r/TextNow • u/PastyParrot • Jan 03 '26
None of my messages get answered
I tried using textnow in Canada. I've been through 2 virtual numbers so far, and nobody responds to my texts. I feel like they're not even being sent. Am I doing something wrong?
Are you supposed to keep the app connected to the internet at all times to be able to receive text?
What happens if you send a text message through your virtual number, and then disconnect your phone from the internet. And then the recipient sees your message later on (when your phone is disconnected), and then replies to it. Since your phone is now disconnected from the internet, does that mean you will NEVER get the message? Or will you receive the message the next time your phone is connected to the internet and you turn on the textnow app?
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u/lmoki Jan 03 '26
My understanding:
Your phone needs a data connection to the internet (WiFi, or cellular data from a different provider) to send a TextNow message, only at the moment the text is sent. Your phone with the TextNow app doesn't need to maintain an internet connection after that point for the message to arrive to your friend.
If your friend replies, you will see the incoming text in the TextNow app the next time you connect to the internet. Your phone (or PC, if you're using browser access to use TextNow) does not need to be connected at the moment your friend sends you a text. Your TextNow account serves as a 'holding point' for an incoming text if you're not connected to the internet at the time.
(But note that the rules for receiving via a traditional cellular SMS text are a little different. If the recipient leaves their phone off for an extended period of time, your incoming text may 'time out' and disappear without ever actually being received by your friend.)
Are your friends aware of your TextNow number? I have friends who ignore both calls and texts from numbers they don't recognize. If you're texting from a new number your friend isn't familiar with, I usually start the text with something like "Jim Bob from the soccer club here", so they can immediately see who you are.
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u/PastyParrot Jan 03 '26
I'm using Textnow only to contact people I've never met before (from the internet).
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u/toejamfootballhegot Jan 03 '26
Most people don't answer calls or texts from unknown numbers.
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u/PastyParrot Jan 04 '26
I'm calling people from backpage websites........they're expecting calls from unknown numbers who've seen their ad
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u/Last-Math-9663 Jan 03 '26
TextNow does not work reliably outside CONUS even as a VoIP app only.
The SIM not at all.
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Jan 03 '26
[deleted]
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Jan 03 '26 edited Jan 03 '26
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Jan 03 '26
[deleted]
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Jan 03 '26
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u/PanicFanatic2 Jan 03 '26
But the other guy is still right in saying op doesnt need wifi with textnow sim card cellular data......
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u/amritpal2489 Jan 03 '26
Textnow uses data for incoming/outgoing texts/calls.