Communications apps have come a long way since the early 2000s, and there are countless options that focus on security and anonymity. TextMe has gained a lot of popularity lately by giving users the ability to text and call as much as they want for free. Yet, users and parents are beginning to question whether TextMe is safe. This post will look at different things about TextMe, paying close attention to its features, possible risks and safety, mainly as parents concern themselves with their children’s security. We work to give parents and users a clear picture of how the app operates and what they need to know before using it.
What is TextMe?
TextMe is an app for sending messages, calling people and sharing multimedia by connecting over the internet. You can get a virtual “burner number” with the app so that your personal phone number stays private during communication. You can download TextMe without charge on both Android and iOS devices, so it’s available to many people. Because users can use the app over Wi-Fi, avoiding expensive phone service, it is a popular choice for anyone watching their expenses carefully.
In addition to simple texting and calling, TextMe enables users to make international calls and send messages at an affordable price. Still, although using the app is always free, certain premium features are only accessible if you purchase credits or a subscription. Among the services you can buy are ads being, access to special phone numbers and credits for international calls.
Many find TextMe a helpful tool, but parents and other users are concerned about the safety of young internet users when they use the app. A virtual number helps keep a person anonymous, but this also puts them at risk of scams and cyberbullying.
What is TextMe age rating?
Ensuring that an app is suitable for their children is always something parents should consider. Both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store require users of the TextMe app to be 12 and older. Mostly, the age restriction is due to the app’s ability to connect users directly with other individuals using text messages, calls and contacts who aren’t always recognized by the app.
The app does not include any adult content, but it could still allow users to receive messages they did not ask for which could worry younger teenagers. There is always the possibility that someone will send inappropriate messages, create spam or become an online predator. Since users can’t block any messages on TextMe, this exposes young people to possible issues.
It is also possible to send pictures or voice clips using the app. When teens don’t realize it, they may inadvertently share sensitive data with strangers. That is why parents have to see if their kid is ready to handle the dangers involved in using TextMe. Sometimes, older teens are reliable with the app, while younger users need a bit more overseeing.
Does TextMe have parental controls?
No app meant for kids or teens should be without parental controls. There are no parental control settings available with TextMe. Without any controls, parents struggle to follow their kids’ actions in the app. It worries many parents that their children might connect with people they have not vetted or view content they should not see online.
With TextMe, parents have little they can do to guarantee their child’s safety as long as anyone can call them. The app helps users to report suspicious numbers or activity, but it can’t act before someone is harmed.
Parents can watch over how their child uses TextMe with help from apps like FlashGet Kids. With FlashGet Kids, you can watch how long your child uses certain apps, as well as block unwanted content and filter who your child can contact. A third-party parental control tool lets parents guide their child’s internet use while still using apps like TextMe.
Use parental controls to track your kid’s interaction.
Although TextMe doesn’t come with its own parental controls, parents should talk to their teens about the possible dangers of using the app. Explaining the importance of safe and responsible use of TextMe is valuable and results in safer communication for teens.
Is TextMe really free?
Sending text messages and making calls is free for users within the TextMe app. The app is attractive to those who would rather skip regular phone plans and to those who need a different number for privacy reasons.
Still, you’ll find that only the primary tools are available to try without money. International calling, ad removal and getting more phone numbers are special features that must be paid for. Users must purchase credits within the app to make international calls. They can also get extra features such as voicemail and custom numbers for a price.
Users who’d rather not see ads can choose to pay to remove them. With the paid version, users can interact more flexibly, but keep in mind that there will be intrusive ads in the free version.
All you need to do for basic texting and calling is sign up for TextMe, but advanced features require credits or a paid plan. Still, it lets you use its main tools for free, but you must pay for the extras.
Is TextMe really anonymous?
A big draw of TextMe is that it provides a virtual phone number which is commonly referred to as a “burner number.” That way, communication with others is a bit more private for users. Because a username isn’t connected to a user’s phone number, it keeps their identity more private. You can use this service to ensure your private number stays private, for example, if you sign up online or talk to those you don’t know.
Regardless of anonymity, TextMe does not fully protect your privacy. You will need to give some personal information, including your email address, to use the app and they may collect additional device data as well. Also, services store conversations and call logs on its servers, making them available to the company or to police if necessary. For this reason, TextMe does not guarantee complete privacy.
People should be careful if communicating sensitive information on the app. Remember that the app’s protection is not perfect and if there’s a security incident, your data could still be at risk.
Is TextMe safe?
Safety is a big issue for TextMe, mainly due to privacy, data security and the way users interact. Parents and users should learn about the risks before using the app.
Privacy & data protection
Just like with any app that gathers user information, people are mainly concerned about privacy. Users need to provide several types of personal information to use TextMe, including their email addresses and what devices they are using. Communication between users is safeguarded by encryption in the app. However, the public has no details on how its data is handled or whether any third parties have access to user information.
The company says in its privacy policy that user information might be given to advertisers and other partners. When using the app, ensure that you do not allow it access to your private contacts or messages. Since the app does not explain everything about its security measures, people using it should be careful about what they put in it.
User interactions
A further concern is that the app may expose users to interactions they don’t want. Because TextMe is a global service, strangers can message users on the app. If you don’t limit which users can reach others, people using the app may face cyberbullying, harassment or even be targeted by online predators. People have reported being scammed or receiving phishing links after being contacted by scammers pretending to be others.
Though users can report problems in the app, they should nevertheless be extra careful about giving out personal details to people they don’t know. Help your children understand the dangers of sharing their personal information online and encourage them to speak up if they notice anything suspicious.
App permissions
To provide its services, TextMe must read your contacts list, use the microphone and access your phone’s storage. They are necessary for the app to function, but they can also expose security issues. Such apps may access the camera or microphone, gaining special information or sometimes dangerous control over the device.
Users are encouraged to only provide TextMe with the permissions needed for their use. And if people aren’t using the app for voice calls, they might opt to restrict microphone access. As a result, granting permissions becomes less risky.
Why is TextMe popular?
TextMe is widely used because it gives people a free and easy way to communicate over their phones. People who don’t use a mobile phone plan can take advantage of TextMe to send texts and talk for free. Because the app offers international calls at low rates, it has been attractive to people worldwide.
Many people who want to use a temporary or additional phone line are drawn to the virtual number function in the app. So, users can communicate privately, hiding the number they call from most often, making the app helpful for different people.
Does TextMe have scammers?
It’s common for scams to affect TextMe too, as they do with many other communication apps. Through the app, scammers can try to steal personal or financial information from users. Fake numbers on the app mean scammers are harder to spot which is why users should watch out for messages from numbers they don’t recognize. TextMe tries to limit suspicious behavior, though it doesn’t have built-in security, so users need to stay cautious.
How to protect your teens from TextMe scammer?
To protect your kids, parents can use some text safety tips when using TextMe. It’s important to first explain how frequent scams, like phishing, impersonation or calls from fraud groups, work. Motivate them to report suspicious messages to you and ensure they don’t share any personal details online.
Additionally, you can use apps like FlashGet Kids to monitor all child app activities and prevent them from accessing harmful content.
FAQs
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Does TextMe work with WhatsApp?
WhatsApp will not accept TextMe numbers to verify your account.
Does TextMe work without WiFi?
You need either Wi-Fi or mobile data to make TextMe work. No offline use is possible with TextMe.
Can you receive texts on TextMe?
Users can still get SMS text messages on TextMe just as they would on their normal phone number.
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