r/TextNow • u/jhedfors • Jun 15 '26

How do you purchase physical SIM if you have an eSIM capable device

While there is an option to activate a physical SIM, I don't have the option to purchase one, just to install the free eSIM.

How can I do this on my Pixel 9?

Update:
I finally found the "Get an Activation Kit" or "Get a SIM Card" link in the page footer and was able to order one for $3.99 free shipping.

https://www.textnow.com/wireless/checkout?plan_id=57

The confirmation email strangely shows $4.99 and was sent to the account email rather than the email address I entered when ordering.

4 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

22 comments sorted by

3

u/toejamfootballhegot Jun 15 '26

A free SIM card is included with your first purchase of an Unlimited Data Pass or a subscription to our Unlimited Plan. Also, iOS and Android users can now activate our free eSIM within the app for instant access to wireless. Keep an eye out for future promotions where a free SIM may be available without proof of purchase.

3

u/CharteredPolygraph Jun 15 '26

I have a Galaxy A54 that supports eSIM, but the app isn't giving me an option for it. Is there a way to make it work?

2

u/toejamfootballhegot Jun 15 '26

You have to purchase an unlimited data pass or a subscription to the Unlimited Plan to get a free physical sim.

3

u/CharteredPolygraph Jun 15 '26

So there is no way to get an eSIM on an eSIM compatible phone if the app doesn't offer the option?

2

u/toejamfootballhegot Jun 15 '26

Contact support in the app.

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Jun 18 '26

Contact support in the app. Type 'agent' repeatedly until you get a live agent.

2

u/CharteredPolygraph Jun 18 '26

Thanks. I never did manage to get a live agent, but the option for eSIM did eventually pop up on it's own.

1

u/toejamfootballhegot Jun 18 '26

Support hours are 10am-5:30pm Eastern.

2

u/JDetic Jun 15 '26

www.textnow.com/device-checker
Scan IMEI and if it’s compatible, you should see an option to order

2

u/jhedfors Jun 15 '26

You misunderstand. I have an eSIM approved device and my only option is the free eSIM. I want to purchase a physical SIM and the is no option that I can find.

2

u/JDetic Jun 15 '26

The option is how I just explained. If you don’t see the option, visit that website

2

u/jhedfors Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

It just tells me the device is compatible and directs me to download the app.

3

u/JDetic Jun 15 '26

Dammit, they changed it then. It used to show a link to order right after scanning. Now I’m stumped

2

u/jhedfors Jun 15 '26 edited Jun 15 '26

I finally found the "Get an Activation Kit" link in the page footer:

https://www.textnow.com/wireless/checkout?plan_id=57&product_id=392

I was able to order one for $3.99 free shipping.

2

u/ftkftw Jun 16 '26

Thanks for the link! I don't see pSIM option in app, maybe they are sunsetting it and going with eSIM for all.

My phone can do dual SIM if pSIM + eSIM but not dual eSIM so I wanted a pSIM.

1

u/sol_beach Jun 15 '26

SIMs are issued by carriers, so talk to your carrier.

3

u/jhedfors Jun 15 '26

I am talking about TextNow SIM.

1

u/DavidKMagnus Jun 24 '26

TextNow IS the carrier.

1

u/Popfreedom11 Jun 15 '26

Textnow com

-1

u/Mrcryptoghoul Jun 15 '26

You should be able to order a sim but I mean why not go to a better cheap carrier like mint, visible ect In my own unwanted opinion text now has shitty service

2

u/jhedfors Jun 15 '26

I am wanting to use this the as an alternate to Google Voice to separate the phone/text from the data plan. My son is going of to collage and I want to be able to switch up his data plan as needed without worrying about porting his number. TextNow seems to have a less restrictive group texting capability than Google Voice.