How to activate and use a TextNow SIM Card?

TextNow SIM card provide an opportunity to start a journey of cheap calls and messages. While allowing parents to feel comfortable about their children’s communication.

In this article, we will look at what you need to do to get going with the TextNow SIM card. As well as its key features and even important settings.

You will also find out how you can get more out of TextNow. While also protecting children from potential dangers of the internet through features such as monitoring and restrictions.

What is TextNow SIM Card?

TextNow is a type of mobile service that falls somewhere in between conventional cellular service and users accessing Web-based communication services.

It began as a VIP app enabling its users to make voice calls and exchange text messages via the Internet connection.

However, to cut along the demand of their customers, the company has upgraded their service and added both Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity.

The TextNow SIM card allows users to subscribe to TextNow’s wireless network in the United States, if a Wi-Fi connection is not available.

What sets it apart from conventional SIM cards is its dual connectivity model, its pricing structure and its capabilities.

Unlike most SIM cards that demand their users to pay a monthly fee, TextNow offers users free unlimited calling and texting. With the company making up for the costs through advertisements.

Further, it offers free app and data plans for the internet connection. Which makes it a cheaper service provider for users who are in need of flexible and affordable mobile service.

How to activate and use a TextNow SIM Card?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to activate and begin using a TextNow SIM card.

1. Insert the SIM Card.

First of all, switch your phone’s mode to airplane mode.

Now use the SIM eject tool (or a paperclip) to pull the SIM tray on your phone outwards.

Insert your TextNow SIM card into the SIM card tray making sure it sits correctly (Most devices use a nano SIM).

2. Download and open the TextNow App.

Download the TextNow application from the Google’s play store or the Apple App store.

To get started, you need to open the TextNow application on your mobile phone or tablet.

3. Sign in or create an account.

Use your current TextNow account or sign up for a new account if you’ve never signed in before.

4. Activate your SIM card.

Click on the menu option which is primarily found in the top left corner of the page.

Click on “Activate my SIM card.”

Continue with the prompts on the screen to conclude activation. You may be required to input the 4 digit extension number of your ICCID which is found on the SIM card.

5. Set Up APN settings

For iPhone, turn to Settings, scroll down to find Cellular, and enter the section which says Cellular Data Network.

If you are using Android go to Settings then to Network & Internet. Consequently go to Mobile Network, then tap on Advanced, and finally, Access Point Names.

In the APN field, enter textnow.static (in lower case).

6. Test your connection.

For this test, turn off Wi-Fi on your device.

Check your connectivity by making a call or sending a message through the TextNow app.

Your TextNow SIM card is now should now be activated and you can have all the talk and text you want without worrying about phone bills.

TextNow SIM Card vs. traditional SIM Cards

The TextNow SIM card has advantages over regular SIM cards offered by companies such as Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.

To get a better understanding about it, let’s compare the prices, functions, and advantages of these networks in a table.

Benefits of using TextNow SIM Card

• Cost-effective. It has unlimited talk and text for free with ads.

• No contracts. Freedom of no obligations, long-term contracts.

• Easy activation. It’s easy to set up especially if you are a new user to the software.

• It is compatible with various devices. Works on any unlocked mobile device.

Drawbacks of using the TextNow SIM Card

• Limited features. May not have some of the extra elements which the major players in the market have such as the network coverage offered.

• Data limitations. Free data is limited with charges for the higher data reception.

• Ad-supported model. Some users may find that ads are interfering with their use of the site.

• Network dependency. Dependent on the T-Mobile network coverage, which may be different across the different regions.

The key differences between TextNow SIM card and a traditional SIM card is flexibility and price on one side, and extensive and constant coverage on the other side.

Benefits of using a TextNow SIM Card

Having a TextNow SIM card has many advantages that will appeal to customers who need cheap and versatile connections.

1. Free texting and calling in the U.S.

TextNow brings a fresh perspective towards mobile communication as it allows consumers to text and call for free within United States. The service is supported by ads, however.

Consumers are able to call domestically as much as they want and text as much as they want for free. The only cost associated with the service is the cost of the SIM card.

2. International calling options

TextNow also offers reasonable international calling tariffs so that customers can stay connected with their loved one in other countries.

Customers can dial several international locations, including Mexico, Brazil, the UK, and several other countries starting at $0 per minute.

It enables users to stay connected with friends and families around the world without going bankrupt.

3. Wi-Fi calling and texting

TextNow SIM card supports Wi-Fi calling and texting to ensure that users can text and make a call. Even if their cell signal is not reachable.

This feature operates by connecting the calls through WiFi networks. Which is quite handy at locations with spotty cellular signal. Its advantages include.

• Cost savings. Users are able to save on their cellular data charges by using Wi-Fi.

• Improved connectivity. Both calls and messages can be made from areas that may not have cellular coverage at all.

• Seamless experience. The users can easily transfer from a Wi-Fi connection to cellular connection and vice versa without the interruption of a conversation.

4. Affordable plans for data, talk, and text

Besides free calling and texting, the TextNow possesses versatile data plans that meet the needs of a user.

The TextNow SIM card provides basic data for application such as email and maps without any charge

For those users who will need additional data, TextNow has fairly priced packages ranging from $0.99.

The potential risks of using a TextNow SIM Card for kids

Children can also use a TextNow SIM card for communication with a lot of convenience. But there are some issues that parents should consider.

Below are some of some of the main issues that may arise.

• Inappropriate Content. Because the platform is open, it is possible to send a message, or call anybody who has a phone number. Hence, children may receive improper messages or calls.

• Lack of parental controls. TextNow lacks integrated parenting controls and filtering. This means that parents have a problem to supervise the child’s activity and determine whether it is secure.

• Risk of cyberbullying. TextNow has the potential of being used to undertake cyberbullying. Since the number is not linked to the user, he or she may be encouraged to post harassing messages.

• Predatory behavior. As TextNow provides the possibility to call anyone, children may receive calls from strangers with bad intentions.

• Uncontrollable advertisements. It contains ads and that means children may come across some ads that they shouldn’t be exposed to.

Knowing these risks, parents will be able to act correctly and explain to children how to behave on the Internet. And discuss what rules are allowed for using the TextNow SIM card.

How to protect your kids when they using the TextNow?

Although, the TextNow SIM card is very cheap to use for communication. It is very important to monitor your child and guide them on the best ways to use this useful device.

By integrating the SIM card with a parental control software like FlashGet Kids. The parents have better chances of keeping track of their child’s online activity.

FlashGet Kids serves as a detailed security system that helps parents to monitor children. And protect them through the provision of numerous features.

Here’s how FlashGet Kids can be useful.

Real-time monitoring of calls and texts

With FlashGet Kids tool, parents are able to monitor call and text messages sent through TextNow in real time.

This means that any form of contact that seems to be dubious or rather unwanted are immediately noticed. And thus parents are assured of their kid’s safety.

Setting time limits on TextNow usage

In order to promote healthy use of the phone. FlashGet Kids allows the parents to set the amount of time that the child can spend using TextNow.

If a child only stays a limited amount of time texting or calling. Then they can engage in other better activities such as school work or family time.

Daily usage reports

FlashGet Kids is able to produce detailed daily reports which will allow the parent to see how a child uses TextNow.

These reports consist of the number of calls made, texts sent, and the amount of time spent on the app. This is to let parents know what their child gets up to in the online space.

Real-time snapshots

Using the snapshot feature, parents are able to take screenshots of their child’s interaction in their TextNow device at any given time.

This feature, activated by a timer, provides a view of what your child is doing and eliminates the possibility of misusing the app.

FAQs

Conclusion

A TextNow SIM card provides a cheap and versatile means of communication that can dramatically change the way you communicate.

Despite its affordable price and a range of opportunities it offers to its users. Parents should be very cautious while using this service for their children.

But then, using TextNow with FlashGet Kids will allow you to control their communication process in real time, set restrictions, and generate detailed reports on activities.