Changing your TextNow number can seem like a daunting task. But it is actually a very simple process that gives your the ability to control your communication. This ultimate guide on how to change your TextNow number will guide you through everything you need to know to make the change as smooth as possible.
We will also look at tips that will help you keep your kids safe when they use TextNow. And make sure that their digital communication will continue to be secure.
Why users might want to change their TextNow number?
Users can have several reasons for wanting to change their TextNow number, especially if it is about securing children from online dangers or preserving their privacy.
Below are some of the most common reasons.
1. Stopping cyberbullying
Suppose a child is being bullied and is receiving threatening and harmful messages. Changing their TextNow number can help to stop communication and stop the emotional distress.
Often bullies will target their victims over and over again and getting a new number can help children feel safe and relieved.
2. Avoiding unsolicited messages and spam
Spam calls and messages have the tendency to show up in your phone inbox too often as a result of these phone numbers being on so many marketing lists over time.
This is especially concerning for children because they may not recognize phishing attempts and scams disguised as promotional messages.
Changing a TextNow number can help remove these unwanted interruptions and bring about a safer, more private communication environment.
3. Maintaining privacy and anonymity
There are some users who prefer to keep their personal and online identities separate and use different numbers for different purposes.
A private number that isn’t well known to other people can be helpful for the privacy of children and teenagers.
If your kids have shared their TextNow number publicly in forums, social media, or with unknown people, parents may encourage them to change their number.
4. Resetting after a security breach
A compromised number is a serious security risk in this day and age with data breaches and account hacking becoming more common.
If a child’s number has been exposed in a data leak, changing the number is an important step to secure a child’s personal information.
5. Managing social circles and online influence
Children also may wish to move away from particular social circles or online groups as they get older.
By changing their TextNow number, they will be able to begin anew, away from the negative or toxic friendships or people that could be influencing their health and well-being.
Understanding TextNow’s number policy
With TextNow, users can change their phone number as many times as they want ( but once every 15 days) for those who frequently have to change their contact info.
Once a number has been changed, you are not able to go back to the original number.
That means users need to be sure they want to change their number, because that number will be permanently released from their account.
TextNow supports number porting as well and lets users bring their own number from another carrier.
To do this, you need to buy a TextNow SIM card and enter relevant information from the previous carrier.
Can you change your number for free or does it cost?
Switching to a new number costs nothing and therefore is an easy option for anybody who wants a fresh start. However, there are some limitations.
- Waiting period between changes. TextNow limits how often you can replace your number. You will usually have to wait 15 days before you can make another number change request.
- Number availability. The number you receive is a random number based on availability in your area code. There is no possibility for users to choose a specific number.
- Account activity requirement. Your TextNow account will be reassigned to someone else if your account is inactive for a long period of time.
TextNow also offers a “Lock In Number” add on for $4.99 per month to keep your number locked within your account.
This add-on makes sure, that even if you don’t use the service, your number continues staying linked with your account.
What happens to your old number after changing it?
When you change your TextNow number, your old number is released back into TextNow’s pool of available numbers.
This means that the number can be reassigned to another user who requests a new number via the app.
After the number is reassigned, you will no longer have access to it. Any calls or messages sent to that old number will go to the new user that has been assigned it.
This is something to keep in mind, especially if you had already shared your old number to contacts or used it with some account verifications.
However, after changing your number, it’s a good idea to let your important contacts know of your new number so that you stay in touch.
Furthermore, if you have ever used the old number for two factor authentication or for online accounts, you will need to update them with the new number to avoid any access interruptions.
Parenting in the digital age.
How to change TextNow number?
Changing TextNow number is a simple thing to do if you need a new start or wish to protect your privacy. Here is what to do to switch to a new number with ease.
1. Open the TextNow App.
- Get the TextNow app on your device and launch it.
- Make sure that you are logged in your account.
2. Access the Settings Menu.
- Go to the top of the app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines).
- From the menu, select Settings.
3. Navigate to Account Settings.
- Head to the settings menu and tap on Account.
- Here, look for the option named TextNow Number and click on it.
4. Release your current number.
- Tap on the option to Release Number. This will permanently remove your current number from your account.
- Do confirm your decision, considering this action is irreversible.
5. Choose a New Number
- Once you’ve released your old number, TextNow will give you a list of available numbers to select from.
- You can search by area code to select a number that’s in your area code or area of choice.
6. Confirm and Verify
- After selecting a new number, confirm it.
- The process may end with TextNow requiring a verification step.
If you need to, also let your contacts know about your new number so there are no disruption in communication.
With these steps, updating your TextNow number can be done effortlessly and without interruption. So that you or your children can continue to communicate in a safe manner.
Integrating parental controls after changing the number
Once you’ve changed your child’s TextNow number, there are some additional steps to take to keep your child safe online.
Integrating a parental control app such as FlashGet Kids into their device is one effective way to go about it.
This powerful tool is a great option for parents to monitor and control their child’s digital activity. As well as get a sense of comfort and another layer of protection.
Below is how FlashGet Kids can protect your child’s new number and their overall online experience.
Monitoring calls and messages:
The screen mirroring and one-way audio features of FlashGet Kids. Allow parents to monitor incoming and outgoing calls and messages on their child’s device in real time.
This is particularly useful in detecting unknown contacts, or contacts that might be suspicious when they call the new number.
Parents have the ability to monitor communication. This will enable them to react quickly if there are potential risks, such as cyberbullying or interaction with unwanted people.
Setting app restrictions and screen time limits:
FlashGet Kids helps set restrictions on app usage, as well as enforcing screen time limits.
This makes sure that children don’t spend too many hours with their devices. Or put it to use in ways that are detrimental to their safety.
If parents want to discourage their kids from spending too much time on social media. They can choose to block apps registered with the new number during study hours or gaming hours.
Usage reports and conversation insights:
The detailed usage reports from FlashGet Kids include information about the conversations your child has had.
It helps the parents understand the way their child communicates. And points out any red flags, like communication with strange people or inappropriate language.
Conclusion
One simple yet effective way to keep your child safe online, to avoid unwanted contacts and increase privacy is to change your TextNow number.
If you follow this ultimate guide on how to change TextNow number, you will be able to change to a new number without any insecurity.
Parents can also combine this new number with FlashGet Kids monitoring tools to generate a safety system that protects children while embracing their independence.
FAQs
The free version of TextNow will typically allow you to change your number every 15 days. However, premium subscribers have a bit more flexibility and can change their numbers more often (sometimes as often as they like without waiting periods).
Unfortunately after you change your TextNow number your old number is immediately released back into TextNow’s pool of available numbers. This means that it could be assigned to another user pretty much immediately. Once confirmed, there is no grace period and no opportunity to get your previous number back.
Yes, it is completely free for all users to change your TextNow number. No matter if you’re using the free version or a paid subscription, you can change your number without any cost. Free users, however, need to be aware that their number can be reassigned if they do not use it regularly.
