By Alex Carter, Editor at GetVerifyCode
To get a new TextNow number, open the TextNow app, go to Settings, then Account, then TextNow Number, and tap Release Number in the three-dot menu. Then pick a new number by area code. TextNow lets you change your number once every 15 days, and a released number can't be returned to you.
Key facts
- A temporary activation stays live for about 20 minutes, so it suits one-time codes, not a number you keep.
- If no SMS arrives before the timeout, the unused credit returns to your wallet.
- Need the same number for days? Rentals keep one number for the rental period.
- GetVerifyCode lists numbers in 194+ countries, and the live catalog covers 1,600+ services.
Does TextNow give you a phone number?
Yes. TextNow's help centre says that when you sign up, in the app or online, you enter a US or Canadian area code and it shows you a list of about ten numbers in that area code to choose from. Numbers are available in most US and Canadian area codes.
Two details matter before you change anything. First, a brand-new number that isn't used to call or text anyone can expire within the first 24 hours of activation, so make one call or send one text to any US or Canadian number soon after you pick it. Second, TextNow can't assign or restore a specific number, so you can choose an area code, not exact digits. If you want more say over the digits, read can you create your own phone number.
How do you get a new TextNow number?
At the time of writing, TextNow's How to change your number page lists these steps:
- Open the TextNow app on your TextNow phone.
- Tap the Menu button, then tap the Settings icon.
- Tap Account.
- Tap TextNow Number.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top right-hand corner.
- Tap Release Number to complete the change.
- When the app asks, enter the area code you want and pick one of the numbers it shows.
You can do this once every 15 days. Menu names can change between app versions, so if a step looks different, check TextNow's help page for the current wording.
What happens to your old TextNow number?
It's gone for good. TextNow says a number change is irreversible, and once you release a number it can't be returned to you. Released and inactive numbers go back into TextNow's pool, so someone else may get your old number later.
That's why you should move your accounts first. Before you tap Release Number:
- List the apps and sites that send codes to your TextNow number, such as email, banking, social and shopping accounts.
- Change the phone number in each account's settings while the old number still works.
- Move two-step verification to an authenticator app where you can, and save backup codes.
- Tell friends and contacts your new number once you have it.
For a full checklist, see how to get a new phone number without losing access.
TextNow also explains how to keep a number you like. Per its page on recycled numbers, calling or texting at least once a day from a free number keeps it active, and its Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscriptions lock the number to your account while the subscription lasts. TextNow sends a warning message before it revokes an inactive number.
Can a new TextNow number receive verification codes?
Sometimes, with limits. TextNow's page Does TextNow Support Verification Codes? says you can receive most verification codes by activating a TextNow SIM card or buying a Lock In Number or Ad-Free+ subscription. It also says Canadian verification codes are largely unsupported at this time.
Even then, the app sending the code decides. TextNow notes that some services don't support its numbers for verification or two-factor authentication, because they are VoIP numbers. If a service does accept VoIP numbers but the text doesn't come through, TextNow suggests trying verification by phone call if that option exists. To understand why apps treat line types differently, read VoIP vs non-VoIP numbers for verification, and if you see an error, see this phone number can't be used for verification.
Which option fits your verification codes?
- Free TextNow number: fairly private, works for few codes on its own, free with ads, best for calling and texting people over Wi-Fi.
- TextNow number with its SIM or a subscription: fairly private, works for many codes (each service decides), cost set by TextNow, best when you want to keep one TextNow number for accounts.
- Your own SIM: not private, works for most apps, your plan cost, best for banking and accounts you keep for years.
- Temporary receive-only number: private, often works (each app decides), live price per service, best for a single sign-up code, never for an account you need to recover later.
- Free public SMS sites: not private (anyone can read the inbox), rarely work, free, best only for low-stakes tests.
When does a temporary number help?
If one app won't send its one-time code to your TextNow number, a temporary number from GetVerifyCode can receive that single SMS. You choose the service and country, confirm the live quote, and the number appears right away. For apps like WhatsApp, start from the WhatsApp verification page. For other options, compare TextNow alternatives for SMS codes and Google Voice alternatives.
Top up your wallet from $1. Each number is priced live per service and country, and you see the quote before you confirm. If no SMS arrives in about 20 minutes, the unused credit returns to your wallet. Current rates are on the pricing page.
Some apps reject virtual numbers. Acceptance is decided by the app, not by us. If you need one number for days, use rentals instead of a short activation.
Is it legal to change or use a different number?
Changing your TextNow number is a normal account setting under TextNow's terms. Using a temporary number to protect your privacy, travel, or test your own app is generally lawful in many places, but laws differ by country and each app sets its own terms. Check both. Never use it for fraud, impersonation, or getting around a ban. For more detail, read are temporary phone numbers legal and our acceptable use policy.
Related guides
- TextNow alternatives for SMS codes
- Google Voice alternative for verification codes
- How to get a free phone number
- Foreign number for WhatsApp verification
Need one code without giving out your TextNow number? Get started with GetVerifyCode.
About the author: Alex Carter is the editor at GetVerifyCode. Alex tests SMS verification routes across services and countries and writes plain-language guides on receiving OTP codes safely.
GetVerifyCode is not affiliated with the apps named in this article. Follow each app's terms and local law.
FAQ
FAQ
Maybe. WhatsApp decides which numbers it accepts, and VoIP numbers are often refused. TextNow says most codes need its SIM or a subscription. For other routes, see foreign numbers for WhatsApp.
Yes. You enter a US or Canadian area code and choose from a short list of numbers in that area code, per TextNow's help centre.
Once every 15 days, according to TextNow. You release the current number in the app's account settings and pick a new one.
No. TextNow says a released number can't be returned to you, and it can't assign or restore specific numbers.
Free numbers that go unused can be recycled. TextNow sends a warning first and says calling or texting once a day keeps a free number active.
Yes. When you sign up or pick a new number, you enter the US or Canadian area code you want and choose from the numbers shown.
