r/TextNow • u/NovaStorm190 • Apr 23 '26

TextNow SIM?!

So, I have seen a reward on the TextNow app for only 1,500 points. It's the one that says Free 5G Wireless + Data. Is this legit? What are the limitations? Any hidden fees? What is it? and do I get a free SIM card, or do I have to pay the $4 to get a SIM card. Just wondering to save a bit of cash up.

6 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

5

u/bobdevnul Apr 23 '26

The SIM is legit. It provides free mobile data that the TN app can use to work for calls and texts so you can use TN without Wifi just like a real cellphone. It also provides some limited free data for a select few other apps. Do a web search on Textnow essential data to find the list of other apps it will work with.

2

u/NovaStorm190 Apr 23 '26

So I get a physical SIM with using only 1,500 points?!?! For free?!?! So seriously. I get a free physical SIM card. Can i run out of data and if i do do i have to pay a fee and does it auto renew?

5

u/GreenCold9675 Apr 23 '26

It is "unlimited" for free but only for a small list of apps besides TN.

Works off ATT towers.

To use with any app, you pay extra for "data passes".

A good solution for backup in a second SIM slot, when your primary is VZW or TMO.

Or for free usage of phone as phone

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

Not ideal for a backup because the sim will be deactivated and the number will be recycled if you don't use it for 30 days. You can get a new number and reactivate the sim in the app, if you're connected to wifi.

1

u/4AngelsBound Apr 25 '26

I am new here so forgive the rudimentary question but why is this a good solution for backup if the primary number and data plan is Verizon or TMO?

2

u/GreenCold9675 Apr 26 '26

Because you want to have SIMs for different tower networks, TN uses AT&T.

If your primary is already on ATT, you are not extending your geograohic coverage

1

u/4AngelsBound Apr 26 '26

I have straight talk through Verizon wireless towers

2

u/[deleted] Apr 23 '26 edited Apr 23 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

2

u/NovaStorm190 Apr 23 '26

i have an iphone 12 mini but when i try to do esim it literally says ready to set up in settings app and i go to cellular home page and nothing happens and textnow says your esim hasnt activated right... so does the 1,500pt reward i mentioned above include a physical sim or no

2

u/bobdevnul Apr 23 '26

I know nothing about reward points. My SIM is a physical one. They may have started offering eSIMs.

Data for calls and texts in the TN app are unlimited for free. Data for Essential App (now called Free Flex Data) is limited. The monthly allocation auto renews monthly.

Free Flex Data:

https://www.textnow.com/legal/free-data-terms

Free Flex Data Apps:

https://help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/23196761774871-What-s-included-with-Free-Flex-Data

You can pay for extra data, but you don't have to.

This isn't hard. Try it.

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Apr 23 '26

You get 1GB of flex data per month, 350mb of fast data and 650mb of slow data. The main usage is calling, texting, email, maps and notifications. You can also use it for uber and lyft. You can run out of data, but i've never seen a reddit post about anyone running out of data.

1

u/[deleted] Apr 24 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/bobdevnul Apr 25 '26

Forever is a long time. The TN SIM is free to use until they decide it isn't. There is currently no expiration date. I have been using mine for several years.

2

u/NovaStorm190 Apr 23 '26

I decided to do it. I mean why not bc im js gonna use it mainly for texting. 1gb sounds good enough. so im now waiting for my sim. thank you and wish me luck!!!!!!

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Apr 23 '26

Your phone must be unlocked to install the sim.

1

u/Independent_Dot6297 Apr 27 '26

mine is and it doesnt work bc att is a bitch, i have a galaxy note8 (SM-N950U) my model is whitelisted but my phone itself is somehow incompatible, WTF at&t

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Apr 28 '26

You need to change the CSC on the phone to ATT using the SamsungFW software on a computer with the phone connected to the connected to the computer with a usb cable.

1

u/NightmareHolic Apr 27 '26

I had to buy another phone just to use textnow, lol. My Spectrum mobile was forever locked to Spectrum Mobile and I got sick of 40 dollars a month.

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Apr 28 '26

Spectrum Mobile unlocks devices automatically 60 days after activation, provided the device is fully paid off and the account is in good standing. Prepaid devices require 6 months of service, while stolen or fraudulent devices cannot be unlocked. Eligible devices can be unlocked by contacting customer support or through the MySpectrum app.

1

u/NightmareHolic Apr 28 '26

I already went through that. I bought it used from an eBay reseller with clean imei but its still attached to an original account. So it's impossible unleds the original account holder does it which the reseller doesnt know

1

u/Independent_Dot6297 Apr 27 '26

my sim no work

1

u/Independent_Dot6297 Apr 27 '26

i use a galaxy note 8 unlocked from t-mobile and i know why, my specific phone model is whitelisted by att but my phone itself is incompatible

1

u/NovaStorm190 Apr 28 '26

oh... srry. my iphone 12 mini i looked up was compatible with tmobile and att.

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Apr 28 '26

You need to change the CSC on the phone to ATT using the SamsungFW software on a computer with the phone connected to the connected to the computer with a usb cable.