
When it's not, I can still make and take phone calls and send and receive text messages. When Wi-Fi is available, TextNow defaults to that. What's great is that I now have that LG G6 as a functional extra phone that's not costing me a dime to operate. In both cases I encountered a few setup obstacles, but with some tech-support assistance they were easily ironed out.
HOW TO RECEIVE PICTURES ON TEXTNOW APP FREE
I've tested the company's free plan on a couple older phones, namely the Motorola Moto X4 and an LG G6. "TextNow also supports most shortcodes, just like normal carriers do." "Messaging does run through the app but delivers over real SMS and MMS channels with all the major operators in the US and Canada," the rep told me. TextNow does use "real" SMS and MMS, which is important for things like shortcode messaging (five-digit numbers used primarily for business-to-consumer messaging and advertising) and two-factor authentication. However, data roaming is not included, so your only option for service outside the network would be on Wi-Fi. This free plan is available anywhere on the T-Mobile network. You'll also see full-page pop-up ads, though only once a day at most, according to a TextNow spokesperson. Those ads take the form of banners within the TextNow app and occasional videos (some with sound) that appear after a call. devices are compatible, according to the company.) (That greatly expands TextNow's reach roughly 75% of U.S. Who's paying for this free lunch?Īs noted above, this is an ad-supported service, one that originally operated on Sprint's network but just made the move to T-Mobile's. But, again, this requires Wi-Fi or a data plan TextNow's free plan doesn't include data. You just text them an invite they'll receive a link that allows for a browser-based session. Speaking of that, the service now offers an interesting video-calling feature as well: You can set up a video call with anyone, even if they don't have the TextNow app or service. Just to be clear, any phone running TextNow's free plan can still do app and internet things it'll just need Wi-Fi to do them. Read more: The best budget phones for 2021 Similarly, you could give a phone to a kid or other family member who just needs a way to keep in touch, without the added expense of a monthly bill. So, for example, if you've got an old phone lying around and want to keep it active as a backup, here's a totally free way to do that.
