who don’t need mobile data but still want to use TextNow ad-free, you can turn to TextNow’s calls and texts plan at $9.99.
They also offer family plans which allow you to get more lines at a discount.
Notable Features That TextNow Offers
TextNow monthly plans offer unlimited calls and texts to Canada and the U.S on the free plan.
It also lets you top up credit to your account by watching ads, completing surveys, or installing apps.
The amount of credit you get varies depending on your task. The tasks can vary from signing up for a service to installing an app.
Both users on the free and paid plans are eligible to earn credit using these methods.
One final perk is international calling from within the U.S. at immensely customer-friendly rates. It is, however, limited to calling from within the United States and Canada.
Note: You can still make calls and send texts over WiFi when you're overseas.
TalkNow also offers multiple “good value” phones that support their network, and true to TalkNow’s nature, most of the phones are on sale at throw-away prices compared to other larger carriers.
You can even agree on a long-term payment plan that serves you.
How TextNow Keeps Phone Service Free
In-app ads support TextNow’s free wireless service. They source their funding from advertisers so that you never have to.
All that’s required of you is to pay the one-time SIM card fee, and you get connected to the country’s largest 5G/4G network.
Any additional charges to remove ads, purchase add-ons, lock in your phone number, or add high-speed data to your account, are always optional.
What’s The Catch?
With TextNow, there is no catch. Their offer is straightforward. View unobtrusive ads on the app and never have to pay a phone bill again.
Unlike other providers in the market, TextNow:
- Does not charge any hidden fees.
- Does not impose contracts.
- Has no fixed long-term billing plans.
- Guarantees flexibility.
Read Next: How To Text Someone That Blocked You?
Bottom Line
After that deep dive into the topic, it is my belief that your question, does TextNow work without WiFi, has been answered.
We have exhausted the issue covering what TextNow is, how it works, how it is billed, and how best you can utilize and take advantage of all its perks.
I believe that from our discussion, you have adequate skills to decide whether or not to use the service.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.