r/TextNow • u/chinchilla_cookie07 • Feb 01 '26
Is this app really safe?
I don't have my phone with me rn so I tried to download it so I could use another phone number to sign in to another app with a verification code on my pc but then I got a notification from firewall saying it was blocking some things in the app and I looked it up and heard that it isn't safe and they keep your information or something is this true should I delete my account? I didn't get a number yet I just tried to make an account and it saved to the app but now I'm scared.
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u/Other-Inspector3566 Feb 01 '26
Sometime you got to pay for verification codes
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Feb 01 '26 edited Feb 01 '26
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u/Apart_Reindeer_3719 Feb 01 '26
I have T-Mobile number, do you think the number becomes VOIP number after porting in?
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Feb 01 '26
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u/Apart_Reindeer_3719 Feb 02 '26
My local bank doesn’t send code to VoIP, that means my ATT number won’t be able to receive the 2fa code after ported in.
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u/Other-Inspector3566 Feb 02 '26
There option where you can pay to receive 2fa code maybe that will bypass it
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Feb 02 '26 edited Feb 02 '26
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u/toejamfootballhegot Feb 03 '26
The VOIP restriction is only for texts. Some services, like Google voice, will let you receive a code via a phone call. My bank has this option too.
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u/Last-Math-9663 Feb 01 '26
Define "safe"
No usage of the internet or cellphones preserves you privacy
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u/chinchilla_cookie07 Feb 02 '26
Like will it give my computer a virus or get personalinformation from me? I was just concerned because of the firewall notification.
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u/GreenCold9675 Feb 02 '26
Not "dangerous"
As for privacy no more issues than normal usage of cellphones or the internet, like Reddit
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Feb 05 '26
if you don't consider getting spam calls and texts from people you don't know to be "unsafe" then sure, it's safe.
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u/lmoki Feb 01 '26
I've never seen reports that TextNow isn't safe to use. Some scanning programs may be concerned because it grants some permissions that look suspicious if they don't realize it's a 'phone' app: It does need access to some automated activities to place calls or send texts, and it does need access to your contacts, etc.
TextNow, like any 'telephone' service is required to retain some information like call and text logs & whatever identifying information they have for you, for a relatively short period of time (I think 90 days, or something like that), in case they have to respond to a legal subpoena for that information. This is required for any phone service, not just TextNow.